Zalamit Speaking Club 👉 https://forms.gle/tnmRQhYs3WS4rxGt6
My Way or the Highway
One day, Lina and Fedwa, who have been best friends since kindergarten, went to the beach and were shocked by what they saw. There were plastic bottles, candy wrappers, cigarette butts and plastic bags everywhere. There were even some dirty diapers half buried in the sand. It was disgusting. This beach used to be pristine. It’s where they used to swim and play as children.
“This beach is a mess!” Lina said. “What happened?”
“Savages! That’s what happened.” Said Fedwa.
“This is too much. I was here a few days ago and it was more or less clean. I’m not sure people are capable of making it this dirty in this short a time. I think that the current brought all this trash from somewhere else.” Lina said. “We should organize a cleanup.”
Fedwa nodded. “I hate to have to clean up after idiots, but I hate seeing the beach like this even more. Let’s get to work.”
Lina took out a notebook. “First, we need a plan. We should call the mayor’s office and ask for trash bags and gloves.”
Fedwa shook her head. “Are you serious? That will take way too long. That is, if they even answer. We should just grab some friends and start right away!”
Lina frowned. “We need permission first.”
Fedwa crossed her arms. “That’s a waste of time. We need action now!”
Lina sighed. “Fedwa, we have to do this the right way.”
Fedwa threw her hands in the air. “With you it’s always “My way or the highway!”. You’re so stubborn. I can’t deal with you sometimes.”
Lina frowned. “Fine! If you don’t want to plan, I’ll do it alone.”
Fedwa stomped off. “And I’ll clean up my way!”
For the next two days, Fedwa and her friends picked up trash without asking for help. But soon, they ran out of bags, and the city workers told them they needed permission.
Meanwhile, Lina got approval from the mayor’s office. The city gave her gloves, bags, and even t-shirts.
On Saturday, the cleanup started. Lina’s volunteer kept busy taking pictures. They barely lifted a finger. Fadwa and her friend worked quickly and efficiently.
When Lina saw Fedwa’s team working hard, she sighed. “Looks like I bit off more than I could chew.”
Fedwa smiled. “Looks like you’re being used for a photo op.”
Lina looked down and then laughed. “I think you’re right. But hey, the job is getting done.”
They worked side by side until the beach was spotless.
When they finished, Fedwa said, “I was too stubborn. I should have met you halfway.”
Lina laughed. “Next time, let’s remember that we are on the same team.”