"I'm so sorry, James," she said.

　　　"I'm never allowed to have friends come to the house? Why, Mum?" James asked sadly, almost in _4__.

　　　"I know it's _5__ for you," Mum said softly. "But I'm just worried other people might think we're a little... strange. And then they would make fun of you."

　　　"No, they wouldn't, Mum," James protested. "We're not _6__ at all. We're just ordinary people."

　　　Mum sighed heavily. " To tell you the truth, James, my neck has been so painful that it's given me a heavy _7__. And your poor father -he doesn't feel _8__. He really needs a rest."

　　　"I can help, Mum!" James said. "_9__ I can make you and Dad feel better, can Brett come over? Please?"

　　　"Well..."Mum began.

　　　"Great ! Thanks ,Mum!" James almost shouted. " Just sit there, don't move." He rushed over to the kitchen drawer and _10__ what he needed -two spanners（扳手）. " Hang on, Mum," he said. " This won't take a second." After some _11__, James was finished. With a smile of _12__ on his face he said, " There! How does that feel?" " Oh, James," Mum said. " That's a much better! How did you do it?"

　　　"Easy," James said _13__." Dad had tightened your neck bolts (螺栓) too much! I just_14__ them slightly ! I learned that in robotic science at school."

　　　"What about you father? Can you _15__ him?" asked Mum.

　　　"I'll try," James replied. He __16_ up Dad's hair at the back of his neck. and plugged the electric wire into Dad's head. Then he turned the _17__on. Dad opened his eyes and _18__ immediately . " He just let his _19__run too low, that's all," James said, "Shall I tell Brett to come over straight after school tomorrow?"

　　　"I guess so," replied Mum. " Your friends will just have to _20__ that we are a very unusual family. Thanks, son !"

1. A. chance B.message C. homework D.difficulty

2. A. asleep B.reading C. alone D.standing

3. A. explain B.see C. agree D. doubt