Ling’s First Day
(1)Ling looked out his bedroom window at the city outside. All he could see were buildings, crowded streets, and sidewalks packed with people. Life here was faster and busier than he was used to.
(2)Ling looked down at his basketball on the floor and then at the picture on his desk. It was a picture of him with his best friend, Mateo. In the picture, they had just finished playing basketball at the park. He missed the small town where he lived before his dad got a new job. He missed the quiet streets, the trees, and the fields of endless green. He sighed as he remembered the fresh air and bright sun.
(3)“Good morning, Ling,” Dad said as Ling walked into the kitchen for breakfast.
(4)“Morning, Dad,” replied Ling. He pulled his chair out slowly and sat down.
(5)“Are you excited about your first day of school?” asked Dad.
(6)“I won’t know anyone at school,” Ling mumbled.
(7)“Not yet, but you will get to know them,” Dad said, patting Ling on the back.
(8)Ling just stared at his breakfast. He did not think he would have a fun day or make another friend like Mateo.
(9)“Is something bothering you?” Dad asked.
(10)“Mateo and I like to play basketball together. I don’t know if I will get to play anymore. I haven’t seen a basketball court here,” Ling said.
(11)“I’m sure you will find new friends,” Dad said. “And I’m sure there are courts where you can play basketball; we just have to find them.”
(12)At school that morning, Ling stood outside his classroom door, took a deep breath, and walked inside. “Welcome, Ling,” the teacher said. “I’m Miss Aguilera.” She showed him to his desk.
(13)Ling liked that she had a warm smile. “Everyone, please welcome Ling,” she told the class. “He just moved to the city this week. We are excited to have you in our class, Ling.”
(14)The girl sitting next to him leaned over and said quietly. “Hi, I’m Ana.”
(15)“Hi, Ana,” Ling replied, trying not to seem too nervous.
(16)At lunchtime, Ling walked to the cafeteria with his class. Ling paused at the door as he looked at the long white tables filled with people talking and laughing together. Then Ana said, “You can sit with me, Ling.”
(17)Ling smiled and followed Ana to a table. As they sat down, Ling put his lunchbox on the table. Ling’s lunchbox was covered with pictures of famous basketball players.
(18)“You must like basketball. Do you play?” Ana asked, looking at the lunchbox.
(19)“I do. I mean, I did before we moved here,” Ling said.
(20)“I play, too,” Ana said.
(21)Surprised, Ling asked, “Where do you play?”
(22)“There is a basketball court behind the school. I go there every weekend with my mom, and I play with my brother, Juan, and some of my friends. If you want to, you could come play with us this Saturday.”
(23)“Really?” Ling’s eyes brightened. “I would like that!”
(24)Ana smiled and said, “Yes, it’ll be fun! You can meet my brother and my friends.”
(25)After school, Dad was waiting to walk Ling home. Ling raced over, excited to tell his dad all about his first day.
Who is the main character in the story?
Ana
Dad
Ling
Mateo
