1. (2023高三上·辉南月考)  完形填空

After twenty-two years raising three children, I was introduced to a concept: the empty nest. Apparently, this was now my time to 1  into new experiences. Why, then was I not excited, but 2 ?

For a job opportunity, my husband and I moved to another state. One day, I discovered a trail only a short 3  from our apartment, I was thrilled and began to use it regularly. The trail meandered along a river lined with bushes and towering trees. Ducks 4  on the riverbanks; Canada geese flew overhead; small rabbits bounded across the pathway, 5  into the bushes. These small peaceful scenes provided me with a(n) 6 , but only slightly lifted me out of my loneliness.

Still, I continued to walk the path. I 7  something new: couples, young and old, holding hands, chatting as they walked; a father 8 his daughter to ride her two-wheeler; a woman doing Tai Chi. They all 9 the trail. I became fascinated with the lives of these strangers, yet still wondering if any of them feel 10 ?

One morning, an elderly woman holding the handles of her walker came into view. She sailed by me in the 11 direction like a marathon runner. I turned around to catch another glimpse of this one-woman wonder. She was 12 moving forward, not letting anything hold her back. That's when it 13 me. Nobody was.

As I walked toward my car, remembering the elderly woman's energy and 14 , I made a decision. I would fill my empty nest with 15 . I was ready for the bright future that stretched before me.