GED RLA - S01.2v2
Reading Comprehension > Non-Fictional Texts > Literature
Important Instructions
Please read and answer 25 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 35 min.
Title: The Last Train Home
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange hue across the sky, Sarah stood alone on the platform of the small, rural train station. The faint sound of distant crickets accompanied the rustling leaves as she clutched her worn leather suitcase, its handles frayed from years of travel. She felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation; tonight was the night she would finally return home after five long years away for college.
The sleepy town of Willow Creek was a far cry from the bustling campus where she had immersed herself in her studies, forging friendships and exploring new ideas. In college, she had learned to embrace who she was and what she wanted to become. But now, she was returning to a place that felt more like a faded photograph than a vibrant memory. Would her friends remember her? Would she fit back in?
As the light from the station's lamp flickered to life, Sarah gazed down the tracks, her heart racing. She replayed the reasons behind her departure in her mind: the desire for independence, the pursuit of knowledge, the longing to carve out a future defined by her own dreams. Yet, deep down, she harbored the fear that she had outgrown Willow Creek, leaving behind the very roots that once anchored her.
A distant whistle pierced the evening air, and Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. The train was coming. With each passing moment, the anticipation built, and soon, the rumble of iron wheels against steel tracks grew louder. Sarah stepped forward, her suitcase a steady companion by her side, as the train came into view, illuminated by the station lights like a beacon of hope.
The train screeched to a halt, releasing a cloud of steam that curled around her like an embrace. Excitement coursed through her veins, mingling with anxiety. As she climbed aboard, her senses heightened. The familiar scent of polished wood and fabric clung to the air, intermingling with the aroma of old books and spicy snacks from the snack cart. She chose a window seat, allowing her thoughts to drift outside as the world blurred past.
As the train pulled away from the station, Sarah settled into her seat. She looked out at the landscape, watching the fields vanish into the dark and the silhouettes of distant trees dance against the twilight sky. With each mile that clicked away beneath her, memories flooded back — endless summers spent exploring the woods, Friday night high school football games, and late-night talks with friends. She remembered laughing until her sides hurt and sharing dreams beneath the stars.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was a message from her best friend, Lily, whom she hadn’t spoken to in months. “Can’t wait to see you! Everyone’s excited for your return. Let’s meet at Joe’s diner when you arrive!” Sarah felt a wave of warmth wash over her, the initial pang of anxiety beginning to wane. Perhaps she wasn’t as distant from her old life as she thought.
As the train continued its journey, Sarah used the time to reflect. Her friends in college were wonderful, but there was something uniquely comforting about Willow Creek, the familiarity of knowing every corner, every face. She recalled the bond she shared with Lily, their countless inside jokes, and the way they’d always supported each other. Maybe she could bring her newfound knowledge back to help inspire change in her town.
Before she knew it, the train slowed, signaling her arrival. The station was buzzing with life, illuminated by warm yellow lights that felt welcoming against the encroaching night. Heart pounding, Sarah stepped off the train and felt a burst of energy as the familiar sights and sounds enveloped her.
As she made her way to Joe’s diner, she spotted familiar faces from her past; some waved, others smiled, and a few even shouted her name. An overwhelming wave of emotion surged within her, creeping into her heart as she realized that home had never truly left her. She was part of this community, just as it was a part of her.
Finally, as Sarah entered the diner, she was greeted by the sight of Lily, arms wide open, ready to welcome her back. In that moment, the uncertainty melted away, replaced by the assurance that no matter where life took her, home was always a heartbeat away.
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