中級口語教程Stage Fright

Lesson 34
     Text A
     Stage Fright
     Tom was sick with disappointment. The piano recital ha.d turned out well, all except for his solo. He couldn't understand howcould have happened.
     He had practised for weeks that seemed like months. He had given up sports until after the recital because he wantedmake his parents proudhim. He spent all his time with the pi
     His teacher had said he was gifted. It was true that he accepted music as another language, another waytalkpeople.
     His grandparents, aunt, and uncle all camehear him play, and he was anxiousshow them that he was the bestthe whole class.
     But, when he stood upgothe piano, his knees felt weak. He looked into the audience and saw his family smiling back at him.
     His mouth went dry. His fingers begantremble. The trembling became uncontrollable shaking as though he had caught a bad cold.
     He sat down at the piano. He took a deep breath. He played the first five barshis music , then realized with horror that he had forgotten thc rest. He started over. thinking that would help. It didn't.
     He stood up as ifslow motion and walked offf the st age. He was a failure. The demon stage fright had left a brilliant musical careerruins.