Music to My Ears
Robby was 10 for his first piano lesson in my class. Much as he tried， he 41 even the basic However，he dutifully reviewed the pieces that I required.
Over the months he tried and tried while I 42 and encouraged him. At the end of each lesson he'd always say, “My mom’s going to hear me play some day. ” 43 it seemed hopeless.
I only knew his mother from a 44 as she waited in her aged car to pick him up. Then one Robby stopped coming. I was secretly 45 that he stopped because of his lack of ability.
Weeks later I informed the students , including Robby, of the coming recital (独奏）. To my 46 ,Robby asked me if he could be included. I told him he really did not qualify because he had 47 0ut. He said his mom had been sick and unable to take him to lessons but he was still 48 .
“I've just got to play!” he 49 . Something inside me let me allow him to.
Then came the recital night. The gym was 50 with parents. I put 51 .
thinking that I could save his poor performance through my“ curtain closer (谢幕）.”
The recital went off smoothly. Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes wwere wrinkled and his hair 52 . “Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night ? ”I thought.
Robby pulled out the piano bench and began. 1 was not 53 for what 1 heard next, His were 54 on the keys. Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people of his age. After he ended, everyone was 55 their feet-in wild applause.
In 56 I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby. “I've nevEr heard yoU play Like he ended,everyone was 55 their feet in wild applause.
Robby explained ,“Well Miss Hondorf ...remember I told you my mom sick?..
58 she had cancer and passed away yesterday.She was born deaf, so tonight she could hear me play in heaven. 1 wanted to make it special.
There wasn't a 59 eye in the house. That night I felt he was the teacher and I was the pupil, for it was he who taught me the meaning of perseverance and 60 .
41. A. lacked B. had C. showed D. got
42. A. listened B. learned C. checked D. played
43. A. And B. But C. So D. Or
44. A. conversation B. performance C. distance D. picture
45. A. guilty B. sad C. anxious D. glad
46. A. relief B. surprise C. pleasure D. satisfaction
47. A. stepped B. worn C. run D. dropped
48. A. acting B. performing C. practicing D. recording
49. A. insisted B. suggested C. complained D. threatened
50. A. lined B. packed C. piled D. covered
51. A. least B. most C. first D. last
52. A. messy B. cool C. neat D. dull
53. A. eager B. concerned C. prepared D. grateful
54. A. hesitating B. dancing C. touching D. crawling
55. A. over B. under C. in D. on
56. A. chaos B. tears C. silence D. return
57. A. find B. feel C. make D. like
58. A. Gradually B. Suddenly C. Frequently D. Actually
59. A. dry B. curious C. bright D. wet
60. A. regret B. talent C. love D. courage