请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

My father died when I was five. It was hard on us all. With time the 16 healed. My brother, who is eight years older than me, began to watch over my mother and me. 17 many more responsibilities than was expected of him. I remember he made sure the trash was taken out, and the yard mowed. He did on his own, 18 being told to do so.

Because of my father's death, my mother was forced to get a 19 job. My brother took it upon himself, to get up early every morning. He would 20 for school, and make me breakfast. While I was eating, he would lay out my clothes, make my bed, and

21 my school books up. 22 we would walk to the bus stop. As we waited, he would play games my father used to play with me. He did his best to make me 23 , and he succeeded every time.

When we arrived home from school, we were alone for about half an honor, 24 mom was home from work. He would sit me down with three cookies and a glass of milk. If I had homework then this was the time I would do it. My brother would start laundry, and do the dishes if there was 25 . He would find something for supper, and have everything ready for mom, so she could start cooking.

Mom would 26 us with a hug and kiss. This was our queue to go outside and have some fun. This was my brother's time to be a 27 , enjoying himself in the games.

It was a Saturday in 28 a couple of years later. My mother and I were at the store. They had the Father's Day cards out. I 29 at the cards on the shelves. My mom said, "Honey, I know this is a hard time for you." I