Joanna

Joanna

The Author: Sophia Lin

Words Checked: 4238

Words in Oxford 3000: 96%

2

＊Contents＊

*Summary P.4 ~P.6 *Chapter 1-The Orphanage P.7 ~P.10 *Chapter 2-The Shock P.11 ~P.15 *Chapter 3-In the Park P.16 ~P.22 *Chapter 4-The New Life P.23 ~P.27 *Chapter 5-Mr. Tompson P.28 ~P.30 *Chapter 6-The Big Change P.31 ~P.33

3

＊Summary＊

Joanna was a seven years old girl who has lived in an orphanage since six years ago. She was sent there with a letter, a birth certificate and a picture. She was not satisfied with her life, even though she didn’t lack anything. She always thought there was something that could change her boring life. Mrs. Wilson was a kind woman and was the mistress of the orphanage. One day a man who called himself Joanna’s father appeared. He wanted to take Joanna home and looked after her life in the future. Joanna was backward, but she still went home with him. Her father, Dale, told Joanna the story which was about him and her mother. He also tried to explain why he had left her in the orphanage for such a long time. The main reason was Joanna’s grandfather, he couldn’t

4

accept Joanna’s mother at that time. Joanna finally went home with her father, but she still felt lonely. Nobody really treated her as a family member except her father, but her father was very busy. Her step mother, Marina took care of her daily life, but she seldom talked to her. Joanna felt her life was just like in the orphanage; even though she had family right now. One day when she was on her way home, she helped an old man, Mr. Tompson, who lived alone. He became a good friend of Joanna; she always told him a lot of her secrets. In addition, Joanna often visited his home; she talked and brought some food for him. Gradually Joanna knew how to contribute her love and care for someone else. She felt satisfied with this feeling and she does not feel bored anymore. She realized her life is

blest！ She wanted to treasure it.

5

Joanna changed her attitude toward her step mother and grandfather and they were also influenced by Joanna’s behavior. The family members eventually cherished each other.

6

＊Chapter 1 The Orphanage＊

Joanna was a seven year old girl who has lived in the orphanage since six years ago. She was sent to the orphanage in the chilled winter with a letter which described why she was taken here with a birth certificate. Her mother died on cancer and that was the main reason she couldn’t raise Joanna. However, the letter did not mention her father. “Where is my dad anyway?” She had thought about this question for many times. Joanna also had a picture of her mother and her, but she couldn’t remember anymore the face which belonged to her only family member. She couldn’t even remember any memory between her mother and her. Sometimes she would look at this picture which was taken when she was a baby. In the picture her mother and she smiled happily and the face of

7

her mother was satisfied. She also hugged Joanna tightly. “How happy we were! How come I can not feel this warmness right now?”, Joanna thought.

Joanna felt unhappy about her present life even though she did not lack anything. She always thought there was something that could change her boring life. Mrs. Wilson, the mistress of the orphanage took responsibility for Joanna’s daily life. She was a kind woman, but there were so many children in the orphanage, so she could not know what they were thinking about.

Joanna was more sensitive and more mature than the other children in the orphanage; she did not like to play with the dolls nor role play game with the other girls of the same age. Most of time, she was reading in the little library in the basement by herself. She enjoyed reading, especially the fairy tales. She also tried to write a

8

fairy tale about a wizard and a witch. They knew a lot of magic, but their only child Timmy knew nothing about magic. Timmy’s talented parents were quite worried about Timmy. Trying hard to write this fairy tale, she used most of her leisure time.

On Sunday morning, Mrs. Wilson usually took them to the park to picnic. The baby-sitter in the orphanage would prepare cakes and milk tea for them. The children played games with Mrs. Wilson. Joanna knew she had a real mother when she was three, so she did not want to call Mrs. Wilson "mom" as the other children did. She called "Mrs. Wilson" instead.

The pre-age children who don’t have the qualification to go to the school learned together in the orphanage. Mrs. Wilson hired an old teacher who came from the countryside to teach them basic English and mathematics. The old teacher’s real name was Larry, but a

9

naughty boy in the orphanage gave him the nickname "Lazy" because he usually fell asleep in the class. "Mr. Lazy" had a serious accent and the children could not understand what he taught. The other children hated him so much because he gave them a lot of homework, but Joanna felt he was funny.

Days passed and each one of them was almost the same for Joanna. She hoped something could change her daily life. However, she didn’t know there was a huge shock waiting for her…

10

＊ Chapter 2 The Shock＊

One day after Joanna came back to the orphanage from the park with the other children, Mrs. Wilson used the broadcast to call Joanna to the president’s office. She was confused why Mrs. Wilson did that because she seldom used the broadcast except for important matter. Her roommate, Finna was curious about it and wondered if Joanna had done something wrong. Joanna walked slowly to the office; although she knew she hadn’t done anything wrong, she still felt a little worried. When she entered the office, a man who wore formally attracted Joanna’s eyesight. Joanna was definitely shocked and she became trembled. How that possible the man is was definitely like her? This is unbelievable! Mrs. Wilson noticed her facial expression and she explained to her, “Listen! Joanna, I

11

will tell you a fact which might change your life. I hope you can take out your bravery to accept it.”

Joanna could almost guess what the answer might be, but she did not expect it might be true. She had no family in this world, did she? In her memory the only family in this world was only her dear mother, but she died six years ago after Joanna was sent to the orphanage. While she was thinking, Mrs. Wilson spoke, “This person has been waiting for you for hours when we were out in the park. Well, I may know your answer and I think you are right. Exactly! He is your parent, your dear father. I am glad you have family right now, Joanna.”

“My father? It is impossible!” Joanna thought. Mrs. Wilson continued saying, “I think you have a lot of words to say in this touching and happy moment, so I don’t want to bother you. I will leave and have a

12

nice talk.” Mr. Grant thanked Mrs. Wilson and he looked at Joanna deeply, the daughter he had never seen since she was born. Finally, he said, “Joanna, I know you can not believe that right now, neither can I. In fact, I never knew I had a daughter. However, when I realized it is true, I came to this orphanage as soon as I could. You are really like me, Joanna. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Dale, Dale Grant.”

Joanna spoke slowly, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Grant.” She still could not believe why she had a real father at this moment. Wasn’t it just a dream? How strange! Dale continued asking her, “How have you been these years?” Joanna answered, “Well, everything is fine. Mrs. Wilson is a nice person.” Dale said, “I want to continue talking with you, but I know to accept this truth for both of us is a big challenge and we just can

13

not accept it so easily. In addition, I have a lot of words to say and it is my responsibility to explain to you why you had to stay in the orphanage the past years. Next week I will come here and tell you the details of a long story. Furthermore, you have to think about the choice-go home with me or not, and tell me your answer when I am here again in a few days. Take care, Joanna.”

Joanna came back to her room in silence. Home? A strange and new word to me.” Joanna thought. Finna kept asking her why she had to go to the president’s office, but Joanna did not answer her for a couple of minutes. “I just saw my father.” Joanna said. “Wow, really? How blest you are! Now you have real family, you should be happy about that.” Finna said enviously. Finna was two years older than her, her parents died in a car accident. She became an orphan, and nobody take care of her. That was

14

the main reason she was also in this orphanage.

Joanna asked Finna, “What is like to have family?” Finna answered her reminiscently, “If you have family, that means somebody really loves you without compensation; somebody remembers your birthday and prepares a birthday cake for you; somebody listens to you if you have sorrows; Somebody reads stories to you before going to sleep.” Finna’s words made Joanna think the day before yesterday was Joanna’s birthday, but nobody remembered it and even said “Happy Birthday” to her. However, Joanna knew this could not blame Mrs. Wilson; there were more than forty children in this orphanage, and she was busy all day. How came she have spare time to remember this?

“Is it much better having a real home?” Joanna thought about Finna, and it sounded perfect…She made a decision for herself.

15

*Chapter 3 In the Park

A few days passed, Dale came to the orphanage again, and he guessed whether his daughter would come home with him or not. He hoped Joanna’s answer would be yes, he wanted to redeem and treasure this daughter who had had no parents to take care of her since she was little. Dale was ready to accept this fact that he had a seven year old daughter and he had prepared a room for Joanna. When Dale entered the orphanage, he saw Joanna reading in the lobby. Joanna was surprised to see her father, but quickly she calmed down and said to him. “Well, Mr. Grant, I have made my decision.” “You have? Good girl. Now tell me.” Mr. Grant said in a shivery voice. “I had decided go home with you.” Joanna said. “Really? That is wonderful! Dad is happy to hear this.” this time Mr. Grant said in a delighted voice.

16

They said goodbye to Mrs. Wilson and the children in the orphanage. All of them were happy to see Joanna find her father and they were happy to give her a blessing. Joanna had confused feeling to see these people who had lived with her for years, and now she was going to leave to live with her real family. “What a big change!”Joanna thought. She had never dreamed to her present situation. Dale suggested Joanna to go to a park where he had had a lot of memories before returning home. Joanna agreed. They drove about two hours in order to go to their destination-the special park.

“Do you remember last time I told you I had a story to tell you?”Dale asked his daughter. “Yes, I do.” Joanna answered. “Well, it is a long and sad story, are you ready to hear it?” Dale asked his daughter. Joanna nodded her head. “Your mother, Janice, and I were schoolmates when we were college

17

students, but we hadn’t met each other at that time until one day we met in this park. That was a rainy day raining really heavily. I went to the convenient store to buy my lunch. Unfortunately, when I came out from the store, I discovered my umbrella was gone!” Dale said with a soft voice.

“It might have been stolen.” Dale guessed. “In that way I decided to run home as quick as possible without taking umbrella. I was running very fast, and when I passed the park, a motorcycle was rushing toward me. I could not avoid it and it hit me. I was falling on the ground and very hurt at that moment. The person who rode the motorcycle fled immediately without saying a word.” Dale said. “You had bad luck! Did you call for help?” Joanna showed her sympathy to her father. “No, I didn’t. I tried to stand up by myself. Suddenly, a girl appeared and she helped me up. She picked up the lunch and cleaned it

18

for me. She also supported me with her hand in order to get home. I asked for her phone number to show my appreciation to her, but she refused.” Dale answered. “Was she my mummy?” Joanna asked. “Yes, you are right, she was your mummy.” Dale replied his curious daughter. Dale continued, “After a few days I had this accident, I bumped into her on campus. I was so surprised she also studied in this school. Then I started to pursuit her, and she promised to go out a date with me after we knew each other for six months. We decided to get married after we graduated from college, but there was a problem, my father could not accept Janice. The main reason was she came from a poor family. Your grandfather was a successful merchant and definitely our home was very rich, and he wanted me to marry a girl who also came from a rich family. What a ridiculous idea! I didn’t care

19

what kind of family she came from, most important for marriage is I loved her very much…” “Dad, are you ok? Don’t be sad, it’s all passed.” Joanna comforted her father. “I am fine.” Dale said. “What’s next of your story?” Joanna asked. “Well, Joanna, that is why you grew up in the orphanage these years. Janice knew my father doesn’t like her and could not accept her as a daughter-in-law, so she decided to leave without telling me where she intended to go. When I noticed that she was gone, I tried my best to find her back. However, I was depressed; I could not find her anyhow I tried. She also changed her telephone number, so it seemed like she was missing in this world. I was totally heart broken and blamed my father. Why was a couple who loved each other not being together?” Dale still could not accept this idea. “How did you find me, dad?”

20

Joanna asked. “I received a letter from a friend of your mother and me recently. When I opened the letter I discovered there was nothing except an envelope. I was curious why my friend had done this. When I took out the envelope, I felt I am versant with the handwriting on the envelope. I was speechless to see it; the handwriting belonged to Janice. In the letter she said she has already had a child and she was a little girl. She is about seven years old when you read this letter.” I was shocked when I read this, Dale said. Here is the content of this letter, “Dear Dale, long time no see, how have you been these years? I have some astonishing news to tell you. I was pregnant when I left you, and I decided to bear this baby. However, when I had maternity regular examination, the doctor told me I have cancer, and the therapy didn’t work for me. The only thing I could do was

21

waiting for …died. I was quite desperate hearing that, but I did not worry about myself. How about our daughter, Joanna? Who looks after her in the future? I decided to send her to the orphanage which is located near my current residence. It is the address of the orphanage. She will be about seven years old when you read this letter and she has a birthmark, like a star on her left hand near the thumb. I hope you can take her home when you finish reading this letter although I know your father may refuse to accept this granddaughter. She is about ready to go to elementary school. I sincerely hope you can look after her in the future. I beg you treat Joanna nice, which is also my only wish. Johnson will help me to send this letter to you six years later. When you read this letter, I was already in the other world. Take care of yourself. Janice.” Dale told her daughter the details of the letter.

22

＊Chapter 4 The New Life＊

Joanna listened carefully to the details and when her father finished reading this letter, she found her eyes were full of tears. Somebody really loved her deeply; she was touched by this feeling. Dale said to his daughter, “I was quite shocked at that time and I decided to find you as soon as possible although my father might not agree. That were all how I found you and why I had left you in the orphanage for several years. Could you forgive me, Joanna?” “I can forgive you, my dear dad. You haven’t done anything wrong. The death of mom was not your fault.” Joanna answered. Dale smiled and continued talking to his daughter, “However, there is something I must tell you. I was married four years ago under the arrangement of your grandfather. That means you have a step mother and a younger sister. We live

23

together with your grandfather. They will be your family soon, and I hope you can accept them. You can call your step mother Aunt Marina, who will take care of you. Your sister’s name is Gail who is just a two year old little girl.” Joanna said nothing when her father told her about the members of his current family. Joanna and her father spent another two hours go home and it was about dinner time. It was the most beautiful and big house that Joanna had ever seen. It had a colorful garden with numerous flowers and a splendid fountain. When they passed through the path of the garden, a big dog was running toward them. “Its name is Lucky. It is very naughty,” Dale told Joanna. They entered the house finally. “Welcome! Joanna.” Aunt Marina said in a cold voice. It seemed like she had waited for them for hours. She was a beautiful

24

woman but with cool and unconscious eyes. Her hair was very long and smooth and it was tied in a ponytail right now. Aunt Marina looked differently compared to my mom in the picture. “What kind of person is she?” Joanna thought. There was an old man who was sitting on the corner of the table. “He must be my grandfather.” Joanna made a guess. He hadn’t looked at Joanna until she greeted him, but his response was quite simple and cool. He just nodded his head quickly. Gail was crying loudly when Joanna and Dale walked into the kitchen. “They do not seem to welcome me,” Joanna thought. When she finished eating her supper, her father took her to her room which was on the third floor. “Good night, Joanna. Tomorrow I will take you to the school.” After saying that, Dale left. Joanna began to go to elementary school after about one week later she

25

came to live with her father, Dale. She was independent and she handled everything well; Wake up in the morning, go to school, walk home after school and write her homework without somebody pushing her. Her father was a busy businessman so Joanna seldom saw him during the weekdays, even at dinner time. Sometimes he also had to work on holidays. Although Aunt Marina looked after her everyday, she seldom talked to her if it wasn’t necessary for her. For most of the time, Aunt Marina was busy taking care of her younger sister, Gail, and the housework. “What about Joanna’s grandfather?” maybe you would ask. Well, he treated Joanna as a stranger; He has never talked to her since she arrived. Nobody really treated Joanna as a family member except her father, but he was very busy. Joanna felt lonely, “My life is just like in the

26

orphanage, even though I have a real family right now,” Joanna thought. Sometimes she would miss Mrs. Wilson and the children in the orphanage. At least, somebody would talk to her and she could not only talk with Lucky.

27

＊Chapter 5 Mr. Tompson＊

One day when Joanna walked home after school as usual, she discovered an old man was falling down on the crossroad. The pedestrian ignored him and pretended nothing and just walked by. Joanna decided to help this old man and carried his stuff to his home about five minutes away from Joanna’s home. The old man thanked Joanna, “Thank you, little girl. I am Mr. Tompson. May I have your name?” “Sure! My name is Joanna, you can call me that. Can I come to see you another time? I have to go home now,” Joanna said. “Definitely you can, Joanna,” Mr. Tompson answered. One Saturday afternoon Joanna felt bored and she decided to visit Mr. Tompson. Mr. Tompson was happy to see Joanna and they had a long and nice talk about their lives, hobbies and interests. Joanna discovered Mr.

28

Tompson lived alone, so she asked him, “Mr. Tompson, do you have any family?” “I had before,” Mr. Tompson answered sadly. “What do you mean" before " ?” Joanna did not understand. “My wife died when my son was born. I was very sad at that time, but I still had to take care of my son. Ten years before, he married and had a cute boy. My daughter in law and my son treated me obediently. That was the happiest time I ever had. However, an accident took all their lives, and there is only me in this world. If my grandson were alive, he would be about at your age…” Mr. Tompson said.

Joanna was sorry to start this conversation, and she decided to help Mr. Tompson live a happier life. She often went to Mr. Tompson’s residence to chat with him and brought some food and supplies to him because she knew his financial situation was not so good. Joanna

29

liked and enjoyed talking with Mr. Tompson and he would teach her many things. She thought he was a reliable person, so she often told him a lot of her secrets. They became good friends little by little.

Gradually, Joanna knew how to devote her love and care to someone else. She felt satisfied with this feeling and did not fell bored anymore. She wanted to treasure her family, and she also realized her life is good enough; at least she had a family. In fact, she did not lack anything. She had to be satisfied with her present situation.

30

＊Chapter 6 The Big Change＊

Joanna changed her attitude toward her grandfather and Aunt Marina. She wanted to mend their relationship. She used to think that was all her grandfather’s fault. If there wasn’t his prohibition of her parents’ marriage, maybe her mother would have had a better chance to have a medical treat and would not have died so early. And off course she would not grew up in the orphanage. Nonetheless, Joanna decided to forgive her grandfather. “It is all passed. He is my grandfather after all,” she thought.

Joanna helped Aunt Marina to look after her younger sister, Gail, and she also tried to tell her about what funny things happened in school everyday. Aunt Marina was surprised but happy to see the change in Joanna. Sometimes she would take Joanna to go shopping or to the

31

supermarket to buy the food Joanna liked to eat. Their relationship was like a real mother and daughter at the present. Dale was happy to see that. Joanna began to talk to her grandfather actively and helped him to plant flowers in the garden. Joanna admired his skill in planting flowers. She also asked him to teach her. At first, her grandfather neglected Joanna’s behavior, but gradually he accepted Joanna as a granddaughter. Joanna also introduced Mr. Tompson to her grandfather. They were about the same age and they became good friends. Since they were introduced to each other by Joanna, they had climbed the mountain or played chess together many times. Both of them were happier than before and had more confidence living with joy. Joanna also persuaded her father, Dale, to spend more time accompanying his family, and he did. Dale often took them to have a picnic

32

33

on holidays or to the orphanage where Joanna lived before. All the family members were influenced by Joanna’s behavior and they treasured each other eventually. Finally, Joanna could appreciate the feeling that someone really cared about her as a family member and she could also contribute herself to somebody. She liked her family and wanted to treasure it forever. She would attend to someone who needed help actively. Contributing is better

than receiving, isn’t it？

（The End）