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河北省NT20名校联合体2025-2026学年高三上学期1月月考英语试题详解
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。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
段对话读两遍。
1. What does the woman suggest the man do in advance?
A. Buy a train ticket. B. Download an app. C. Review a document.
2. What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A. An athlete. B. A TV show. C. Their favorite hosts.
3. Which table does the woman finally choose?
A. A table by the door. B. A table in the corner. C. A table by the window.
4. Why did Lily fail to complete her homework?
A. A family emergency happened. B. She had to look after her father. C. She hurt her
ankle while walking.
5. Why did the speakers set out early?
A. To avoid the crowds. B. To find a better route. C. To catch the sunrise.
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。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 unavailable now?
A. Bread. B. Chocolate. C. Strawberry yoghurt.
7. How much does the man hand the woman?
A. 15 dollars. B. 20 dollars. C. 28 dollars.
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. What does the man say about his last job?A. He often traveled for work. B. He ran a newspaper column. C. He had flexible
working hours.
9. What aspect of the company does the man ask about?
A. The working schedule. B. The pay and benefits. C. The company culture.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10. Who is Nichole probably?
A. The man’s sister. B. The man’s mother. C. The man’s teammate.
11. What did the man leave at home?
A. His keys. B. His smartphone. C. His sports watch.
12. What will the man probably do next?
A. Eat some food. B. Give a call. C. Make some cookies.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13. Where are the speakers probably?
A. In a classroom. B. In a radio studio. C. At a debate competition.
14. What percentage of plastic bottles are thrown away in the UK?
A. About 39%. B. About 45%. C. About 61%.
15. Who believes bottled water should continue to be sold?
A. Rebecca. B. George. C. Allen.
16. Why does Jasper oppose bottled water?
A. It costs more than boiled tap water. B. It does harm to the environment. C. It may
contain harmful chemicals.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. What does Krystle Dulas do?
A. She studies group behavior. B. She gives relationship advice. C. She sells products
at a company.
18. What happened in January that upset Ms. Dulas?
A. Her friend did not reply to her messages.
B. Her friend moved to another place for work.C. Her friend returned home without visiting her.
19. What did Beverley Fehr say about the sadness of losing friendships?
A. It fades very quickly. B. It’s not typically recognized. C. It hurts less than losing a
family member.
20. How did Ellina Rabbat feel after ending her friendship with Antonia?
A. She regretted it. B. She felt relieved. C. She was angry with herself.
1-5 ABBAC 6-10 CBBCA 11-15 AABAC 16-20 ACCBB
……
Text 10
M: According to relationship experts, cutting ties with a close friend can be as painful as
ending a marriage. Krystle Dullas, a sales representative at a toy company, has been
experiencing that pain recently. When Ms. Dullas’ close friend left their city for a long
cross-country road trip in 2022, they promised to stay in touch. But as life got busier,
their long telephone conversations slowly disappeared. In January, when she saw on
social media that her friend visited home without seeing her, Ms. Dullas felt confused
and hurt. She asked her friend about the visit, but she only got a short and very cool
reply. They haven’t spoken since. “I felt as if I’d been casually abandoned by someone
I’d been close to for nearly five years,” said Ms. Dullas. “Such break-ups represent an
unrecognized kind of sadness,” said Beverley Fehr, a social psychologist. “If someone
goes through the death of a family member, there’s generally support for the person, or
at least an acknowledgement of the pain they are experiencing. That tends not to
happen so much in friendships,” Dr. Fehr added. In some cases, ending a friendship can
bring peace of mind. Ellina Rabbat, a public servant in Vancouver, ended her on-again,
off-again friendship with Antonia last year. Telling Antonia directly that she didn’t wish
to continue the unstable friendship was a great weight off her shoulders. Whether
you’re the one ending the friendship or experiencing its end, it’s important to treat
yourself with kindness.
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A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡
上将该项涂黑。
AGRESHAM PROFESSOR OF PHYSIC
Applications are invited for the position of the Gresham Professor of Physic. Gresham
College has been giving free public lectures since 1597. Today these lectures are both
presented in person in London and live streamed to a global audience, with recordings
made available online. Gresham professors are outstanding in their fields and superb
communicators, able to connect with an audience whose members may not have
specialist expertise in the subject, but who will be informed people with a thirst for
increased knowledge and understanding.
The Professorship of Physic is open to any discipline within the field of Medicine and the
Biological Sciences.
The 10-term appointment requires the professor to present six lectures each academic
year, two lectures per term. Gresham professors also participate in college life,
attending the Academic Board, participating in promotion and outreach, attending
social events and acting as ambassadors for the college. The post offers excellent
opportunities to widen public exposure for the successful candidate. The college pays
an annual stipend（津贴）of £9,000 and encourages applications from all backgrounds
and communities.
All applications will be processed according to the College’s official procedure.
Applicants must submit:
●A statement letter explaining suitability for the post and outlining the proposed
lecture series.
●A resume of no more than five pages.
●Title s and short abstracts for six lectures in the first academic year, plus an outline for
the following seven terms.
●A link to an online lecture demonstrating strong communication skills.
●Information on any social media accounts.
●Names and contact details of at least two referees.
Applications should be sent to professorships@ gresham. ac. uk. Please combine into a
single PDF file and include your surname in the file title. Applications may also be sent
by post to: The Academic Programme Manager, Gresham College, Barnard’s Inn Hall,
Holborn, London EC1N-2HH.
21. What ability is essential for the position of the Gresham Professor of Physic?A. Having a medical degree from London.B. Having long teaching experience abroad.
C. Being able to speak to non-experts clearly.D. Being skilled in running live streaming
systems.
22. What can the successful applicant expect from the job?
A. luxury housing. B. Academic visibility. C. Extra income for each lecture. D. Free
access to all college courses.
23. What may lead to an application being disqualified?
A. Submitting a six-page resume. B. Sending the application electronically.
C. Using social media during the process.D. Providing the names of only two referees.
21-23 CBA
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇应用文。文章介绍Gresham物理学教授职位的招聘信息，包括
学院背景、职位要求、工作内容、薪资及申请材料与方式等。
……
B
Mark Levine, a 77-year-old American professor, has spent nearly twenty years living
and working in China. On teaching days, he leaves his apartment in Beijing’s Haidian
District before sunrise and travels over thirty kilometers to Minzu University’s Fengtai
campus. Although he moves slowly, he maintains an active schedule, balancing his work
as a teacher, writer, and musician. Levine often explains that these roles help him stay
connected to the society he regards as home.
His interest in China began while he was working for a U.S. labor organization dedicated
to improving conditions for low-income workers. As a sociologist, he examined how
different countries addressed social inequality and was particularly impressed by China’s
progress. Later, a job offer from a college in Huai’an convinced him to take a decisive
step and begin a new chapter.
He still remembers his first evening in Huai’an, when the streets were crowded with
bicycles, a scene that signaled how different his new environment would be. Over the
years, he traveled to every provincial-level region in China and delivered lectures at
more than eighty universities.
In 2007, Levine moved to Beijing. His small apartment is filled with plants, guitars, books
about China, and souvenirs from his travels—items that record the life he has built onhis own. Although his family lives far away, he insists that he does not feel lonely, largely
because of the friendships he has formed with colleagues, neighbors, and students.
A key moment in his life came when he met Fu Han, a piano teacher who later became
his musical partner. Hoping to present a more complete picture of China to the world,
they began writing songs together. A spring festival he spent with her family in rural
Hubei left him particularly moved and inspired one of his songs about the warmth he
experienced there.
In 2016, Levine received Chinese permanent residence, which strengthened his sense of
belonging. Today, well known in his neighborhood, he is often greeted by children who
call him “Grandpa Santa.”
24. Why did Levine move to China at first?
A. To take up a post. B. To further his study. C. To find a well-paid job. D. To explore a
college.
25. How does Levine mainly keep loneliness away while living far from his family?
A. By writing songs about home. B. By traveling to various places.
C. By occupying himself in work. D. By building social connections.
26. What does Levine’s cooperation with Fu Han imply?
A. It encouraged him to pursue music full time.B. It pushed him to learn traditional
instruments.
C. It helped him become an established performer.D. It allowed him to share local
stories effectively.
27. What is the text mainly about?
A. A sociologist’s fight for workers. B. A foreigner’s life rooted in China.
C. A foreign teacher’s route to fame. D. A professor’s music achievements.
24-27 ADDB
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了77岁美国教授Mark Levine在中国近二十
年的生活与工作经历，包括来中原因、旅行教学、人际关系及音乐合作等，展现了他
在中国扎根的状态。
……
CAs the holiday season approaches, products featuring artificial intelligence are raising
alarms among child safety advocates. Consumer groups warn that AI-powered toys
may endanger children’s well-being due to insufficient regulation and research, urging
demands for stricter oversight.
“These toys lack evidence of benefits for kids, face zero AI regulation, and their
marketing creates serious risks,” said Rachel Franz of Fairplay, a tech watchdog. The
concerns intensified after a Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) investigation revealed
an AI teddy bear named Olly’s Kumquat could discuss sensitive topics despite being
marketed as a “relationship enhance r.” “I was shocked by how openly it addressed
inappropriate content,” reported PIRG’s Teresa Murray.
Before the report, parents, technology researchers and lawmakers had already raised
concerns about the impact of bots on minors’ mental health. Experts highlight that
children may form emotional bonds with bots without realizing they are not human.
“Kids might expect unconditional support or prefer bots over real relationships,” warned
Jacqueline Woolley of the University of Texas. Companies also collect children’s data
without transparency（透明）, increasing privacy risks.“Children may share deeply
personal thoughts with toys lacking security measures,” said Franz.
While acknowledging potential educational uses—like language learning—advocates
urge caution. “AI toys shouldn’t be banned, but must prove safety through research
before remaining on shelves,” Franz insisted.
Following PIRG’s report, OllyAI haltedproduction of the bear toys for a safety review.
Meanwhile, 80 organizations, including Fairplay, advised families to avoid AI toys this
season, emphasizing that traditional offline toys have well-documented benefits
without the risks created by AI.
Toy manufacturers responded defensively. Curro, maker of The Grotto, promised to
investigate concerns while ensuring child safety. Mattel clarified its OpenAI products
target “families and older audiences,” banning users under 13 and stressing AI as a
“supplement, not replacement” for traditional play. Yet Franz questioned Mattel’s
safeguards: “How will they prevent kids from accessing these products?”
As AI integration expands in children’s products, the debate centers on balancing
innovation with protection. Until studies confirm safety and ethical standards, critics
argue caution—not convenience—should guide holiday gift choices.
28. What problem did the PIRG investigation find about the AI teddy bear?
A. It promoted inappropriate physical activities for children.B. It failed to function properly during standard safety tests.
C. It was found to be collecting personal financial information.
D. It addressed subjects that differed from its intended function.
29. What does paragraph 3 focus on?
A. The potential risks of traditional toys.B. The dangers AI toys might bring to kids.
C. The lack of safety in most children’s toys.D. The way AI toys replace real friends for
kids.
30. What does the underlined word “halted” in paragraph 5 probably mean?
A. Suspended. B. Ignored. C. Opposed. D. Expanded.
31. What can be inferred from Mattel’s statement about its AI products?
A. They plan to replace its traditional toys.B. They position AI as an optional addition.
C. They admit AI toys cannot be educational.D. They believe the age restrictions are
reliable.
28-31 DBAB
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了人工智能玩具因缺乏监管和研究，存在危
害儿童心理健康、泄露隐私等风险，引发相关机构担忧，玩具厂商则做出回应，探讨
了创新与儿童保护的平衡。
……
D
The human capacity for rational（理性的）thinking makes us unique among the animal
kingdom, according to wise, old Aristotle. However, a growing body of research
suggests that rationality might not be quite as distinctive a human quality as we might
have thought.
In a recent study, researchers at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda
presented chimps（黑猩猩）with two boxes: one with food and one without a snack.
They were initially given a clue as to which one had food. The team then provided the
chimps with sequential（顺序的）clues of varying strength about which one contained
a snack.
“When the initial evidence was strong, the chimps stuck with their original choice; when
the new evidence clearly outweighed the first, they switched their choice,” says HannaSchleihauf, a co-author of the study.
Her team also incorporated computer models to demonstrate that the chimps’
responses matched up with rational strategies of belief revision, ensuring they engaged
in genuine reasoning rather than merely favoring the most recent evidence. Researchers
typically associate this sort of reasoning with children around four years old.
“Most strikingly, the chimps also showed metacognitive sensitivity to evidence,”
Schleihauf continued. Metacognition is awareness and understanding about our
thinking processes. “They not only adjusted their choices, but did so in ways that
suggest they tracked the evidential basis of their beliefs; when earlier evidence was
defeated, they revised their belief accordingly,” she explains. These findings suggest
that chimps’ reasoning is more similar to ours than previously believed.
“Demonstrating rational belief revision in chimps provides a powerful comparative
baseline for understanding the evolution of human reasoning,” said Schleihauf. By
identifying which aspects of rationality humans share with chimps and which are unique
to us, researchers can better recognize which develop early in children, which depend
on culture, and which rely on uniquely human forms of social learning. She adds that
the study is important for animal conservation and welfare because it further justifies
the protection of great chimps, the increased moral standards in research and
conservation, and the creation of more cognitively（认知上）stimulating habitats in
reserves and zoos.
32. What can be inferred about the chimps’ behavior in the experiment?
A. They could ignore strong initial evidence.B. They preferred whichever box looked
larger.
C. They based decisions on weighing of evidence.D. They chose randomly when clues
were unclear.
33. Why did the researchers use computer models in the study?
A. To copy the chimps’ learning process.B. To predict which box the chimps would
choose.
C. To compare the chimps’ behavior with that of kids. D. To confirm the chimps used
rational belief revision.
34. What does Schleihauf think of the study findings?
A. They are less reliable than expected.B. They show limited progress in this field.
C. They fail to explain the chimps’ behavior.D. They reveal impressive abilities in chimps.35. What does the last paragraph stress about the study?
A. Its practical implications. B. Its historical context. C. Its experimental approach. D. Its
potential limitations.
32-35 CDDA
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了一项研究发现黑猩猩具备理性思维和元认
知能力，其推理方式与人类相似，该研究为理解人类推理进化、动物保护等提供了依
据。
……
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，并在答题卡上将该
项涂黑。选项中有两项为多余选项。
We are living through a sustained mental-health crisis. Anxiety, depression, and
burnout have reached levels unseen in modern surveys, and the effects are spreading
through workplaces, classrooms, and homes. 36 But sometimes, moments of peace
come in unexpected ways. Every Thanksgiving, when families gather to share what
they’re grateful for, something powerful happens in the brain. The simple act of giving
thanks changes how we feel, how we think, and even how our brains work.
37 Social media floods our minds with images that cause envy and self-doubt,
keeping our nervous systems in a chronic（长期的）state of stress. However, the
solution isn’t complicated. Gratitude is the simple key that can help calm the chaos
inside us.
When we focus on what’s right in our lives instead of what’s wrong, we quiet the
emotional centers of the brain and strengthen the judgment and decision-making
areas. 38 Research has found that people who regularly express thankfulness are
physically healthier, more optimistic, and better at achieving their goals. They sleep
better, experience less stress, and enjoy deeper relationships.
That’s not because they say “thank you” more often, it’s because they live with a
mindset of appreciation. Gratitude isn’t just good manners; it’s good
neuroscience. 39 It reminds us that even in hardship, there’s something to be thankful
for.
Like all good habits, this doesn’t happen overnight. Gratitude is something we cultivate
（培养）one intentional practice at a time. That might mean unplugging for a few
hours to rest and reset, journaling about what went right in your day, or taking amoment to tell someone you appreciate them. 40
A. It’s important to set aside time for self-reflection.
B. For many, these struggles can feel overwhelming.
C. In other words, gratitude helps balance our brains.
D. These small acts retrain your brain toward positivity.
E. Mental health problems are often overlooked by society.
F. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.
G. In today’s digital world, comparison and distraction are constant.
36-40 BGCFD
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇说明文。文章指出当下存在心理健康危机，而感恩这一简单行
为能改善情绪、思维和大脑运作，并给出培养感恩习惯的建议。
……
第三部分语言知识运用（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选
项。
Helen had spent countless quiet nights preparing for the Youth Piano Competition in
the city. Every difficult piece she practiced repeatedly made her more 41 to do her
best. When the big day arrived, she felt both nervous and ready. She 42 the first
bus leaving the town, hoping to reach the concert hall early.
The journey began smoothly. With her hands resting on her knees, Helen 43 the music
in her mind as the scenery streamed past outside the window. But halfway there, on a
quiet stretch of road outside the city, the bus shook unexpectedly, slowed down, and
came to a(n) 44 . The driver said that a mechanical problem might take nearly two
hours to 45 . Helen felt a wave of fear—two hours could 46 her the chance she had
been working for.
Unwilling to wait, she stepped off and began 47 at passing cars. Most
drivers 48 glanced at her, while a few sped by so fast that dust rose around her feet.
Each 49 made her anxiety grow, yet she persisted（坚持）, thinking of all the
efforts she had invested.Just as she felt exhausted, a white car slowed and 50 . The woman inside
listened 51 and said she was heading to the same city to visit her daughter. “Get
in,” she said. “No 52 should be left behind on the road.”
They arrived just in time. When Helen offered to pay for the 53 , the woman smiled
and 54 . “Just pay it forward someday.” Minutes later, Helen walked onto the stage
and performed with confidence. That afternoon, her name was 55 as the First Prize
winner—a success built on hard work, kindness, and courage.
41. A. delighted B. relaxed C. determined D. curious
42. A. drove B. boarded C. missed D. stopped
43. A. turned down B. showed off C. ran through D. listened to
44. A. sight B. end C. deal D. stop
45. A. fix B. find C. face D. record
46. A. free B. cost C. spare D. save
47. A. waving B. pointing C. staring D. throwing
48. A. merely B. gently C. closely D. entirely
49. A. crisis B. delay C. failure D. attack
50. A. passed by B. broke down C. sped up D. pulled over
51. A. casually B. attentively C. desperately D. generously
52. A. dream B. plan C. promise D. secret
53. A. ticket B. ride C. train D. bill
54. A. accepted B. ignored C. complained D. declined
55. A. predicted B. remembered C. announced D. imagined
41-45 CBCDA 46-50 BAACD 51-55 BABDC
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了Helen为参加青年钢琴比赛赶路，途中公
交车出现故障，她在路边求助时得到一位女士的帮助，最终及时赶到并获得一等奖的
故事，凸显了努力、善良与勇气的重要性。
……
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）阅读下面材料，在空白处填写1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
From conference passes to water bottles and shopping bags, such everyday items at
the 5th International New Materials Industry Conference held recently in Bengbu, east
China’s Anhui Province, were made from an 56 (innovate) material—polylactic acid
(PLA).
PLA, a biodegradable polymer（聚合物）made from renewable materials like corn and
straw, is becoming a green and sustainable alternative 57 traditional plastics.
“PLA is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly material that holds the
potential 58 (replace) traditional plastics and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said
Chen Liping, executive general manager of BBCA Group.
Widely used in packaging, medical applications 59 many other fields, this material is
helping to shape 60 more sustainable future. PLA-based biodegradable
dishes 61 (use) both at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics,
Chen revealed.
Themed “New Technology, New Materials, New Future,” and 62 (attract) about 400
representatives from home and abroad, the four-day conference showcased a range of
cutting-edge materials and highlighted the remarkable growth of China’s new materials
industry.
A report 63 (release) at the conference by CCID Consulting showed that China’s new
materials industry had reached a scale of 8.7 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year
increase of 13.8 percent. 64 (notable), the frontier materials industry rose 26.6
percent year on year to 329.2 billion yuan and is expected to exceed（超过）500 billion
yuan in 2026.
“As China advances new industrialization, the new materials industry is set to enter a
golden period of 65 (expand),” said Li Ke, vice president of CCID Consulting.
56. innovative 57. to 58. to replace 59. and 60. a 61. were used 62. attracting
63. released 64. Notably 65. expansion
[语篇导读] 本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了聚乳酸（PLA）这一创新材料的特性、应用
领域，以及第五届国际新材料产业大会的相关情况，提及中国新材料产业的规模与发
展前景。
……
第四部分写作（共两节，满分40分）第一节（满分15分）
假定你是李华，你班在校英语经典歌曲合唱大赛中获得一等奖，外教David打算为此
庆祝，并委托你调查同学们喜欢的方式。请你给外教写一封邮件，内容包括：
（1）调查结果；
（2）你的建议及理由。
注意：（1）写作词数应为80个左右；
（2）请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear David,
Yours, Li Hua
Dear David,
……
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Yours, Li Hua
第二节（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。
A Ray of Light
Emma had never liked the old community library. Its old lights and dusty shelves made
her feel as if she were stepping into a forgotten world. Yet that rainy Thursday
afternoon, she had no choice but to go there. Her group project was due the next day,
and she still needed several references that could only be found in the library’s archive
（档案）room.
As she shook off the rainwater and walked inside, she heard a low voice coming from
behind the front desk. It belonged to Mr. Harris, the elderly librarian who had workedthere longer than anyone could remember. He looked pale and tired, but when he saw
Emma, he forced a gentle smile. “The archive room is open today. Just be careful—the
lights have been flickering（闪烁）again.”
Emma nodded, though she felt a slight sense of unease. The library was unusually quiet,
with only the sound of the storm tapping against the windows. She headed toward the
archive room and began searching through the shelves. Minutes turned into an hour.
She finally found the last book she needed, but as she turned to leave, the lights went
out completely.
A wave of darkness swallowed the room. Emma froze. She took a step forward but hit a
shelf. Panic rose in her chest. She reached for her phone, only to realize the battery had
died earlier. Just then, she heard something—a cough. A weak one. “Mr. Harris?” she
called.
No answer.
Then she moved slowly through the dark hallway, feeling her way along the wall. The
storm outside grew louder. After several tense moments, she spotted a faint light
ahead. It was the emergency light above the front desk.
Under it lay Mr. Harris. He had collapsed（倒下）on the floor. “Sir!” Emma rushed to
him. His breathing was shallow, and his hands were icy cold. Her heart beat fast. She
remembered he lived alone and had no family nearby. She had to act quickly. But the
storm had knocked out the power—and likely the phone lines.
注意：
（1）续写词数应为150个左右；
（2）请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Emma pushed aside her fear and ran outside.
After thanking the clerk, Emma returned from the convenience store.
……
After thanking the clerk, Emma returned from the convenience store. Her clothes were
soaked again, but relief washed over her when she saw the flashing lights of the
ambulance already parked outside the library. The paramedic s were lifting Mr. Harris
onto a stretcher, working quickly and gently. Emma followed them, her heart tight with
worry, until Mr Harris opened his eyes and offered a faint smile. His whisper— soft but
sincere— told her he would be all right. Watching the ambulance leave, Emma felt a
quiet warmth spreading through her, knowing that courage and kindness had lit up thedarkest moment.
