Story：A lone wolf
【明報專訊】A QUIET BOY, Thomas didn't enjoy others' company, being something of a lone wolf. Whenever there was a class gathering, he refrained from being with his classmates. That of course made him look a bit antisocial.
One day his class held a lunch gathering. Everyone was expected to share their lunch with others.
''Hey Thomas, why are you just sitting here? Come and talk with us!'' Kate, a cheerful girl, invited Thomas to the party.
''Nope... I think it's boring. More importantly, I don't want to share my food with others.'' Thomas replied coldly.
Again, Thomas retreated into his shell. Sounds of chit-chat pervaded every part of the classroom. Thomas felt a bit overwhelmed by all this and decided to sneak out of the room to get some fresh air.
But his lunch box remained open on his desk. That was dangerous, as two, oh no, three of his fellow classmates noticed it.
''Oh, a slice of cheese and ham pizza. So toothsome.'' Looking like animals, they were drooling at their mouth. One of them grabbed the slice of pizza and nibbled at it. That made others furious. They were all vying for a bite.
A few minutes later, Thomas was back and what he saw was just an empty lunchbox.
He wanted to weep but was tearless. ''Perhaps that was what a lone wolf should get...'' He spoke to himself.
Kate noticed all this and said to Thomas, ''Hey that's not true. You could also take a bite at others' food if you want. That's up to you to decide whether to join us. Here, take it.'' Kate handed Thomas a piece of her cheesecake.
Others followed Kate's move and offered Thomas their food.
(by Ian Lam)
■Gear up
Find words in the story which could be replaced by the following.
1. joyful _________________
2. dull _________________
3. passed _________________
(Answers on next text)
■Food for thought
We all live in a community and it's bad to be a lone wolf. Are you a talkative and cheerful person? How could you improve your communication skills? Discuss it with your classmates.
■Glossary
company (n) 陪伴
antisocial (adj) 不合群的
nibble at (phr v) 小口咬
tearless (adj) 無淚的
[Smarties' Power English 第288期]
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