A
In 1952, my daddy traveled with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. He worked on a very large dredge vessel(挖泥船), and he went where it went. This meant he spent a lot of time away from our North Carolina home.
As Christmas approached, he called from Galveston, Texas. Daddy explained to my mother why he would not be celebrating the holiday with us. Money was tight and he didn’t have a way to get back to his family.
Disappointed as she was, Mother knew he was right. She also knew we would be upset, so she told my two sisters, brother and me right away. The news hit me very hard. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Daddy.
When we woke up on Christmas morning, we were all happy with our gifts, so we went outside to play. As we were playing, I looked up and thought I saw my daddy in the distance. I ran inside to tell Mother. She did not believe me and told me not to make up stories. She just repeated he would have been home if he could, but it just wasn’t possible.
But I was sure it was Daddy! I turned to go back outside when I heard familiar footsteps. I ran down the stairs. Daddy was home!
As I rushed into his outstretched arms, Daddy explained that he had tried everything to get home for Christmas, but without success. At the last minute, a group of the workers had decided to drive. But the nearest guy lived miles away. So Daddy started walking on Christmas Eve until he arrived home. He had walked all night to get home to his family.
Though the presents that year were wonderful, the best gift was not found under the tree.
21. At first, why did the writer’s Daddy think he couldn’t come back home?
A. He lacked money B. He lost the way
C. He had a tight schedule D. He didn’t find a car
22. Why did the writer go to bed with a heavy heart?
A. He had a quarrel with his sisters
B. He worried about not receiving a gift
C. He missed his Daddy on this special day
D. He envied other families who can stay together
23. Which of the following is true?
A. The writer made up a story to make his mother happy
B. Daddy borrowed a car and drove home on Christmas morning
C. Daddy took a ride in a co-worker’s car and then walked home
D. Daddy walked all the way from Galveston, Texas
24. What is the best title for the passage?
A. The Christmas Spirits B. Daddy’s Special Love
C. An Unforgettable Experience D. The Best “Christmas Gift”
