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Story 2

📘 Lesson Title: “The Forgotten Gift”

Level: Intermediate

VOCABULARY WORDS

  1. Neglect – (nuh-GLEKT) /nɪˈɡlekt/
    Type: Verb
    Meaning: To fail to give proper care or attention to something or someone
    Synonyms: ignore, overlook, disregard
    Sample Sentence: He neglected to water the plants, so they dried out.

  2. Anticipate – (an-TIS-uh-payt) /ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/
    Type: Verb
    Meaning: To expect or look forward to something
    Synonyms: await, expect, foresee
    Sample Sentence: She eagerly anticipated her birthday celebration.

  3. Resentment – (ri-ZENT-muhnt) /rɪˈzent.mÉ™nt/
    Type: Noun
    Meaning: A feeling of anger or bitterness due to unfair treatment
    Synonyms: bitterness, irritation, displeasure
    Sample Sentence: He felt a deep resentment toward his boss for not recognizing his efforts.

  4. Gesture – (JES-chur) /ˈdÊ’es.tʃər/
    Type: Noun
    Meaning: A small act or action that shows feelings or intentions
    Synonyms: sign, action, expression
    Sample Sentence: Giving her a flower was a simple but thoughtful gesture.

  5. Reconcile – (REK-un-syle) /ˈrek.É™n.saɪl/
    Type: Verb
    Meaning: To restore a friendly relationship after a disagreement
    Synonyms: make up, mend, settle
    Sample Sentence: After years of silence, the brothers finally reconciled.


STORY: The Forgotten Gift

Mila had always loved surprises. For her 30th birthday, she anticipated a party or at least a thoughtful gesture from her husband, Leo. He had never forgotten a birthday before.

But that day, Leo came home late from work—tired, stressed, and empty-handed. Mila waited with a forced smile, hoping he was just pretending. When he sat on the couch and turned on the TV, she realized he had truly forgotten.

She didn’t say anything at first, but inside, she felt a wave of resentment. It wasn’t about the gift. It was the neglect—the feeling that she didn’t matter enough to be remembered.

The silence between them grew in the following days. Leo noticed it too and finally asked what was wrong. Mila, still hurt, explained how forgotten she felt.

Leo was shocked and immediately apologized. He hadn’t meant to hurt her and promised to make it up to her. He planned a quiet weekend getaway for just the two of them, not to fix everything, but to reconcile and reconnect.

Sometimes, a small gesture can heal what words cannot.


KNOWLEDGE CHECK

  1. How did Mila feel about birthdays?

  2. What did she expect on her birthday?

  3. What did Leo do that upset Mila?

  4. Why did Mila feel resentment?

  5. Did Mila tell Leo about her feelings right away?

  6. What did Leo do to try to fix the situation?

  7. What does the story say about gestures?


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Have you ever forgotten an important date like a birthday or anniversary?

  2. How do you usually show someone you care?

  3. Do you think Mila was right to feel upset? Why or why not?

  4. What would you have done if you were in Leo’s position?

  5. Do you think surprises are important in relationships?

  6. What’s more important: big gifts or small gestures?

  7. Have you ever felt neglected by someone close to you?

  8. What helps you overcome resentment?

  9. How do you usually reconcile after a disagreement?

  10. Do you find it easy or hard to talk about your feelings?

  11. Why do people sometimes neglect the ones closest to them?

  12. What kind of gestures make you feel appreciated?

  13. Is forgiveness important in relationships? Why?

  14. Do you think Leo’s getaway plan was enough to make up for his mistake?

  15. What’s a memorable gesture someone has done for you?


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