My father was sick. I wished I 1 as close to him as my brothers and sisters. They often helped him cook his meals and clean the house. He was sick badly, so he needed a lot of help 2 the everyday things.
Dad was sitting in his old armchair and listening to the radio when I arrived. He turned and smiled.
"What's new, Jim?" he said, 3 I sat down on the sofa.
I wanted 4 him all about my problems at work, but I couldn't seem to find the words. 5 he think that I was a failure, out of work at 58?"Nothing much, "I said, finally. He told me lots of family news. He was in good spirits. Then it was time for Dad 6 his medicine.
"I'll get it, "I said. I went into the kitchen and poured a glass of water from the refrigerator. I found a red apple in the kitchen. I cut it 7 small slices, put them on a plate, and then I carried the snack to Dad. He was very surprised. For a second, I thought I'd done something 8 . He looked as if he were going to cry.
"Dad? What's the 9?" I asked.
"Nobody's cut me an apple like 10 since my wife died." he said. "It's just like what she used to do." I shut and opened my eyes quickly to bring back the tears. I couldn't let myself cry in front of him.
