郴州市2023年下学期期末教学质量监测试卷
高一英语
（试题卷）
注意事项：
1．试卷分听力、阅读、语言运用、写作四个部分，共10页。时量120分钟，满分150分。
2．答题前，考生务必将自己的姓名、准考证号写在答题卡和该试题卷的指定位置上，并认真核对答题卡上的姓名、准考证号和科目。
3．考生作答时，选择题和非选择题均须作答在答题卡上，在本试题卷上答题无效。考生在答题卡上按答题卡中注意事项的要求答题。
4．考试结束后，将本试题卷和答题卡一并交回。
第一部分听力（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
例：How much is the shirt
A． 19.15. B． 9.18. C． 9.15.
答案是C。
1．What will the weather be like next week
A．Snowy. B．Sunny. C．Rainy.
2．Where will the speakers meet Sally
A．In the library. B．In the art gallery. C．In the park.
3．What does the woman want to do tonight
A．Watch TV. B．Do her homework. C．Go to the cinema.
4．What is the conversation mainly about
A．A film. B．A book. C．A bookcase.
5．Why does the woman talk to the man
A．To order some furniture. B．To recommend a job. C．To ask for help.
第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6．What is Pete doing now
A．Washing the dishes. B．Picking apples. C．Making pies.
7．What is Pete like
A．Forgetful. B．Considerate. C．Nervous.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8．What did Amy plan to do last night
A．Go shopping. B．Visit some friends. C．Watch a film.
9．What time did Amy finish filming
A．At around 6:00 pm. B．At around 7:30 pm. C．At around 11:00 pm.
10．What is the man’s attitude toward Amy’s experience
A．Casual. B．Interested. C．Unfavorable.
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11．Where did Cathy find the wallet
A．In the parking lot. B．On the playground. C．At a shopping mall.
12．What is inside the wallet
A．A photo. B．An ID card. C．Some business cards.
13．What will Cathy do next
A．Make a phone call. B．Find the owner outside. C．Go to the police station.
听第9段材料，回答第14 至16题。
14．How many students are there in each class at most
A．10. B．12. C．15.
15．When will the course probably end
A．In September. B．In July. C．In April.
16．What is the woman’s major
A．History. B．Chinese. C．Architecture.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17．What is the first suggestion of the talk
A．Do some reading. B．Get up early. C．Drink right.
18．What is advised to drink first in the morning
A．Tea. B．Coffee. C．Water with lemon juice.
19．Why should people avoid using social media in the early morning
A．The discussion on social media is useless.
B．It makes people lose sense of time.
C．You may disturb your friends.
20．What does the speaker do probably
A．He is a radio host. B．He is a TV journalist. C．He is a health expert.
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C、和D）中，选出最佳选项。
A
Summer at the Library
Starting Thursday, June 9, the New York Public Library is giving away 500,000 free books to kids and teens in branches this summer! Here are also various books for all book lovers to choose from. Drop by and pick up new books to take home for your children and yourself.
·For Babies & Toddlers（学步的孩童）
Join the Library this summer — and all year round — for story times, free events and programs, activities, and many more. Plus, explore what you can do at home with your little learners!
·For Kids
Read, learn, and have fun all summer long with our all-new Make Waves program! Take the summer reading challenge, join us in branches for our “Summer Cruise” programs, and enter our annual summer writing contest.
·For Teens
Make waves this summer by contributing to our brand-new magazine for teens! Plus, join us for author talks, arts and crafts（工艺）, photography and many more in the branches and online.
·For Adults
From book discussions and author talks to a plant exchange and a citywide dance party, there’s something for everyone this summer at the Library! Explore everything the Library has to offer.
What Else Can You Do at the Library
·Discover oceans of possibility with free events and programs
·Get a free New York Public Library card
·Visit our free exhibitions
Click HERE to learn more details!
21．Who can enter the Library’s competition
A．Authors. B．Kids. C．Teens. D．Adults.
22．What can teens and adults both do at the Library
A．Attend a dance party. B．Discuss books online.
C．Exchange ideas with authors. D．Learn to make artworks.
23．Where is the text probably taken from
A．A newspaper. B．A travel brochure. C．A magazine. D．A website.
B
Dear Your Teen,
I’m struggling with my 15-year-old son over his music lessons. He has enrolled in piano lessons and is required to take an exam to complete the course, for which I have already paid. Since he started high school, he has put in a lot of effort at school, but he doesn’t want to dedicate much time to his music lessons because his schedule is filled with his school homework. I want to respect his decision, but I also think he should be responsible for finishing what he started. Should I compromise（妥协） when he tells me he wants to give up I’d really appreciate it if you could give me some advice. Thanks!
Linda
Expert Tori Cordiano
It’s good for your son to work so hard at the start of high school! The transition（过渡）from middle school to high school typically brings teens more homework in harder classes and increases expectations about managing their workload more independently. It requires teens to take a hard look at their schedules and out-class activities to decide what feels reasonable to stick to while also doing their best at school. It is a more important part of adolescence（青春期） to help your son realize what he needs for his own well-being than concern which activities he sticks with and which he drops.
If you decide that your son does need to finish the course, a good communication about how to ease his amount of work in other places may be in order. For example, if your son spends a long time on schoolwork and spends his free time on the piano, you may decide to give him a break from other tasks temporarily（临时地）, while he sees his lessons through to the exam.
You raise a concern many parents have about compromising when your son tells you he wants to quit. However, that doesn’t sound like what is happening here. Unless he often stops and starts many activities and fails to keep at them, you might instead look at this situation as your son advocating for the time and space he needs to take good care of himself and meet his own high academic expectations. That’s exactly the kind of exploration and self-knowledge we want adolescents to develop.
24．Why did Linda write to Your Teen
A．Her son spends much time on the piano.
B．Her son isn’t responsible for his own decision.
C．Her son desires to dedicate much to homework.
D．Her son wants to quit the piano lessons she has bought.
25．According to Cordiano, what should senior one students think about seriously
A．Doing more homework in harder lessons.
B．Learning harder lessons more independently.
C．Balancing their out-class activities and studies.
D．Having a reasonable expectation of their studies.
26．What does Cordiano advise Linda to do
A．Ask her son to finish his lessons.
B．Tell her son to develop self-knowledge.
C．Free her son from too many activities temporarily.
D．Compromise to his son about giving up music lessons.
27．What can we learn from Cordiano’s answer in the last paragraph
A．Linda’s son is used to giving up halfway.
B．Linda should view his son’s decision positively.
C．Linda’s son fails to make full use of his time and energy.
D．Linda’s son can take good care of himself while studying hard.
C
Although I love watching Olympic diving, I’ve never understood why athletes hurry off to the showers and then proceed to relax in a hot tub（热水浴池） after each dive. They’re already wet. They’re only in the pool for a handful of seconds, so it’s not like they need to get cleaned up. And doesn’t taking a shower serve the same purpose as sitting in a hot tub
Actually, that’s what Olympic divers usually do between dives as they know very well about the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs. So, what’s the actual reason
As it turns out, showers and hot tubs are used pretty interchangeably by the swimming pool. However, there is a need for both. First, let’s start with why divers need to take a shower between dives. It has to do with body temperature and keeping their muscles relaxed. As you can imagine, practicing dives in the pool, then having to keep your body warm in a shower, and then jumping off a 10-meter platform and into cold water couldn’t be comfortable for anyone. Going back and forth between these warm and cool temperatures can cause a diver’s muscles to tense or cramp up（痉挛）, which can lead to injuries to the muscles. Showers allow an Olympic div er to recover and prevent that.
In that way, showers and hot tubs serve the same purpose. A hot tub is generally used if you have a bit more time between dives and have already stretched. The shower walls on the pool deck can typically provide enough space for more divers at the same time, and they’re especially helpful for athletes who need to stretch or who only have a few minutes between dives. Just like Olympic swimmers depend on thick clothes to keep their muscles
warm, Olympic divers rely on these methods to stay loose. If you ask me, it’s not a bad way to pass the time!
28．What does the underlined word “proceed” in Paragraph 1 mean
A．Prefer. B．Continue. C．Tend. D．Stop.
29．Why do the athletes need showers after diving
A．To fully clean their body. B．To rest and wait for the results.
C．To avoid possible muscle injuries. D．To stop themselves from catching a cold.
30．What does the last paragraph suggest
A．Hot tubs are as important as showers for divers.
B．Olympic swimmers need to stay warm using hot tubs.
C．Hot tubs are often used by divers having little time between divers.
D．The shower walls are designed for divers who have already stretched.
31．What is the author’s purpose in writing this text
A．To provide some diving advice for us.
B．To compare cold showers with the hot bath.
C．To explain the difference between warm-ups and cool-downs.
D．To tell us why divers take a shower and sit in a hot tub after diving.
D
Parents once shouted, “Don’t get dirty!”, as they angrily watched their children spoil their best clothes, their whites turning into brown before the day was over.
Today, many parents may secretly wish their children had the chance to pick up a bit of dirt. With the rise of urbanism（城市化）, and exciting video games and social media, contact with nature is much rarer than in the past. For many, there is simply no chance to get muddy（沾满泥的）. According to recent research, the dirt outside is teaming with friendly microorganisms that can train the immune system and build resistance（抵抗力） to many illnesses, including allergies, asthma and even depression and anxiety.
These findings show that outdoor exercise is not only beneficial because of the chance to wander free — but that certain natural materials, such as soil and mud, also contain surprisingly powerful microorganisms whose positive impact on children’s health we are only beginning to fully understand. Outdoor play can also offer valuable learning experiences. For example, the act of playing mud or sand can help children develop the way their senses and movement interact.
Such activities — away from the house or classroom— may also help children to find ways to deal with emotions that may be hard to explore in other environments. So-called “sand tray therapy”, which involves using sand and small statues to express one’s thoughts and feelings, is an accepted form of guidance for children who are struggling to express their emotional state.
Clearly, people who spent most their childhood in the countryside tend to show a better response to stressful events like public speaking compared with those who had grown up in cities. “The people who grew up in cities are kind of ‘walking time bombs’ when facing the stress we meet today. However, people since childhood who spent lots of time in nature are generally more positive.” says Christopher Lowry, a professor of integrative physiology.
32．How does the author introduce the topic
A．By providing a research. B．By giving a definition.
C．By making a comparison. D．By answering a question.
33．Which of the following is NOT the benefit of outdoor exercise
A．Improving the immune system. B．Expressing emotions in proper ways.
C．Gaining valuable learning experiences. D．Teaming with friendly microorganisms.
34．Why are some people “walking time bombs”
A．Because they are harmful to the public. B．Because they are good at public speaking.
C．Because they are more easily hurt by stress. D．Because they always stay positive and energetic.
35．What message does the passage mainly convey
A．Getting dirty —Muddy puddles are actually good.
B．Outdoor activities are far more popular than before.
C．Children will have no stress if they live in the countryside.
D．Illnesses can be avoided if children are confident and positive.
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Benefits of Sport
On-going physical exercise can be hard for teenagers to try. 36 If you are planning to do exercise regularly, or you’re doing it now, then listen up!
37 Clearly, regular exercise will make your body stronger by contributing to the development of your muscles, bones and lungs. It can help improve your body’s immune system, making you better prepared to fight off diseases. Sport also has hidden health benefits such as lowering the chance of cancer later in life.
Sport teaches teamwork and problem-solving skills. Fighting for a common goal with a group of players and coaches teaches you how to build teamwork and effectively communicate to solve problems. 38
Sport improves self-confidence. 39 Achieving a sport goal encourages you to achieve other goals you set. This is an exciting learning process. Moreover, sport builds character and encourages you to keep a positive attitude to life.
Sport reduces pressure and stress. 40 You can also make new friends who can be there for you as a support system. When you feel under pressure or stressed, call up a teammate, head to the gym to talk and play it out.
The world of sport is a fairground of exciting opportunities where you can discover who you really are. Time, I think, to lace up your sports shoes and go play.
A．Sport helps you lose weight.
B．Sport benefits physical health.
C．There is no reason you should exercise.
D．However, it is good for the mind, body and spirit.
E．Exercising is a natural way to relax and let go of stress.
F．This experience is helpful when solving problems at work or at home.
G．Watching your hard work pay off and achieving your goals develop self-confidence.
第三部分 语言运用（共两节，满分 30分）
第一节 完形填空（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Steve was a boy whose parents died when he was a child. With little care, he had been failing since first grade. He was seldom noticed until he met Miss White, a young kind teacher.
“You all did pretty well,” she told the 41 as she went over the test results, “except one boy, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but...” She hesitated, looking at Steve. “The 42 boy in the seventh grade is failing my class.” Steve 43 his eyes and carefully examined his fingertips.
After that, John refused to do his 44 . Miss White was very worried and tried to encourage him to study. “Please give yourself a chance!” Miss White tried to 45 Steve, yet Steven didn’t 46 .
Then one day, she said, “Steve! Please! I care about you!” 47 , Steve got it. Someone cared about him. He spent the whole afternoon thinking about what he should do. When he got home after school, he headed to his bedroom to 48 .
On Monday morning, Miss White gave a 49 on the weekend homework. Steve 50 through the test, and was the first to hand in his paper. Miss White looked it over in total 51 . The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just 52 his first test.
From that day, Steve began to study hard and after graduating from a famous university, he becam a（n） 53 doctor, who treated all patients carefully. His story 54 many young people to change and stick with dreams.
Actually, sometimes care from a teacher can make a 55 to a student’s whole life.
41．A．colleagues B．staff C．class D．parents
42．A．smartest B．richest C．happiest D．laziest
43．A．opened B．closed C．raised D．dropped
44．A．research B．homework C．projects D．presentations
45．A．count on B．cheer up C．do justice to D．take pride in
46．A．respond B．ignore C．apologize D．adapt
47．A．Fortunately B．Gradually C．Frequently D．Suddenly
48．A．cry B．sleep C．study D．play
49．A．question B．quiz C．lesson D．review
50．A．thought B．lived C．hurried D．broke
51．A．fear B．shock C．relief D．anger
52．A．attended B．designed C．passed D．failed
53．A．responsible B．independent C．positive D．energetic
54．A．persuaded B．attracted C．benefited D．inspired
55．A．difference B．advantage C．option D．contribution
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或所给单词的正确形式。将答案填写在答题卡的相应位置。
Tim and I talked a lot about his problems today, and I’m so glad that I could help my best friend. It also left me thinking about what it really means to be a “good friend”. In my opinion, the following 56 （quality） form the basis of a friendship.
A good friend needs to be 57 （support）. I can see that Tim is having trouble 58 （balance） his project and his schoolwork, and I can see that both are important to him. I must respect and support the choices he makes. I should also encourage him to take action to get over these difficulties.
A good friend also needs to be selfless. Tim is someone 59 I should try my best to help, even if it means more work for me. When he’s struggling 60 his schoolwork, I should do all I can 61 （help） him become a more efficient learner. It’ll take up some of my spare time, 62 this friendship is worth my extra time and effort. I’m sure that Tim would do 63 same for me.
To me, a good friend brings out the best in a person. And I think Tim is the one who brings out the best in me. Through our conversation today, I know that our friendship will grow 64 （strong ） than ever. I’ll always value these qualities of a good friend and try to
measure myself by these standards as our friendship 65 （develop）.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节 应用文写作（满分15分）
假如你叫李华，你的美国笔友Tina对中国的传统节日非常感兴趣。她想请你介绍你最喜欢的一个中国节日，如春节、中秋节等。请你根据以下要点回复邮件。
1．你最喜欢的节日；
2．庆祝的方式；
3．喜欢的原因。
注意：
1．词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Tina, Yours, Li Hua
第二节 读后续写（满分25分）
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
续写的词数应为150左右。
My first year of senior high school felt awkward. The school was twice as big as my old school, and to make matters worse, my closest friends went to a different high school. I felt very lonely.
One cold and windy Sunday afternoon, I was sitting at home at our dining room table doing homework, with a fire going in our fireplace. As usual, my cat was lying on top of my papers, purring（发出呼噜声） loudly. She was never far from me. I had rescued her when she was a kitten and put my name on her collar in case she got lost.
Suddenly, I smelled something strange, and then I noticed that smoke was pouring in. It filled the room so quickly that we all ran out into the front yard. By the time we made our way outside, the whole roof was in flames and the fire was spreading quickly.
When the fire was finally out, our house was almost completely burned down. I was in a bad mood and then it struck me ... I hadn’t seen my cat. Where was my cat Much to my horror, I realized that my cat was gone and my heart ached for her. Then all at once it hit me—the new school, the fire, my cat—I broke down in tears and cried and cried.
The next day, I went to school. But I was totally embarrassed by everything. My clothes and shoes were borrowed from my aunt. I had no books or homework, and my backpack was gone. I had my life in that backpack! I didn’t want to grow up if it was going to be this way. I just wanted to curl up and quit school.
It always seems that bad news spreads quickly. Everyone in high school, including the teachers, was aware of my sad situation. What a way to start off at a new school! This was not the kind of attention I was looking for.
The next day at school, people were acting even stranger than usual. They kept asking me to hurry up to the gym. I thought it was strange, but when I went into the gym, I knew why.
注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
There was a big table with all kinds of things on it. A week later, I was planning my new bedroom when a woman with a cat knocked at my door.
郴州市2023年下学期期末教学质量监测试卷
高一英语听力材料、参考答案及评分细则
一、听力技能录音材料
Text 1
W: What bad weather! It’s been raining for a week.
M: Next week, it will be worse—snow is coming. I really miss the sun in Florida.
Text 2
M: Sally says we should meet her in the park at noon. Then we’ll go to the art gallery together.
W: I thought we were meeting in the library.
Text 3
M: I’m thinking about watching a movie on TV tonight. Will you join me
W: Sorry, I don’t think I can. I have to finish my science homework.
Text 4
M: That film reminds me of the book I gave you. Have you still kept it
W: Yes. It’s in my bookcase in the living room.
M: You have read it, haven’t you
W: To be honest, I only got up to the second chapter.
Text 5
W: I would like to start bargain hunting for furniture online. Could you recommend a website
M: I really like to search Craigslist first. People list furniture for sale on that site when they’re moving away.
Text 6
W: It looks like you’ve got a message on your phone.
M: I’m doing the dishes right now. Do you mind checking it for me
W: Okay. Oh, it’s Mark. He was asking if you were free to go fishing this weekend.
M: Uh, tell him I’m busy. I’m going apple-picking with you this weekend for apple pies.
W: Wait, what
M: It’s our anniversary this Sunday, honey. We deserve some quality time together.
W: Oh, Pete, I totally forgot it. You’re so sweet.
Text 7
M: Amy, did you work at Starbucks last night
W: No, I planned to go shopping with my friends, but I was asked to act in a short film instead.
M: Really That’s exciting. So have you finished shooting it
W: Yes. We filmed two scenes. The camera crew was called at 6: 00 pm and the actor was called at 7: 30 pm. I went straight from home to the set to get ready. We finished those scenes at around 11: 00 pm.
M: What a wonderful experience! Please tell me if you are asked to do that again. I also want such an opportunity.
Text 8
M: What’s in your hand, Cathy
W: Dad, it’s a wallet. I found it in the parking lot near the shopping mall just now. There was nobody nearby, so I brought it home.
M: What’s in it
W: Oh, about $60 in cash.
M: $60 What are you going to do with the wallet
W: I don’t know. Maybe I should try to find the person who lost it. But how can I find the owner
M: Check the wallet to see if you can find any information about the owner.
W: Ah, yes. There are some business cards with a man’s name and telephone number on them.
M: OK, you should call that man. He will be really glad to get his wallet back.
W: I’m sure he will. I will call him immediately.
Text 9
M: You are Mary Morgan from London, aren’t you
W: Yes, I am. I registered for this summer course by email on April 20th. And are you Mr Cooper
M: Yes. I’m a teacher of this course. You’re welcome to be here to study Chinese.
W: Thanks a lot. I’m interested in Chinese culture very much. By the way, how many students are there in a class
M: Each class has 12 students at most. They come from different countries: America, France, Japan, and so on.
W: Oh, I think I can make many new friends.
M: Yeah. The class begins on July 10th next week. It will take us two months to finish this course. When will you have to return to Britain
W: About five months later. I’ll be returning to London in December, maybe on the 15th. And I have to continue my lessons at college.
M: What do you major in at college
W: Architecture. This is one of the reasons that I want to know more about Chinese history and culture.
M: I see. I think you’ll gain a lot in our summer course.
Text 10
M: Morning, everyone. Today, we’ll share with you some ideas on how to start your day off right.
1．Get up early.
An American proverb goes like this: The early bird gets the worm. Here, if you’re a bird, the worm is your reward. As Benjamin Franklin once told us “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
2．Drink right.
Drink a glass of water with lemon juice first in the morning instead of coffee or tea. ．This helps you refresh your body and be prepared for the day.
3．Say NO to social media in the early morning.
After getting up, you decide to open your social media account. Well, don’t do that. This is a great way to forget about the day ahead. We’ve all done it: You see a post from a friend on Weibo, and the heated discussion pulls you in. An hour has passed without notice, and you hurry to go to work. Well, this is not the best way to start your day.
Here are all the tips for a right morning start. Thanks for listening to our program. See you tomorrow.
二、参考答案：
1-5 ACBBC 6-10 ABACB 11-15 ACABA 16-20 CBCBA
21-25 BCDDC 26-30 CBBCA 31-35 DCDCA 36-40 DBFGE
41-45 CADBB 46-50ADCBC 51-55 BCADA
56．qualities 57．supportive 58．balancing 59．whom/that 60．with
61．to help 62．but 63．the 64．stronger 65．develops
三、写作
第一节 应用文写作
One possible version:
Dear Tina,
How is it going I am delighted that you are interested in our Festivals. My favorite festival is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
On Mid-Autumn Festival, families always get together. On that day people eat mooncakes which are in the shape of the moon and enjoy the bright moon with families. Among all the festivals, I like the Mid-Autumn Festival best not only because I can enjoy delicious food, but also because I can have fun chatting, staying with family members.
Hope you can come to China to enjoy the festival with us
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节 读后续写
There was a big table with all kinds of things on it. It was like Christmas. They hadtaken up a collection and bought me school supplies, notebooks, all kinds of different clothes, tops, sweatsuits, etC．I was overcome by emotion. People who had never spoken to me before were coming up to me to introduce themselves. I got all kinds of invitations to their houses. Their genuine outpouring of concern really touched me. In that instant, I finally breathed a sigh of relief and thought for the first time that things were going to be okay. I made so many friends that day and I decided to move on and look on the bright side of life.
A week later, I was planning my new bedroom when a woman with a cat knocked at my door. “Does this cat belong to you ” asked a woman at the door. I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was holding my cat! I leaped up and grabbed her out of the woman’s arms. I held her close to me and she purred happily. Apparently, my cat had been so frightened by the fire that she ran away. This wonderful woman took her in and worked hard to find out whose cat it was. As I sat there with my cat curling up in my lap, all the overwhelming feelings of loss and tragedy seemed to disappear. I felt gratitude for my life, my new friends, and the kindness of a stranger. My cat was back and so was I.
