My wife and I wanted to share our new home with family and friends by hosting a small gathering in the early summer. She had prepared lots of snacks, while my job was to have the backyard in order.
There was plenty of space for the kids to run and play. There was just one thing I hadn't counted on: My brother chose to bring his dog Toby, a 50-pound ball of fire. Though friendly, he could easily knock over my niece's small boys and my six-month-old granddaughter. So, when my brother showed up, I asked him to watch Toby and keep him outside.
My plan was working out just fine. Toby was using up his energy by running back and forth in the backyard and giving the kids plenty of room. Unexpectedly, after supper, the weather changed. It started to rain and everyone went indoors.
It was an awkward moment. I didn't want Toby to be running around in the house, and my brother wasn't happy with driving home with a wet dog. Eventually, my brother decided to leave rather than force the issue.
A few days passed, and I hadn't heard anything from my brother. I texted him and expressed wishes for him to come out again. His reply came as a surprise – a shock, actually: "Not a chance." Clearly, he was unhappy over the way we had parted. After all, I had left him little choice. Well, he'll get over it, I reasoned.
Two months passed. My wife suggested I get in touch with my brother, but I resisted, thinking he should call first. However, my conscience (良心) kept bothering me. I tried to put myself in my brother's shoes. He was facing health issues and his wife of thirty-five years had passed away a few months earlier. Toby was his constant companion, the one who kept him going.
注意：（1）续写词数应为150个左右；（2）请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
I realized it was me who was at fault. …… With the biscuits my wife had made, I arrived at my brother's door. |
