Nancy and her daughter, Carol, were at the Eiffel Tower, as the sun was setting over Paris. The sunset that they saw was beyond description. “Thank you, Carol. I can’t believe I am in Paris with you. It has been my lifelong dream to visit this beautiful city.” Nancy thanked her daughter for this special trip that she had prepared in secret. Their trip to France was Carol’s surprise gift for the sixtieth birthday of her mother ― a woman who had sacrificed all (a) her life for her only daughter.

While they were enjoying dessert, a server approached them and asked, “Excuse me, who is Nancy Holloway between the two of you?” “I am,” answered Nancy with a curious look. Then he gave a lovely bouquet of roses to Nancy, saying, “This gift is from your daughter. (b) She called yesterday and asked us to prepare this celebration for you.” Surprised, she looked at her smiling daughter. Carol winked and said, “(c) You deserve this and more, Mom. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me.”

When at last they arrived at the restaurant, to make matters worse, they were charged three times more than the usual fare due to the heavy traffic. Yet a happy turn of events was waiting for them. The restaurant was fantastic and all the staff were very polite and kind. The French cuisine was delicious. “This is the best food (d) I have ever had! I will never forget this dinner with you,” said Nancy, thanking Carol for another surprise gift.

As the sky grew dark, Carol hurried because she had prepared another secret surprise for Nancy. “Mom, let’s go enjoy our dinner before it gets too late. I reserved a table at a French restaurant for (e) you.” Their pleasant evening, however, was unexpectedly interrupted as they waited to get a taxi. It took them a really long time to catch one. Even after they finally got in, the taxi got caught in heavy traffic. They were late for their reservation.