【明報專訊】CHRIS was a secondary four student who always spent the festive season alone. His parents passed away when he was still very small. And his elder brother, Lenard, who was five years older than him, studied abroad and couldn't always come home. Seldom did they dine together. Nor did they have similar hobbies. As brothers they grew farther and farther apart, especially after Lenard was in love with Eunice, whom Chris hated so much because she somehow made him and Lenard spent less time together.

2019 was quite different. It was Christmas Eve. After his part-time work, Chris saw a Christmas tree when he was home. Who bought it? It would be quite astonishing if it was Lenard who did that. Impossible! He didn't give much thought to that. He spent the night watching the news, which showed a car accident had happened in Britain.

On Christmas Day, Chris came home late as usual. This time he saw a five-course Christmas dinner! Who ordered this? Chris thought that must be some prank. But the bill had been settled. Who would do such a silly thing? Besides the meals was a present. Christ unboxed it and found some pieces of stationery.

The most terrifying thing was that he received a present each day since Christmas, until New Year's Day. Also, he got a message from Lenard saying that he was so busy that he wouldn't make it. ''Fine, he just didn't care about anything!'' He had a scornful laugh.

Then he received a phone call from a distant cousin.

''Have you got any updates from your brother?''

''Nope I just don't care. Neither does he.''

''How dare you! He suffered a car accident and had just woken up from a coma!''

Chris could sense feelings of guilt bubbling inside him. They emerged so quickly that he could stand them no more. A waterfall of tears.

He booked a flight to the UK. Upon arrival, he located the hospital in no time and rushed into the ward. He was speechless when he saw his dear brother lying in the bed.

''Hey bro, why do you look so upset?'' Lenard smiled.

''Did... Did you buy all those things at home?'' Chris asked.

''I think I only bought a tree and ordered dinner, right? I was asleep for days.''

''Then who sent me those presents? And the messages?''

''It was me, little brother.'' A young lady came in. It was Eunice.

Chris didn't expect that. He felt so ashamed and said, ''Sorry I shouldn't... shouldn't be so indifferent...''

''It's fine kid.'' Lenard gave Chris a naughty smile. They all laughed together.

''I think I won't spend Christmas alone.'' Chris spoke to himself.

■Gear up

Refer to the story and answer the following questions.

(1) True / False / Not Given

a. Lenard studies in the UK.

b. The Christmas presents are bought by Lenard.

(2) How many Christmas presents does Eunice prepare for Chris?

(Answers on next text)

■Food for thought

Sometimes your parents or siblings might not have time to talk to you. But that doesn't mean they do not care about you. It's 2020. Tell them what you think and refresh your relationships with them!

■Glossary

dine (v) 用餐

astonishing (adj) 難以置信的

scornful (adj) 輕蔑的

indifferent (adj) 漠不關心的

[Smarties' Power English 第266期]