I was in a rush as always, but this time it was for an important date I just couldn’ t be late for! I found myself at a checkout counter behind an elderly woman seemingly in no hurry as she paid for her groceries. A PhD student with not a lot of money, I had hurried into the store to pick up some flowers. I was in a huge rush, thinking of my upcoming evening. I did not want to be late for this date.
We were in Boston, a place not always known for small conversation between strangers. The woman stopped unloading her basket and looked up at me. She smiled. It was a nice smile —warm and reassuring — and I returned her gift by smiling back.
“Must be a special lady, whoever it is that will be getting those beautiful flowers,” she said.
“Yes, she’ s special,” I said, and then to my embarrassment, the words kept coming out. “It’ s only our second date,but somehow I am just having the feeling she’s ‘the one’ ,”Jokingly, I added, “The only problem is that I can’ t figure out why she’ d want to date a guy like me.”
“Well, I think she’s very lucky to have a boyfriend who brings her such lovely flowers and who is obviously in love with her,” the woman said. “My husband used to bring me flowers every week — even when times were tough and we didn’ t have much money. Those were incredible days; he was very romantic and — of course — I miss him since he’ s passed away.”
I paid for my flowers as she was gathering up her groceries. There was no doubt in my mind as I walked up to her. I touched her on the shoulder and said, “You were right, you know. These flowers are indeed for a very special lady.” I handed her the flowers and thanked her for such a nice conversation.
It took her a moment to realize that I was giving her the flowers I had just purchased.“You have a wonderful evening,” I said. I left her with a big smile and my heart warmed as I saw her smelling the beautiful flowers.
I remember being slightly late for my date that night and telling my girlfriend the above story. A couple of years later,when I finally worked up the courage to ask her to marry me,she told me that this story had helped to seal it for her — that was the night that I won her heart.
Why was the writer in a hurry that day?
A.He was to meet his girlfriend. |
B.He had to go back to school soon. |
C.He was delayed by an elderly lady. |
D.He had to pick up some groceries. |
What does the underlined phrase “her gift” (Paragraph 2) refer to?
A.Her words. | B.Her smile. | C.Her flowers. | D.Her politeness. |
Why did the writer give his flowers to the elderly lady?
A.She told him a nice story. | B.She allowed him to pay first. |
C.She gave him encouragement. | D.She liked flowers very much. |
What does the underlined word “ seal” mean in the last paragraph?
A.envelop | B.block | C.an animal | D.decide |
What is the message conveyed in the story?
A.Flowers are important for a date. |
B.Small talk is helpful. |
C.Love and kindness are rewarding. |
D.Elderly people deserve respecting. |