A
The summer I turned 16, my father gave me a car, which permitted Hannah and me to drive around Tucson whenever we wanted to.
Hannah was my best friend. “Hannah’s amazing,” my mother always said. And sure enough, that summer she signed with a modeling agency. She was already doing runway work.
One day, Hannah and I went to the movies. On the way home, we stopped at the McDonald’s drive-through, putting the fries on the seat between us to share. “Let’s ride around a while,” I said. It was a clear night, moonlight shone over the desert. Taking a turn too fast, I hit a patch of dirt and fishtailed.
French fries on the floor. An impossible amount of blood on Hannah’s face. They took us in separate ambulances. In the ER, my parents spoke quietly: Best plastic surgeon in the city. End of her modeling career.
We’d been wearing lap belts, but the car didn’t have shoulder belts. I’d broken my cheekbone; Hannah’s forehead had split wide open. What would I say to her?
When her mother, Sharon, came into my hospital room, I started t o cry, preparing myself for her anger. She sat beside me and took my hand. “I drove into the back of the car of my best friend when I was your age,” she said, “I destroyed her car and mine.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said.
“You’re both alive,” she said, “The rest is window dressing.” I started to explain, and Sharon stopped me. “I forgive you. Hannah will too.”
Sharon’s forgiveness allowed Hannah and me to stay friends throughout life. I think of her gift of f orgiveness every time I tend to feel angry about something recognized as wrong. And whenever I see Hannah, the scars are a symbol of grace for me.
1. What caused the car accident?
A. Poor visibility. B. Driving too fast.
C. Hitting a patch of dirt. D. Not staying focused.
2. Which word can best describe Hannah’s mother?
A. Supportive. B. Generous.
C. Optimistic. D. Helpful.
3. What result did the accident cause to Hannah and the author?
A. It worsened their friendship.
B. It made both of the two disabled.
C. It changed Hannah’s working career.
D. It ruined the author’s confidence in driving.
4. Which is the best title for the text?
A. Lucky Survival B. Lifelong Friendship
C. My Best Friend Hannah D. Learning to Forgive
