It was getting dark. Paul looked out of the window and signed (叹气). Dad said he could come home by 5:30, but it was almost 7:00. Even if Dad came back, it wouldn't be much fun playing baseball in the dark. Paul walked into his room and threw his baseball into the corner. He tried to do some homework, but 1.
The phone 2at about 8:00. It was Dad: "Paul, I'm sorry, I have to finish my work at the office tonight. Maybe we can play this weekend. Oh no. How about next weekend...."
Paul couldn't understand why Dad was so busy. He threw himself into the sofa and soon fell asleep. His book3to the first page.
The next day at school, Paul didn't hand in his homework. Mrs. Green4is Paul's Chinese teacher is careful and asked him to stay after school. "Paul, you didn't do your homework. This isn't like you. What's wrong? "Paul just sat there quietly." Paul, if you don't want to talk, I 5. I know that something's worrying with you. You need to tell someone."
As Paul walked home, he thought of what Mrs. Green said. Maybe he didn't do his homework 6he wanted to get his dad's attention. He knew Mrs. Green was right. He decided to take 7advice.
When Paul got home, he called his dad. But there was no answer. Then it went to voicemail (语音信箱). Paul began talking: "Dad, I can't play with you next weekend. I've got lots of problems 8my homework. Also, I really don't want to spend another day 9out of the window and waiting. Whenever you break our plans, Dad, it hurts me. It's not too late to rebuild our relationship, but we have to start small. Maybe you can help me with my homework sometime. Dad, I love you."
When Paul ended the call, he felt much relaxed. He didn't know whether his dad would be different, but it didn't matter. He himself changed. He expressed his feelings to the right person. He had10clear head while he was doing his homework that evening.
