Months ago, a 76-year-old woman named Marie Boyer fell in her house. For days, she was incapable of moving. Because her windows were closed, no one could hear her cry out.
On the fourth day, her regular mail carrier, Lisa Sweeney, returned from vacation and noticed something wrong. Though she and Marie hadn’t had much conversation over the years, Lisa knew her customer’s habits. The mails in the mailbox, untouched garbage cans in front of the house and the car in the driveway were clear warning signs. She knocked on the door next to Marie’s, but the man in the house had been away on vacation too and didn’t know anything. “I just had a feeling that Marie was inside,” Lisa says. She called the police and continued on her route, but kept circling back to Marie’s house until the police arrived.
Rescuers broke in through a back window to discover Marie unconscious (不省人事的). Learning that Marie was still alive, Lisa burst into tears, so glad that her customer of 11 years had been rescued.
Since that August day, Marie has moved into an assisted-living facility, but Lisa visits her regularly and still brings her mail. They even celebrated Marie’s 77th birthday at a restaurant across the street. Lisa’s son has been known to stop by to see Marie too. The close connection forged that summer day continues stronger than ever.
On Thanksgiving Day, Lisa’s home held extra guests: Marie and her son, daughter-in-law and daughter. It was their first Thanksgiving together as a family since Marie’s own mother passed away. Lisa brought Marie over early to watch the programme on TV together as well as one of the turkeys frying outside. Marie also got in some quality animal time with Lisa’s six cats and one dog.
Due to Lisa’s offer to step forward, Marie is fortunate to have a new life. “Actually, it’s lucky for me too. My life has become more colorful and happier because I have a new family member: Marie,” Lisa says.
【小题1】Why did Lisa knock on the door of Marie’s neighbor?| A．To ask about Marie’s habits. | B．To tell him to call the police. |
| C．To remind him to collect his mails. | D．To know what had happened to Marie. |
| A．She was ashamed of her mistake. | B．She was worried about the late mails. |
| C．She was scared of rescuers’ rude behaviour. | D．She was too happy for Marie’s being saved. |
| A．Destroyed. | B．Built. | C．Affected. | D．Judged. |
| A．She feels grateful for having Marie as her family. |
| B．Marie’s family treated her well after the accident. |
| C．It’s a little difficult for Marie to start a new life. |
| D．Family members should always support each other. |
