My two-year-old daughter and I often get smiles from strangers as we walk through our town with Clara riding in her backpack, singing and swinging her feet.

I felt extra grateful for my sunny little girl on one walk at the end of April, 2006. Just three days before she woke up from her nap (小睡) with a fever. We spent a tough evening in the emergency room. Any parent or child is frightened by such an experience. So it was a great feeling that Clara was so happy that day.

We were heading home from a local grocery store, which wisely gives out free balloons to children. Clara always looks forward to getting a balloon there. She did an especially nice job — waiting patiently in the long queue at the store. Luckily, her patience was rewarded with a pink balloon. Pink means a lot to her, especially these days, since the medicine she is taking for the high fever is bubble-gum pink.

Clara was so happy that she started singing “Mister Golden Sun” to her balloon. But when we walked under a tree, POP! There went the balloon. Clara immediately burst into tears. “My pink balloon popped!” She has had many balloons before, but is always very careful with them. This was the first time that she had had such an upsetting experience. Heart-broken, she stared at her poor short-life luck, out of control.

A college-aged young man, about 21, with light brown hair, who was walking behind us noticed Clara’s tears. He was clearly preparing for an important date, as he was carrying a bouquet (束) of a dozen pink roses. He quickened his pace and asked Clara what had happened. Unfortunately, Clara was too shy and upset to answer, but I briefly described the situation, deeply touched that a young guy, probably hurrying home to get ready for a date, would stop to comfort a little child.

Clara was still crying, unable to say a single word.

2 . I was shocked when my socially awkward sister, who had suffered from Asperger Syndrome (阿斯伯格综合症), decided to sing in front of the school. I knew she would ________ me in some way, so I protested. However, my parents insisted that she ________ and I would have to be part of the audience. I silently hoped that something would happen to ________ me from watching her losing face.

As I waited in the hall, sweat ________ my forehead. I comforted myself that no one knew she was my sister and tried to persuade myself that it would be ________. The lights darkened and the ________ opened to reveal (使露面) my sister standing alone on stage. She seemed ________, taking a minute to stammer (结结巴巴地说) her name and class. ________ began to be heard in the audience.

I shifted nervously in my seat, afraid what was about to happen. But as my sister started to sing, I was ________. Her voice flowed effortlessly and melodiously, filling the hall with its ________. I watched in wonder, realizing I had never known she could sing so ________. I listened carefully to the lyric (歌词) she had written herself, feeling ashamed for doubting her ________. My heart gave way as I heard the heartfelt words.

3 . If you miss one of the old friends you’ve lost touch with and think about reaching out to them, you may worry about whether it’ll be just like old times, or uncomfortable and awkward. Here are some ways to help you avoid any awkwardness while reconnecting with an old friend.

Reach out through social media. Connect with them through social media, text message or other means if you’re too nervous to make a phone call or to begin a meet up. Follow up on one of their most recent posts.     1    

Show some love. If you’re really happy to connect with your old friend, make it a point to communicate that to them.     2     Sincere warmth can help lessen some of the awkwardness that may build up in a relationship.

    3     Start conversation by bringing up a fun time you shared. It will transport you both back to that moment when you were close and help smooth over the “What are you up to now?” conversations that sound too rigid (死板).

Display your interest. As you chat with your friend, try to pay attention and ask follow-up questions.     4     Empathizing (共鸣) with them can help you connect with them and get to know who they are today.

Move past conflicts. Don’t talk a lot about your conflicts or the reasons why your friendship became less close. If it happens to come up naturally down the line, then feel free to address any possible hurt feelings.     5     In the beginning, just focus on what you had in common and the good times you shared together.