原版英文小故事 19. What’s in the Box?

Perry’s 32nd birthday was today. His wife, Amanda, had promised him something special. Perry couldn’t imagine what it might be. He already had everything he needed or wanted. Whatever she was going to give him, it was definitely¹ going to be a surprise. She had not asked him whether he wanted anything, and he had not dropped any hints² suggesting that he was hoping for something. In fact, his plan was simply to watch TV and ignore the event. There was certainly nothing interesting or exciting about turning 32.

When he got home from work, he changed into his shorts and a T-shirt and took their dog Pretty Boy for a walk. When he returned, Amanda had also gotten home from work. She gave him a kiss and told him happy birthday. He thanked her and asked what the surprise was. She told him that it was on the pillow in the bedroom. He went into the bedroom and found a brightly wrapped package with a big blue bow on it. He brought it out to the living room.

“Why don’t you try to guess what it is?” Amanda suggested.

“Okay,” Perry replied. “It’s not a motorcycle or a houseboat. It’s not my Christmas bonus. It’s not another pet; I don’t see any air holes in the wrapping and I don’t hear any sounds.”

“Well, maybe it’s a turtle,” Amanda smiled.

“Yes, that would explain the silence, but turtles still need to breathe,” Perry remarked. “It’s not a book or a video or a CD, is it?”

“No, you’re not even close. Remember, it’s something special.”

“Well, you’ve got me,” Perry said, puzzled. Something special in a box that was only about one cubic foot. He told Amanda that he gave up. She told him to unwrap the box. After opening it, all he found was a little rubber doll.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“It’s a boy, silly! I’m pregnant,” Amanda beamed³. “And his name is going to be Perry, Jr.”

 

1 definitely   

adv.一定地，肯定地；明确地，确切地

参考例句：

• The team will definitely lose if he doesn't play.如果他不参加比赛，这个队肯定会输。
• I shall definitely be home before six o'clock.6点以前，我一定回家。

2 hints   

n.建议( hint的名词复数 )；细微的迹象；征兆

参考例句：

• This list of hints help the new students a lot. 这一系列的建议对新生帮助很大。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Don't give him any hints when he answers the question. 在他回答问题时，不要给他提示。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 beamed   

有梁的，定向的

参考例句：

• a high beamed ceiling 木梁高高支撑着的天花板
• The news was beamed to East Africa by satellite. 新闻通过卫星向东非广播。