Ex.2 a) Read the first part of a magazine article story about how Sheila and Akan met. How do you think the story ends? Discuss your ideas with a partner.

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 803.

Reading

‘I never thought it would happen to me'

Every day on her way to work, Sheila Fletcher, a senior nurse from north London, passed a group of homeless men outside the Underground. She never paid any attention until, one day, she noticed a man who seemed different from the others. 'I don't know why,' said Sheila, 38, 'but I gave him £5. When I gave him the money, he looked so vulnerable, like a little boy'

Sheila thought about him all day at work and realized that she wanted to see him again. That afternoon, he was there again and he smiled when he saw her. She didn't give him any money, but they talked for a few minutes without saying much. For the next three days, they chatted morning and afternoon and Sheila learnt more about him.

He told Sheila that his name was Akan and he came from Cyprus. He had lost his job in a shoe factory and he had lost his home at that time. He said that his friends didn't want to know him any more and he had been on the streets for eight weeks. He wanted to return to Cyprus, but he thought that he would never have the money.

On the fifth afternoon, Sheila stopped, as usual. 'It was cold and wet,' she says. I couldn't leave him in the street. I knew it was crazy to invite a beggar to my home, but I wasn't worried.' At home, they chatted for hours about their families, their lives and their interests. Much later, feeling tired, Sheila told Akan that he could sleep on the sofa, and, before going to her room, she kissed him goodnight.

Suddenly, Akan looked agitated. 'Wait,' he said. 'I have to tell you something. I know it will shock you, but I have to tell you.' With tears rolling down his cheeks, Akan told Sheila that he was a heroin addict. Sheila was angry with herself, thinking she had been stupid to fall in love with an addict. After staying awake all night, she knew that although she loved him, she couldn't let him stay with her.

The next day, Sheila took Akan to a travel agent's and bought him a ticket to Cyprus. She didn't know if she felt happy or sad that he was returning home.