Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story entitled ‘A knock at the door.’
Model Essay
It was a chilly evening in late autumn, and the wind howled through the bare trees outside, rattling the windows of the old farmhouse. Inside, Anna sat by the fireplace, the warm glow of the flames casting flickering shadows on the walls. She was engrossed in a book, her faithful dog Max lying at her feet, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
Anna’s heart skipped a beat. It was rare for anyone to visit her isolated home, especially at this hour. She set her book down and glanced at Max, who had lifted his head, ears perked up in alertness. The knock came again, louder this time, and more insistent.
Taking a deep breath, Anna rose from her chair and walked towards the door. The wooden floorboards creaked under her feet, echoing the unease that had settled in her chest. She peered through the small peephole but saw nothing in the dim light of the porch. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, she unlocked the door and opened it slightly.
Standing on the doorstep was a young woman, shivering from the cold. She was dressed in a thin coat, clearly inadequate for the biting wind, and her eyes were wide with a mix of desperation and fear. Anna’s initial apprehension softened into concern.
“Please, can you help me?” the woman asked, her voice trembling. “My car broke down a few miles back, and I couldn’t get any signal on my phone. I’ve been walking for hours.”
Without hesitation, Anna opened the door wider and ushered the woman inside. “Come in, you must be freezing. Sit by the fire and warm up.”
The woman nodded gratefully and stepped into the cozy warmth of the house. She introduced herself as Emily, and as she spoke, Anna could see the relief wash over her. Max, sensing no danger, wagged his tail and nuzzled Emily’s hand, offering his silent welcome.
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Anna prepared a cup of hot tea and handed it to Emily, who wrapped her hands around it, savoring the warmth. “Thank you so much,” Emily said, her voice steadier now. “I was starting to think I’d be stuck out there all night.”
“It’s no trouble,” Anna replied with a reassuring smile. “You were lucky to find this place. Not many people come by here, especially in this weather.”
As they sat by the fire, Emily recounted her journey, explaining how she had taken a wrong turn and ended up on the deserted country road. Anna listened, her mind drifting back to her own experiences of getting lost in the maze of life, finding comfort in the unexpected kindness of strangers.
The night wore on, and the wind outside showed no signs of abating. Anna offered Emily the guest room, insisting that it was too dangerous to venture out again until morning. Emily, too exhausted to argue, accepted gratefully.
The next morning, the storm had passed, leaving a clear, crisp sky in its wake. Anna and Emily had breakfast together, sharing stories and laughter that seemed to melt away the remnants of the previous night’s fears. When Emily’s car was finally towed and repaired, she hugged Anna tightly before leaving, promising to keep in touch.
As Anna watched Emily drive away, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. The unexpected knock at the door had brought a stranger into her life, but it had also opened a door to a new friendship. It was a reminder that sometimes, in the midst of life’s routine, an unexpected event can bring warmth and connection, turning a cold, lonely night into a memory of kindness and human connection.
Word Count: 607