B
It was very dark outside. I heated the food in the kitchen again, but my dad still didn't come back from the forest. He worked as a forest ranger. In the morning, he told me he would go to check the new small trees and that I didn't need to wait for him for dinner. But now, the wind was blowing hard and making a loud noise, like an animal. I stood at the door and called him, but he didn't answer.
"I can't wait any longer," I thought. I took a flashlight from the corner and went out. The light showed me the way, but the shadows of the trees looked scary, like claws. I held the flashlight more tightly. I was worried that Dad might be lost or in trouble, so I walked into the forest slowly.
The wind blew harder, and the leaves made noise. I was scared and kept looking back, but I saw nothing. The flashlight was dying. Just then, I heard someone shout, "Xiaoyu? Is that you?"
It was Dad! I shouted, "Dad! I'm here!" I saw the light move, and then I saw his orange ranger clothes. I ran to him and jumped into his arms. I could smell the pine on him, and I almost cried. "Son, why are you here?" Dad asked. Dad's hands were cold, but he hugged me hard. "My phone stopped working. I was on my way home." I put my face against his coat. Listening to his heartbeat, I felt safe again.
ranger /'reɪndʒə(r)/ n. 园林管理员,护林人
claw /klɔː/ n. (动物或禽类的)爪,脚爪,脚趾
理解
1. Why didn't Dad answer when the little boy called him?
Because his phone stopped working.
2. Have you ever enjoyed the moment when you feel safe, listening to your father's heartbeat?
Yes, I have. / No, I haven't.
