Guidance

Understanding is an art and a kind of happiness．理解是一門藝術亦是一種幸福。eyes lowered as she continued. “I've already lost my mum, so I don't think I can stand losing him.”①I couldn't answer. My heart ached for her.

1 “It's over! Thank goodness! ”

2 School was over and I was tired. I sat at the front of the school bus. Janie, the driver, tries to break the uncomfortable atmosphere by striking the match of talks. I try to listen politely, but usually I am too busy thinking about my day. On this day, however, her talk was worth listening to.

3 “My father's ill, ” she said to no one in particular. I could see worry in her eyes. I had never seen her like this before. She always meets students with a smile.

4 With a sudden change of interest, I asked, “What's wrong with him? ”

5 With her eyes wet and her voice unusual, she answered, “Heart trouble.” Her

6 I sat on the seat thinking of the great pain my own mother was thrown into when my father died. I saw how hard it was, and still is, for her. I wouldn't want anyone to go through that.

7 Suddenly I realized Janie wasn't only a bus driver, that was just her job. She had a whole world of family and cares too.

8 I suddenly felt very selfish. I paid no attention to Janie because she was a bus driver. I had judged her by her job and brushed her off as unimportant. ②

9 I shouldn't have been so selfish and self-centered. ③

10 Understanding people is an art.

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