Alice was very excited.One of her favourite writers had just published a new book. She had saved upher money, and she was ready to buy the book this weekend. She talked about thebook with her online chat(聊天) group. Alot of the other kids in the group were going to buy the book, too. . In fact,that was the main thing everyone in the chat room was talking about oneafternoon.
All of a sudden, Alicegot a chat message from Ella, one of the kids in the chat room. The messagesaid that Ella wanted to meet Alice at the bookstore. Then they could buy thenew book together. Alice told her mum about the message, and her mum asked,"Do you know Ella from school?"
"No," Aliceanswered. "We've only chatted online. I don't think she goes to my school."
"Listen,"Alice's mum was anxious and said, "I want you to have friends, but sometimes,people online aren't who they say they are. And when you're online, you can'talways tell. So I don't think it's a good idea for you to meet this person. "
"But, Mum," Alicesaid," what if it is just a kid named Ella who wants to buy a book with me?"
Alice's mum consideredthat for a moment. Then she said. Let's do this. Dad and I will go with you tothe bookstore to buy the book with Ella. If Ella really is just a kid who wantsto meet you in person, that's great. If not, ▲ .
Alice didn't like that idea. It made her feel like a baby. But she knew her mum was right about safety, so shefinally nodded. Then she answered Ella's message. She told Ella that she and herparents would be at the bookstore the next afternoon.
The next day, Alicewent to the bookstore with her mum and dad. When Ella never showed up and thendisappeared from the chat room, Alice knew her parents were right. She was gladthey were there to be with her.
