I have always been an independent person，but I have come to know that being independent does not mean refusing help. I may still be __20__ with asking for help，but I try to accept. Furthermore, I will even __21__ help and when my offers are refused，I am __22__ willing to walk away. And all these changes came from a disaster on an island.
Sometimes a person's independence is a __23__ of pride, daring，stubbornness and luck. I used to be too __24__ since I was little. I was once a traveler who never asked for __25__， choosing instead to struggle with maps and signs until I found my way.
Then one day on the island of Koh Phangan, in Thailand, everything __26__. I was swimming in the ocean with Sean，my fiancé, when he was __27__ by a box jellyfish(箱形水母). He __28__ within three minutes, 25 years old. Yet when onlookers and travelers asked if I wanted __29__， stubborn pride and force of habit __30__ me accepting. But two young Israeli women stayed.__31__ my protest, they were with me even when the police tried to cover up the __32__ of Sean's death. It was listed as drunk drowning to avoid hurting the __33__ industry. The Israeli women __34__ have walked away.__35__， without even telling me, they __36__ their schedule rather than leave me behind.
__37__ I didn't realize it at the time, I now believe I would not have __38__ the disaster without these great women. Actually，the person who needs help the most is usually the last person to ask for it. I have learned __39__ is better than refusing because it not only helps you walk out of trouble，but also helps you know the real meaning of life.
20. A. struggling B. dealing C. confused D. satisfied
21. A. accept B. offer C. seek D. desire
22. A. occasionally B. frequently C. usually D. seldom
23. A. range B. symbol C. way D. mix
24. A. adventurous B. brave C. independent D. creative
25. A. money B. equipment C. directions D. suggestions
26. A. happened B. messed C. changed D. disappeared
27. A. attacked B. caught C. followed D. impressed
28. A. sunk B. died C. failed D. recovered
29. A. company B. advice C. comfort D. evidence
30. A. kept B. prevented C. denied D. suggested
31. A. In spite of B. In case of C. In terms of D. As a result of
32. A. proof B. news C. fact D. cause
33. A. medicine B. entertainment C. fishing D. tourism
34. A. must B. need C. should D. could
35. A. Therefore B. Otherwise C. Instead D. Besides
36. A. delayed B. made C. considered D. threw
37. A. When B. While C. Because D. If
38. A. avoided B. experienced C. survived D. suffered
39. A. refusing B. accepting C. giving D. begging