In a small town lived an old man named Mr. Benson. He lived alone. He had a big scar(疤痕) on his face and that made him look a little scary. No one in the neighborhood talked to him.
One day, a new family moved into the neighborhood. They were Mr. and Mrs. Green, and their children, Ann and Dave.
The other people who lived in the neighborhood welcomed the new family. They said hello to the Green family, but they told them not to talk to Mr. Benson. "He is a scary old man. He has no friends and he has a strange scar."
Ann, Dave and their parents thought that was very silly advice. Whenever they saw Mr. Benson, they always said hello to him. Mr. and Mrs. Green always helped Mr. Benson carry heavy things. Ann and Dave liked to sit and drink tea with Mr. Benson. He told them wonderful stories. He was once a very famous cook, and he made the most delicious desserts in the world.
One evening, all the neighbors in the neighborhood heard laughter and the sounds of cups and plates in Mr. Benson's house. It sounded like a happy dinner. They were astonished.
The next day, Mrs. Green said to his neighbors, "You really must get to know Mr. Benson. He is so funny and he is a fantastic cook. He told us the story of his scar. He had an accident when he was helping his parents on their farm." The neighbors all felt sorry. They all started to follow the example the Green family set to them.
