127. Home alone (Listen and Read)

I remember the first time that my parents left me home alone.

I was very grown up, and I thought that I would be just fine.

I was fine for a while.

I watched television and had something to eat.

I called my friend on the phone, and we talked for a while.

Then, I sat down to read a book.

The house was quiet, very quiet.

I found myself listening very carefully.

I heard a tap, tap tapping noise.

I wondered where it was coming from.

It seemed to be coming from the window.

I turned out the lights so that nobody would see me,

and I peeked out the window carefully.

I was expecting to see a robber tapping at my window.

There was nobody there.

It was just a tree branch swaying in the breeze and tapping at my window.

I felt silly.

I turned on the lights and sat back down to read my book.

A few minutes later, I heard some creaking noises.

I listened carefully.

Then, I heard a clunking noise.

I think it might have been the furnace.

Then there was a whirring noise.

My imagination began to play tricks on me.

I was imagining that there were all kinds of creatures in the house.

I told myself to grow up.

I wouldn't let my imagination run away with me.

I was glad when my parents got home.

I told them about all the noises that I had heard.

My parents laughed and said that all houses make noises.

We're usually just so busy that we don't hear all the noises that go on.

I have stayed home alone many times now.

I just ignore all the little creaks and noises that I hear.

I'm still alert and listen for anything suspicious,

but I know that there are lots of noises that are harmless.

That tree that taps on my window still frightens me sometimes,

but I'm a lot braver now than I was the first time that I stayed home alone.