(A)
Emma and Clara stood side by side on the beach road, with their eyes fixed on the boundless ocean. The breathtaking scene that surrounded them was beyond description. Just after sunrise, they finished their preparations for the bicycle ride along the beach road. Emma turned to Clara with a question, “Do you think this will be your favorite ride ever?” Clara’s face lit up with a bright smile as she nodded. “Definitely! (a) I can’t wait to ride while watching those beautiful waves!”
(B)
When they reached their destination, Emma and Clara stopped their bikes. Emma approached Clara, saying “Bicycle riding is unlike swimming, isn’t it?” Clara answered with a smile, “Quite similar, actually. Just like swimming, riding makes me feel truly alive.” She added, “It shows (b) me what it means to live while facing life’s tough challenges.” Emma nodded in agreement and suggested, “Your first beach bike ride was a great success. How about coming back next summer?” Clara replied with delight, “With (c) you absolutely!”
(C)
Clara used to be a talented swimmer, but she had to give up her dream of becoming an Olympic medalist in swimming because of shoulder injuries. Yet she responded to the hardship in a constructive way. After years of hard training, she made an incredible recovery and found a new passion for bike riding. Emma saw how the painful past made her maturer and how it made (d) her stronger in the end. One hour later, Clara, riding ahead of Emma, turned back and shouted, “Look at the white cliff!”
(D)
Emma and Clara jumped on their bikes and started to pedal toward the white cliff where the beach road ended. Speeding up and enjoying the wide blue sea, Emma couldn’t hide her excitement and exclaimed, “Clara, the view is amazing!” Clara’s silence, however, seemed to say that she was lost in her thoughts. Emma understood the meaning of her silence. Watching Clara riding beside her, Emma thought about Clara’s past tragedy, which (e) she now seemed to have overcome.
