1. 完形填空

I quietly placed my ear against the kitchen door. Mom had a male visitor! I peeked(偷看) around. Sitting there was a gentleman, the most handsome man I'd ever seen.

Mom was a young widow then with three children. My sister was ten, my brother four and I six. I1having a daddy. And I knew he was the one. Then I walked right into the2.

"Hi! I'm Patty. What's your name?"

"George."

Looking towards Mom, I asked, "Don't you think my mom's pretty?"

"Patty!" Mom scolded with3. "Go and check on Benny."

George leaned forward and4, "Yes, I do. I'll see you later, Patty. I think we will be good friends."

George started5 Mom more often. He always seemed happy to see me and never grew6 of my endless questions.

Soon they entered into a7. For George, who'd never been married before, coming back from World War Ⅱ and into a ready-made family took some adjusting. One evening was especially bad. Benny was crying on the kitchen floor. Annie was8loudly it wasn't her place to look after that spoiled child. And I spilled a whole pot of butter milk. With a vacant(茫然的) look, George muttered(嘟囔), "I must have been9to marry a woman with three kids."

Mom fled to their bedroom in10, and George walked out. I hurried to the porch (门厅). "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time. Please don't11!"

12 wiping my tears, he said, "We're friends, and friends never13 the people they love. Don't worry. I'll always be here." Then he went to14 Mom.

Over the years, George has always been there for me. I still turn to him with my15though he is 85.