“Can I see my baby?” the happy new mother asked. She moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face. She gasped. The baby was born without ears. Time proved that the baby’s hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred (损伤).
One day he rushed home from school, buried himself into his mother’s arms and cried out “A boy, a big boy…called me a freak (怪胎).” She sighed, knowing that his life was to be heartbreaking. But he grew up, handsome and a favorite with his classmates for his misfortune. He might have been class president, but for that.
He later displayed a talent for literature and music. The boy’s father talked with the family physician to see if nothing could be done. “I believe I could transplant a pair of outer ears, if we could get them,” the doctor decided. So the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, “You are going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it’s a secret,” said the father.
The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person appeared. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of success. He had a good job and married. “But I must know” he urged his father, “who gave so much for me! I could never do enough for him.”
“I do not believe you could, ”said the father, “but the agreement is that you are not to know…not yet.” The years kept their secret, but the day did come, one of the darkest days for a son. He stood with his father beside his mother’s coffin.
“Your mum said she was glad she never let her hair be cut, ” his father whispered gently, “ and nobody ever thought her less beautiful, did they?”
4. What can we learn about the boy?
A.He was born deaf. | B.He was elected class president. |
C.He was gifted in literature and music. | D.He was on bad terms with classmates. |
5. When was the secret exposed?
A.Before an operation. | B.In a funeral. |
C.Until the boy graduated. | D.During a family gathering. |
6. Who donated the ears to the boy?
A.His father. | B.His mother. | C.A suitable donor. | D.His family physician. |
7. Which might be the best title of the passage?
A.Parents’ Agreement | B.Born with Disability |
C.Mother’s Responsibility | D.The Secret of Outer Ears |