C
When I was 8 years old, I decided to run away from home after a quarrel with my mother. With my suitcase packed and some sandwiches in a bag, I started for the front door.
My mum asked where I was going. "I'm leaving home," I said.
"What's that you're carrying?" she asked.
"Some clothes and food," I replied.
"If you want to run away, that's all right," she said. "But you came into this home without anything and you can leave the same way."
I threw my suitcase and sandwiches on the floor and started for the door again.
"Wait a minute," Mum said. "You didn't have any clothes on when you arrived, and I want them back."
This made me furious. I took my clothes off—shoes, socks, underwear and all and shouted, "Can I go now?"
"Yes," my mum answered, "but once you close that door, don't expect to come back."
I was so angry that I shut the door forcefully and stepped out of my home. Then I noticed down the street two neighbour girls walking
towards our house. I was so shy that I jumped under the low-hanging branches when I saw the big spruce tree in our yard. A pile of dried-up brown needles were beneath the tree, and you can't imagine the pain those sharp needles caused to my body.
After I was sure the girls had passed by, I ran to the front door and knocked at it loudly.
"It's Billy! Let me in!"
The voice behind the door answered, "Billy doesn't live here any more. He ran away from home."
Looking behind to see if anyone else was coming down the street, I said, "Mum! I'm sorry. I'm still your son. Let me in!"
The door opened and Mum's smiling face appeared. "Did you change your mind about running away?" she asked.
"What's for supper?" I smiled back.
理解1. Why did the little boy jump under the low-hanging branches when he saw two neighbour girls walking towards his house?
Because he was shy.
2. Share with us your good ways to deal with the disagreement with parents.
First, always stay calm and listen to their reasons. Then, explain your feelings clearly using "I feel" statements. Try to find a compromise. For example, if we disagree on screen time, I will suggest a schedule that includes time for both homework and relaxation. This shows I am responsible.