Last summer holiday, I got a job working at a coffee shop.

    One rainy day, one of my regular customers(顾客）camein. He looked upset. He said he wanted to get in bed, pull the sheets(被单) up over his head, and stay there for a few years. I knew that he was unhappy.

    Before he left, I handed him a bag along with his iced coffee. He was surprised, since he hadn't ordered anything but coffee. I had given him his favorite type of doughnut(油炸圏饼).

  "It's on me," I told him. "Have a nice day. "

    He smiled and thanked me before heading into the rain.

    The next day, it was still raining. I spent my afternoon hanging out the window handing people their orders. I was wet and cold. Worse, no one was tipping(给小费）that day.

    In the evening, the customer from the day before drove up to the window. He handed me a pink rose and a note. He said that not many people took time to care about others today. With a friendly wave, he drove away.

    I ran to the back of the shop and read the note. It read:

Christine，

    Thanks for being so sweet, kind yesterday. It is so nice to meet someone who's so nice. Please don't change your ways! Have a great day!

—Hank

    After that, whenever I felt upset, I thought of Hank and his kindness. Then I would smile，hold my head up high, clear my throat and ask politely, "How can I help you?"

    There are four people in Simon's family. They have different habits.

    ◆ Simon's father is a doctor. He works in a hospital. He likes reading books very much. There are many books in his bedroom. He doesn't like going to the cinema.

    ◆ Simon's mother is a music teacher. She likes listening to music, but she has no time to go to concerts.

    ◆ Simon's brother is seven years old. He likes watching cartoons. He usually watches cartoons when his parents aren't at home.

    ◆ Simon is a middle school student. He likes playing football. He often plays football with his friends after school. He likes playing computer games at home. But he doesn't like watching TV.

    "My dear lady," says Holmes. "You're shivering. Are you cold? Do you want a cup of hot tea?"

    "I'm not cold," the woman replies. "I fear for my life!"

    "We are here to help you. Don't worry about anything. I don't know you. But I know many things about you. For example, I know how you travel. You came to London by train. You also rode to the train station on a horse­drawn wagon(马拉车). "

    "Why, yes. You're right. But how do you know these things？"

    "I see a return ticket in your glove. I see fresh mud on the left arm of your dress. Now tell us your problem. "

    "My name is Helen Stoner," she states. "My mother and father are dead. I am living with my stepfather, Dr Grimesby Roylott. He comes from a rich family. But they are no longer rich. They have nothing except a small piece of land and a huge old house. We are living in the house. Dr Roylott is using my mother's money for expenses(开支). Part of it was for my sister and me. It was for our marriages."

Holmes is sitting in his chair. His eyes are closed. He is listening carefully to Helen's story. He hears every detail.

    Helen continues. "My stepfather has no friends. He fights with everyone. He is strong and gets angry quickly. Everyone is afraid of him. "

    "He has no friends at all?" asks Holmes.

    "No. He talks to no one except the gypsies. They are poor people who travel from place to place. A band of gypsies is staying on our land right now."

    "Are you and your sister afraid of the gypsies?"

    "My dear Mr. Holmes. You are making me so sad. My sister is dead. That is why I am standing here in this room."

Here are the New Year's resolutions of my four friends.

My name is Dave and I am from the United Kingdom. I'm going to drink more water and less cola. I'm also going to brush my teeth before breakfast and after dinner, and wash my hands before eating.

My name is Tina and I am from the United States. I want to make more friends this year. I'm going to be nicer to the other children in my class. I'm going to be friendly to children who need friends－like someone who is shy or new to my school.

I'm Selina and I am from the United States. I'm going to work harder this year. I'm going to do all the homework that our teachers ask us to do. If I have any problems with my subjects, I'm going to ask my teachers for help.

My name is Toby and I am from Singapore. I'm never going to play computer games. When I feel angry or stressed, I'm going to find better ways to relax, like exercising, reading or discussing my problems with my friends.