Benjamin sat on the porch(门廊) of the old family house, thinking about his father. After Ethan passed away, Benjamin was the only person in the house. They once lived happily together in the house. But one night, Ethan and Benjamin had a fight. Benjamin walked out of the room angrily, he said no more to his father that night. For days, neither man talked to the other when they came back from work, and they did not even eat together any more. Days became months, the heavy silence between the two men continued. They still lived under the same roof(屋檐), but they did not talk, or even look at each other.
Eight more years passed, still they had nothing to say to each other. Ethan was getting very old. One night, Benjamin looked at his father for the first time in weeks. Father looked tired and lonely in his armchair. He said to himself, “We are together, even though we do not talk. I am lucky to have someone here with me. Without father this could be a cold and lonely house. Thanks for being here with me.” Another winter came, father lying sick in bed. Benjamin drove him to the hospital. After waiting in the hall for hours, Benjamin went in and saw the old man asleep.
“He might die soon,” said the doctor, “You should talk to him now. It will be your last chance.”
Suddenly the old man opened his eyes and looked at his son. He smiled weakly at Benjamin, and Benjamin smiled back. Then Ethan opened his mouth, trying to talk. Benjamin quickly put his hand over his father’s mouth. The old man did not try to talk anymore. His eyes closed again and passed away in peace.
The doctor said, “He wanted to say something before he died. Why did you stop him?” Benjamin answered, “It was my father who first made the decision that we should not talk. I did not want to hear him say he was sorry. I did not want him to ever think he was wrong.”
When he entered the old quiet house that night, everything seemed strange. He said to himself, “This will be a lonely house now.”
30. How did Benjamin feel when seeing father sitting in the armchair in Paragraph 2?
A.Cheerful. | B.Thankful. | C.Regretful. | D.Stressed. |
31. What can be inferred from Benjamin’s words in Paragraph 5?
A.He loved and respected his father. |
B.He was angry about what his father did. |
C.He complained about his father’s decision. |
D.He couldn’t believe his father passed away. |
32. Which of the following is the correct order according to the passage?
①Ethan passed away peacefully.
②Benjamin and Ethan had a fight.
③Benjamin and Ethan had nothing to say to each other.
④Benjamin thought about his father on the porch.
33. Which of the following can be the best title?
A.A silent father | B.A lonely house |
C.In the hospital bed | D.Under the same roof |