In 1990, when I {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (be) nine years old, I wanted very much to find {#blank#}2{#/blank#} penfriend. I found Ashley's address in a magazine, and decided {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (write) to her.

    I sent off my letter with a little hope. Very quickly, I received her letter.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} my surprises Ashley was only one month {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (old) than me. I learned some new expressions from her. I {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (real) liked this new friend

    Letter after letter, year after year, Ashley and I continued to write to one another. A letter would be received and I'd write back right away. We would send each other birthday and Christmas {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (gift).

    Eight years later, my parents decided it was time {#blank#}8{#/blank#} me to meet this friend. They drove me down to Mississippi for a few days. We {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (have) a good time together. We did the things that teenage girls loved to do.

    Twenty—five years after the {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (one) letter, Ashley and I still have an amazing friendship. Although we don't write letters now, we communicate through mobile phones and the Internet.