原版英文小故事 19. What’s in the Box?（在线收听）

Perry’s 32nd birthday was today. His wife, Amanda, had promised him something special. Perry couldn’t imagine what it might be. He already had everything he needed or wanted. Whatever she was going to give him, it was definitely going to be a surprise. She had not asked him whether he wanted anything, and he had not dropped any hints suggesting that he was hoping for something. In fact, his plan was simply to watch TV and ignore the event. There was certainly nothing interesting or exciting about turning 32.

When he got home from work, he changed into his shorts and a T-shirt and took their dog Pretty Boy for a walk. When he returned, Amanda had also gotten home from work. She gave him a kiss and told him happy birthday. He thanked her and asked what the surprise was. She told him that it was on the pillow in the bedroom. He went into the bedroom and found a brightly wrapped package with a big blue bow on it. He brought it out to the living room.

“Why don’t you try to guess what it is?” Amanda suggested.

“Okay,” Perry replied. “It’s not a motorcycle or a houseboat. It’s not my Christmas bonus. It’s not another pet; I don’t see any air holes in the wrapping and I don’t hear any sounds.”

“Well, maybe it’s a turtle,” Amanda smiled.

“Yes, that would explain the silence, but turtles still need to breathe,” Perry remarked. “It’s not a book or a video or a CD, is it?”

“No, you’re not even close. Remember, it’s something special.”

“Well, you’ve got me,” Perry said, puzzled. Something special in a box that was only about one cubic foot. He told Amanda that he gave up. She told him to unwrap the box. After opening it, all he found was a little rubber doll.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“It’s a boy, silly! I’m pregnant,” Amanda beamed. “And his name is going to be Perry, Jr.”