Un pequeño favor
A Small Favor
1 · Spanish Story
La historia
Laura salió temprano de su apartamento en Maracay. Llevaba su computadora, una carpeta y una caja pequeña. Tenía clase a las ocho. Al abrir la puerta, vio la caja en el piso. Era para su hermano menor. Él estaba enfermo y no podía subir escaleras.
Laura miró a su vecino Pedro en el pasillo. Le dijo: "Tengo un favor pequeño para ti." Necesito que lleves esta caja a mi casa al mediodía. Yo volveré tarde. Pedro sonrió y dijo: "De una vez." Pensó que era algo rápido y simple.
Pedro tomó la caja con cuidado. Luego vio el autobús en la parada. Se preocupó un poco porque iba al trabajo. Miró a Laura y levantó las cejas. "¿Ahora mismo?" preguntó. Laura negó con la cabeza.
Ella mostró la nota en su celular. "No era para llevarla ahora." "Era para dejarla más tarde." Pedro leyó el mensaje dos veces. Luego respiró tranquilo y guardó la caja. Esperó su turno para subir al autobús.
Pedro llegó a la casa de Laura a las doce. Su hermano abrió la puerta y recibió la caja. Dentro había cuadernos y un regalo pequeño. Laura llegó después y vio la ayuda. Sonrió y dijo: "No fue nada." Pedro respondió: "Con gusto." Los dos quedaron contentos.
2 · Key Phrases
Language to keep
un favor pequeño
a small favorUse this phrase for a small request that does not take much effort.
¿Me puedes hacer un favor pequeño hoy?
Can you do me a small favor today?
De una vez
right awayUse this phrase when someone does something immediately.
Usage: Conversational; common in relaxed speech. This phrase is common in Venezuela. It means "right away" and sounds informal.
Voy de una vez a la tienda.
I'm going right away to the store.
la nota en su celular
the note on her cellphoneThis phrase names a note saved or written on a phone.
Busqué la dirección en la nota en mi celular.
I looked for the address in the note on my cellphone.
a las doce
at twelveUse this phrase to give a time.
La cita es a las doce.
The appointment is at twelve.
No fue nada
It was nothingUse this reply after helping someone or doing something small.
Gracias por ayudarme, no fue nada.
Thanks for helping me, it was nothing.
3 · English Translation
The full story in English
Laura left her apartment early in Maracay. She carried her computer. She also carried a folder and a small box. She had class at eight. She opened the door. She saw the box on the floor. It was for her younger brother. He was sick and could not climb stairs.
Laura looked at her neighbor Pedro in the hallway. She said, "I have a small favor for you." I need you to take this box to my house at noon. I will be back late. Pedro smiled and said, "Right away." He thought it was quick and simple.
Pedro took the box carefully. Then he saw the bus at the bus stop. He worried a little because he was going to work. He looked at Laura and raised his eyebrows. "Now?" he asked. Laura shook her head.
She showed the note on her cellphone. "It was not to take it now." "It was to leave it later." Pedro read the message twice. Then he breathed easily and kept the box. He waited for his turn to get on the bus.
Pedro arrived at Laura's house at twelve. Her brother opened the door and received the box. Inside were notebooks and a small gift. Laura arrived later and saw the help. She smiled and said, "It was nothing." Pedro replied, "With pleasure." The two were happy.