Question 1 of 26 · ELA.6.R.1.1
The Lantern Crossing — Original Story
LENA — I had promised to hang our handmade lanterns before the neighborhood reading night. At the canal gate, Amir stopped my cart. 'The wind will tear the thin paper,' he said. I thought he was delaying us because he disliked my design. I tugged the handle; one lantern folded against the rail. My certainty cracked like that paper.
AMIR — Lena called me slow. I had spent an hour testing the frames and wanted her lanterns to survive. I showed her a frame braced with crossed strips. 'Let us reinforce yours in the covered workshop,' I said. She looked at the torn paper and nodded. We could reach the courtyard by the sheltered lane afterward.
LENA — In the workshop I held the frames while Amir tied the braces. I asked about his test instead of guessing his reasons. We arrived after the first readers, but the lanterns stayed bright all evening. When a younger child admired mine, I pointed to Amir's knots. A delayed arrival no longer seemed a failure.