[Storytelling] Alyssa's Birthday

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Storytelling - Alyssa's Birthday

ALYSSA'S BIRTHDAY

Alyssa is busy preparing for her birthday party, she is writing guest list. It is her 18th birthday. About 150 guests will be invited to the party. She should choose a printing agency which cheaper than others to print the invitation cards. She is going to have a spectacular party. There will be a jazz performance at the party – and of course, a lot of delicious food, too. It should be a wonderful party she has ever had.

“What kind of gifts would you like, Alyssa?” Dad asks.

“Well, anything will do, Dad. Your presence is much more important for me.” She answers with a big smile.

Alyssa’s father is a civil servant, he often gets out-of-town duty. He is rarely stays at home, so his family misses him all the time. On her special day, Alyssa wants her family and her classmates attend the party.

“I prefer to have a small party rather than a big one – because we have to be more economical. Don’t be too extravagant.” her mom states.

“No, Mom! It won’t be too extravagant.” Alyssa replies.

Alyssa has been suffering from liver cancer for more than 3 years. Over time her diseases is becoming worse, yet she always tries to be as strong as she can. She does not want her parents worry and sad. Dad suggests that he will make a big party, because he just wants to see Alyssa happy. Finally, her mom agrees on the suggestion.

Many guests were coming to Alyssa’s birthday party. Almost all of them brought Alyssa special gifts. The party was held in the backyard beside the swimming pool. Sparkling lights and candles were adorning that lovely night. A fantastic jazz performance accompanied the ball made the party more and more magnificent. Cheerful smiles and laughter clearly came out of Alyssa’s mouth. Birthday cake decorated with beautiful candles became witnesses to the increasing of Alyssa’s age. That night obviously became one of the most special nights for Alyssa and her family.

However, it was also a miserable day for her family because Alyssa passed away no longer after the party ended. She was diagnosed as having incurable cancer – and it was in the end stage. Her father has been intentionally concealing it from other people. Nobody could bear their tears. Alyssa was buried in the cemetery not far from home. Her family now visits Alyssa’s grave every Friday.

VOCABULARY

(n) guest
(v) to invite (invited – invited – inviting)
(n) invitation
(n) invitation card
(n) printing agency
(adj) delicious / yummy
(n) present / gift
(ph) Anything will do!
(n) a civil servant
(ph) out-of-town duty
(adv) rarely / seldom
(adj) rare
(v) to attend (attended – attended – attending)
(v) to prefer (preferred – preferred – preferring)
(adj) economical
(adj) extravagant
(v) to suffer (suffered – suffered – suffering)
(ph) to suffer from cancer
(adv) over time
(adj) bad
(n) disease
(v) to suggest (suggested – suggested – suggesting)
(n) suggestion
(n) backyard
(prep) beside
(adj) sparkling
(n) lights
(n) candles
(v) to adorn (adorned – adorned - adorning)
(adj) lovely/beautiful
(n) ball
(adj) magnificent
(adj) cheerful
(n) laughter
(v) to laugh (laughed – laughed – laughing)
(adv) clearly/obviously
(n) witness
(v) witness (witnessed – witnessed – witnessing)
(adj) miserable / pitiful
(pv) to pass away (passed – passed – passing)
(adj) incurable
(ph) end stage
(v) to conceal (concealed – concealed – concealing)
(n) secret
(n) tears
(v) to bury (buried – buried – burying)
(n) grave

QUESTION-ANSWER

1. What is Alyssa preparing for?

2. How many guests will Alyssa invite?


3. What music will be there at Alyssa's party?


4. What kind of present does Alyssa want?


5. Does Alyssa's mother want to have a big party?


6. What is Alyssa’s father's job?


7. Is Alyssa’s father always at home?


8. What does Alyssa's mom suggest?


9. What disease has Alyssa been suffering from?


10. How long has Alyssa been suffering from her pain?

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