A
When Allen invited me on a camping trip to the mountains, I imagined a wooden cabin overlooking a lake, with a warm fireplace, hot cocoa, and soft beds. But my happy image became a nightmare when Allen and his older brother, Leo, showed up with a truck filled with camping equipment—tents, sleeping bags, and water bottles. We were going on survival training!
The ever-efficient Leo was keen to leave the city behind us and urged us to hurry. Several hours later, as we drove through the forest, the mountains seemed bigger than I remembered; the trees were larger, and the environment felt more threatening.
At the trailhead, Leo tied a sleeping bag onto my already heavy pack and lectured Allen and me about hiking rules. Then, with Leo in the lead, we set off along the narrow and steep dirt track that wound (蜿蜒) up the mountain.
After 6 hours of climbing, we finally reached the top. My legs aching, I dropped my pack and groaned (呻吟) but there was no time to rest. “We need to set up camp quickly,” said Leo. “There are dark clouds coming in. A storm’s on its way.”
I thought he was kidding, but Leo was quite serious. He and Allen worked expertly, while I stood around and acted as if to help, thunder rumbling in the distance. We just finished putting up the tents when it hit. The wind, thunder, and lightning were relentless (毫不留情的).
Leo, sensing that I was scared, started telling us some stories about his camping adventures. But each time lightning lit up the tent and the thunder echoed (回响), I jumped. “Don’t worry. Summer storms pass quickly,” Leo said trying to comfort me. “And at least the rain will keep the bears away,” he said with a teasing smile, which was less comforting.
And just as quickly as the storm came rushing in, it passed, and we exited the tent. The view was incredible — I could see for miles. As darkness set in, I stared in wonder at the millions of glowing stars in the night sky.
I won’t lie — I was still wishing for a hot shower and a soft bed, but as I gazed upward at the Milky Way, I knew this was an adventure I would never forget.
21. Why was the author surprised when Allen came to get him at the beginning of the story?
A. He realized their trip would be challenging.
B. He saw that Allen was not well prepared.
C. Allen had arrived earlier than arranged.
D. Allen’s brother was unexpectedly with him.
22. Why was it necessary to set up camp immediately after reaching the mountain top?
A. It was almost night time. B. They were tired and needed to rest.
C. The weather was changing. D. They needed protections from animals.
23. What can we guess about Leo?
A. He was inconsiderate of other’s feelings.
B. He was an experienced and capable hiker.
C. He had known the writer for a long time.
D. He had not been to this mountain before.
24. How did the author feel at the end of the story?
A. Optimistic. B. Satisfied. C. Scared. D. Disappointed.