When Marco was a boy, he tried everything to get his father's love and attention. He studied hard to get good1 and tried to behave well. He was shy and shorter than the other boys. Besides, his father was 2 and had little time for him. Except for his 3 for housework after school, there was no communication. Marco felt very 4 .
One day, his maths teacher called him that some young teenagers were 5 a public speaking contest. She thought he should give it a 6 . She firmly believed he could perform on stage (舞台) like other kids. Feeling her strong trust, Marco agreed to7 the contest.
All winter, he took a bus to 8 twice a week in another city, where the competition would take place. Marco was taken by a strong 9 he never felt before. Finally, the big day arrived. His father, and yes, his maths teacher, were present. When he stepped onto the stage and began to speak, he felt 10 at home. He was funny, and acted very natural. He won! He noticed his father's eyes were 11 he was so proud. It was then that his father 12 he should pay more attention to the child.
As the winner, his name was 13 in the local papers. He knew this was the 14 him of his new life. It all happened because of a phone call, from one who 15 .
