It was the Greek shopkeeper who taught me about the power of being kind.
In 2008, I left Spain to study alone in London. My parents had to bring up my three younger sisters and two younger brothers, so I found three part-time jobs to pay for my studies. I worked early mornings and late nights, so I was tired, really tired, all the time.
Unfortunately, I got a cold and had a very high fever. Because I had spent all my free time working since I came to London, I hardly took part in any activities and I had no friends. Besides, I was too shy to communicate with others and ask others for help. After sleeping on the sickbed for two days, I went out to get some food. Normally, I went to the supermarket, but this time I went into the Greek shop, a small corner shop, because it was closer.
I picked up some food and gave it to the shopkeeper, who asked me, ‘You look terrible, my boy! You are not feeling well, right?’
I said YES in a low voice.
She pointed at the salami (臘腸) and bread I was buying and offered, ‘I can make you a sandwich, so you don’t have to do it yourself.’
I nodded without saying a word.
So, she made the sandwich and asked me to wait a moment. She went into the back room and came again with a bowl of hot soup.
‘It will warm you up,’ she said with a friendly smile.
What really warmed me up was not the soup. It was her smile that told me she cared me. Her kindness reminded me of my mother.
I had been quite shy, but from that day on, I did not let shyness prevent me from communicating with and being kind to others. Now I work in a children’s hospital in Africa. I love my work and people around me. I always bring my smile and kindness to them.
小題1:When did the writer leave for London?
A.In 2003. | B.In 2009. | C.In 2008. | D.10 years ago. |
小題2:What can we learn about the writer and his family?
A.His parents could not afford his studies. |
B.There are five kids in his family. |
C.The writer is the youngest child in the family. |
D.In 2008 the writer left London to study in Spain. |
小題3:What happened to the writer?
A.He lost his part-time jobs. |
B.He had an argument with his friends. |
C.He got a cold and had a very high fever. |
D.He was not popular at his school. |
小題4:What did the shopkeeper not do for the writer?
A.She made the sandwich |
B.She cooked a bowl of hot soup |
C.She made some bread |
D.She sold him some salami |
小題5:Which of the following words can’t describe the Greek shopkeeper?
A.Friendly. | B.Shy. | C.Nice. | D.Kind. |