In 1990, when I{#blank#}1{#/blank#}(be) nine years old, I wanted very much to find{#blank#}2{#/blank#}pen friend. 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 surprise, 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 fun time together. We did the things that teenage girls love 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.