Marcus is a handsome and athletic kid. He plays tennis and 1the state tournament every year. Marcusˈs neighbor, Conrad, is also 2to compete, but he has rheumatoid arthritis (类风湿性关节炎). Although it pains him just to walk, he 3painful days at school walking to the sports field. He loves watching his school compete so he doesnˈt 4a game.
Marcus has known Conrad since primary school. Theyˈve always been 5. He sees Conrad in pain and his 6at not being able to play sports. So, every day alter school, Marcus 7his classmates to go to Conradˈs for a moment of discussion about the game competition. The discussion is as 8as a real high school game, which makes Conrad forget the hurt.
Finally, the doctors found a new 9to reduce the pain. Conrad walks without much pain, and then begins running, but he still has to learn the 10of running. After a childhood of walking carefully and taking 11steps, Conrad has to train his walking like a kid again and stay in shape. He pushes himself every day, building his lungs and doing leg lifts repeatedly for his leg 12. He knows what pain feels like, but running for Conrad is no longer 13.
To Conradˈs delight, he gets a chance to join the cross country team. Conrad doesnˈt win, not once, but Marcus is there, 14for him who always finishes in the middle of the competitors, breathing in wind and waving his hands 15.
