I watered in my garden on that burning hot afternoon. "Missus!" The husky(沙哑的) voice1me and I turned quickly. "Could I please have a drink of water?" "Come into the yard." I called and.2the cup that hung over the outdoor tap. He drank, swallowing slowly and then splashed (泼洒) water on his face. "That feels3, "he said, and stood there, awkward. "Have you any4I can do for you? Weed or water your garden?" What work could I5him? Nothing! I couldn't afford a single cent. I6to look around, before shaking my head.
I knew he must be7, but the icebox held so little: only some milk and bread for my daughter, Alice. I said, I'll get you something to8. "I couldn't bear to look into his9eyes. When I carried some bread to him, I felt a little10at offering so little. After I returned to the house, I dropped into the armchair.
“Mama, where are you?" I struggled to my feet and found Alice sitting at the kitchen table. Mama, Acme Stores are, 11next week. The employment officer said girls would be hired, 12they were properly dressed. That means a decent pair of shoes, Mama! "My heart ached and I stepped to13her with a hug. "Honey, we have a whole14to work on it. Maybe something will come our way." "That's what you always say, Mama. What's the use of15?"
The week16the boy's stop at my garden, I watered, as usual. A f1lash of white in the mailbox17my eye. The18contained a note: "To the lady in the garden: I got a job after you19me and let me rest. You helped me feel and look20.Now, let me help you." Folded within the paper were eight one-dollar bills.
