Short story: English As A Second Language by Sue Moorcroft

“I want to travel to Paris,” declares Aleksy. He swizzles the final screw into the charger he’s assembling and applies a label before placing it on the belt to glide off to Packing.
“Go by train,” I answer idly, knowing he’s not listening. 
“I don’t have much money.” He selects a fresh charger housing. His dark eyes are on his work but his MP3 player’s delivering English lessons into his ears as he, apparently oblivious to us all, diligently repeats what he hears.
“Coaches are cheap in winter.” 
Across the line, Briony grins. She’s used to my odd conversations with Aleksy. “He should be... read more