This is the year 2070. I have just turned 50, but I look like a person of 85. I’m seriously ill because I don’t have enough water to drink. I’m afraid I don’t have much time left to live. I am already one of the oldest people in this society.

I remember when I was five years old, everything was very different. There were lots of trees in the parks. I could enjoy a shower for half an hour. At that time, women had beautiful hair. Now, we have to cut off all our hair to keep our heads clean without the use of water.

I remember there were “Save Water” warnings in many public places, but nobody paid attention. We believed water would last forever. Now, all the rivers and lakes are either dry or polluted. Water is much more expensive than gold and treasure.

Without water, almost all factories are closed. Most people are out of work. Those who have jobs work in desalination（海水脱盐）plants and are paid with drinkable water rather than with money.

In the past, doctors suggested adults drink eight glasses of water a day. Nowadays, I am only allowed half a glass. Most people are weak. Young people in their early 20s look as if they were in their 40s.

Because there are few trees, we don’t have enough oxygen. We have to pay for air. The air is not very good in both cities and countrysides, but at least we can breathe. Poor people get sick and die young. The average life expectancy（平均预期寿命）is 40 years.

When my son asks me about my childhood, I tell him about how pleasant it was to fish in the rivers and how healthy people were. When he asks, “Why is there no clean water now?”, I feel a strong sense of shame. I belong to the generation（一代）who turned a blind eye to all the warnings.

I wish this letter could travel back in time and that it would make people living in the 2020s truly understand something.

Middle school matters a lot in everyone’s life. You will be given more responsibility. Of course, there can be fear as well, but with a little common sense you will survive.

Know and obey your school’s rules! 【小题1】 Teachers want to be sure you know what to do and whether you understand their instructions or not. So don’t be afraid to ask questions! Teachers are there to help you! If you’re not sure, just ask.

Avoid drama and talking behind others. Naturally, people talk about other people’s problems and lives. 【小题2】 They only break friendships, create enemies, hurt feelings, and make things worse for everyone.

Choose your friends wisely. This is very important. Be friends with people who don’t start or take part in drama and you’ll avoid the worst things that happen in middle school. 【小题3】

Don’t let your friends get you in trouble. Don’t be friends with people who get you in serious trouble. It is similar to the step above. 【小题4】 Don’t be afraid to tell an adult if someone asks or tells you to do something really bad.

【小题5】 Just like you don’t want to do something to hurt other people, you shouldn’t do anything to hurt yourself. Don’t drink or smoke, or do any kind of self-harm like cutting yourself. If you need help, there are always people who will help you.