The Purple Patch
Jack was nervous. He had to wear his old trousers with the purple patch that could be seen by those who (1). ......., like Ann Dale. “Are you going to the sports, Jack?” His friend came up to him. “There are prizes - 10 dollars and 12 dollars!" "Perhaps if I get a prize, I could buy those trousers now”, Jack thought. Ten minutes later they were on their way to the sports. There were many children there. “First race!" the man with the megaphone shouted. Jack tried too (2) ....... at the sprint. He wanted to win. And he was second. "Even Two! A Thread-the-Needle race!” When he heard the signal he ran like the wind. But the pair next to them finished first. The last (3) ....... was Jack's chance for a big prize. At that very moment Ann offered him to be his partner. "Ready! Off!" Jack forgot why he had come to the sports. He had only one (4) ..... – to get to the other end quickly: the sooner he was there the less time Ann would have to notice the patch. Sharp grass hurt his hands; the blood ran to his head. But he was going on "We (5) Jack!” he heard Ann's words when they crossed the finishing line. And he saw that Ann's face was full of admiration, not contempt, and he was very happy.​