9 . I worked in a small company with about thirty-five employees (雇员). We had a good-sized kitchen with a fridge that several employees used. But people would often go to the fridge to surprisingly find either their whole lunch missing, or in my case, my can of Cherry Coke gone. I usually kept it in my lunch bag. At times when I bought takeaway food, I would get two—one for lunch and one for dinner—so I didn’t have my lunch bag. Even so, I often couldn’t find the food. It was a shock to everyone.

We doubted who was stealing, but could never prove (证明) it. One day, a good idea came to my mind, and I couldn’t wait to try it.

It was break time at noon. I headed down to the kitchen about five minutes early and gave my Coke such a hard shake that I feared it may actually go off in my hands. I placed it back in the fridge. Then, I hid into a cupboard in the kitchen, waiting for the right moment.

BINGO! A lady came in and took the Coke. I put my hand over my mouth for her to open it, but she took it with her and left. I thought she would open it in the hall. No!

As I left the kitchen, I heard her yell (叫喊). I passed her office, and Coke was everywhere: the walls, the floor, all over her desk, computer, her work, and all over her—everywhere!

Well, food has never gone missing again since then because the lady got fired.

Good friends always make life seem much easier and better. In our busy lives, sometimes when we feel     1    (stick) and isolated, it is our friends who spend their time     2    us. Though it might be     3    (necessary) to know the definitions of a good friend, it is important to know the qualities of a good friend and the skills to be a good friend!

Full acceptance is     4    key element of any human relationship. To be a good friend, you must     5    (full) accept your friend with his/her faults. An important test of friendship is the reliability of a friend.

If you look horrible in that dress you     6    (buy) last week, a true friend will always tell you! Honesty is essential in any relationship. True friends,     7    often speak from their minds, are ready to give you a taste of the bitter truth. Often when you feel sad or depressed, you need not ever explain to your friend     8    you are feeling bad. A true friend knows when you are upset. Understanding without words is     9    (high) level of friendship. To be a good friend requires patience     10    (understand) your friend.