【明報專訊】"AHHHHHH..." Ben was getting bent out of shape about his homework. No wonder he felt so anxious, it was a calligraphy (書法) assignment! And the student who did best would be nominated to enter an inter-school competition. Ben was a lazy boy and hadn't put much effort into learning calligraphy in class. That's why he asked for Grandpa's help.

Ben's grandpa was an accomplished (有造詣的) calligraphist who had won several awards. He often practised calligraphy in his study.

Knock-knock... Ben knocked on the door. No one answered him.

Ben crept into the study, making almost no sound. He was so sneaky that you could even hear the clock ticking loudly. Ben remembered that Grandpa had gone for a walk. Then Ben had some unclean thoughts.

He noticed that there were some finished calligraphic works on the table.

"Let's take one. Grandpa won't notice."

He thought it was a perfect plan as the teacher said they could write whatever they wanted.

So Ben grabbed one of Grandpa's works and submitted it to the teacher.

"Woooooow... This is Ben's work... Unbelievable..." Some of Ben's classmates were admiring his calligraphy, which had been chosen as the winner to represent the school. Ben felt extremely embarrassed as it wasn't his own work.

"Never mind. It won't do me any harm." Ben chose to ignore his wrongdoing.

One day his class teacher Miss Wong congratulated him in front of the class, "Ben, you've won the competition! It has been posted on the board near the classroom." Ben felt rather flattered. But then Miss Wong said, "You need a guardian to accompany you to get the prize."

Oh no! He couldn't think of any sensible solutions but practise calligraphy day after day. Then he removed Grandpa's work from the board and replaced it with his.

Back home, Ben rushed to Grandpa's study but saw him waiting for him.

"I know you stole my work, you idiot. You'll be punished for sure..."

The punishment was an intensive calligraphy course taught by Grandpa. And of course, the school dug out the truth and cancelled his prize. After that Ben always dreamt of drowning himself in an inkwell (墨水瓶). He really learned a lesson.

◆Food for thought

Stealing is stealing, no matter what you steal, be it an object or an idea. Moreover, if we don't solve the problem with our own hands, we won't be able to improve ourselves.

■Gear up

(1) a. Ben lives in Hong Kong.　 True/False/Not Given

b. Ben is a master of calligraphy. True/False/Not Given

(2) Where does Grandpa keep his calligraphic works?

________________________________________

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

get bent out of shape (idiom) 非常沮喪

study (n) 書房

unclean thoughts (n phr) 不當念頭

flattered (adj) 深感榮幸的

[Smarties' Power English 第251期]