GED RLA - S01.3v2
Reading Comprehension > Inferences and Conclusions > Literature
Important Instructions
Please read and answer 22 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 35 min.
The Last Train Home
As the sun began to set behind the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the bustling city, Randell stood at the platform of the crowded train station. It was one of those evenings when the hustle and bustle of the world faded into the background, and the mundane sounds of rushing feet and distant chatter became a mere hum. He glanced at his watch—8:15 PM. The last train home would arrive in fifteen minutes.
His thoughts wandered to the day’s events. Randell had been working as a junior architect at a prestigious firm for just over a year. Today had been particularly grueling, filled with tight deadlines and mounting pressure from higher-ups. He remembered the moment he had presented his new designs to his supervisor, a tall woman with sharp features and an even sharper tongue. Her dismissive expression had stung more than he anticipated. “We need something bolder, something that will make a statement,” she had said, as if dismissing his entire contribution. It was a pep talk he had not anticipated, and it left him questioning his abilities.
With a sigh, Randell kicked a pebble on the platform, watching as it skidded under the nearby bench. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the tension settle there. All he wanted was to get home, pour himself a glass of bourbon, and forget about the day. The thought of lounging on his couch and watching old movies soothed him.
Just then, a commotion to his left caught his attention. A young girl, perhaps eight or nine years old, was standing on her tiptoes, trying to peer over the crowd. She clutched a tattered teddy bear under her arm, her big brown eyes scanning the station in a frenzy. Randell noticed her mother, standing slightly apart, her face etched with worry. She frantically searched through her handbag, her demeanor anxious.
Randell’s heart sank as he recalled his own childhood, filled with the same mix of fear and uncertainty. He moved closer and overheard the mother’s frantic whispers. “I can’t believe I lost it! We need to find your brother before the train leaves.”
Randell followed the girl’s gaze, spotting a little boy around the same age, sitting on a bench not far from them. He appeared dazed, focused on something in his hands. Randell’s mind raced. The train was due in mere minutes, and if they didn’t find the brother quickly, they might miss it.
“Excuse me,” he said softly, kneeling down to the girl’s level. “Is that your brother over there?” He pointed towards the boy.
The girl’s eyes widened as she nodded vigorously. “Yes! But Mom said we have to hurry!”
Randell glanced back at the mother, who looked up just in time to see Randell motioning toward the boy. Relief washed over her face as she met Randell’s gaze. “Thank you!” she called out as she hurried over, clutching her daughter’s hand tightly.
Watching them, Randell felt a warmth blossoming in his chest. He stood back and watched as the mother reunited with her son, wrapping her arms around him in a big hug. The girl, overcome with joy, jumped up and down, her teddy bear bouncing along with her.
Suddenly, an announcement crackled over the intercom. “The last train to Maple Street will depart in five minutes.” Panic surged through Randell as he thought about his own journey home. Just then, the family trotted past him, their smiles bright amidst the chaos of the station. The mother caught Randell’s eye and mouthed a silent thank you, gratitude overflowing in her gaze.
As the train screeched to a halt, Randell clutched his bag tighter, feeling a wave of resolve wash over him. Maybe today hadn’t been a total loss. Yes, he still had doubts about his work and whether he would ever impress his supervisor, but right now, he had done something good. He had been a small part of a moment that mattered.
Randell stepped onto the train, feeling lighter than he had all day. As the train lurched forward, he watched the cityscape blend into a blur outside the window, his heart swelling with newfound determination. No matter the challenges ahead, he knew he could make his mark—both in his career and on the lives of others.
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