1 . E-pals are different from daily friends. It is_________ knowing someone only by simple letters, yet it sometimes gives people a_________of mystery and excitement.

It all started last July, when I met Vera in an online summer school_________. After talking about essays, we became e-pals and _________ our daily life, study and pressures.

One time, I felt extremely_________about the upcoming exams, and I wasn't comfortable _________my classmates and parents. Suddenly, a message from Vera_________my phone. What a coincidence! I_________out all of my annoyances from schoolwork and interpersonal relationships at school. I didn't expect Vera to show _________ at first. However, she took my situation__________. She sent me long messages, which __________ me from my worries.

We also talked about cultures, including festivals, which are an interesting topic. Last December, I__________her a merry Christmas. She was over delighted and __________my kindness. Then we talked a lot about Chinese and Western __________ and we were both__________   about each other's culture traditions. She sent me photos of how New York people__________ their Thanksgiving, while I__________the Spring Festival dinner. She was a bit shocked about the variety of Chinese dishes.

Thanks to my pen pal, my life was not__________during the quarantine (隔离期). Thanks to weekly conversation with her, I can share my__________that I'm unwilling to share with others. No man is an island. We all need __________ with others to live a better life.