Tommy’s house

4. What was Tommy’s reaction when he broke the vase?

5. What was his mother’s reaction?

6. How did Lilly act in that situation?

7. Why did Tommy’s mum take his toy cars from him?

8. What did the incident with the broken vase lead to?

9. What aspects of Tommy’s life did his parents control?

10. What new subjects was Tommy supposed to take up?

11. Why did his mum want her son to study so hard?

12. Did Tommy have the same intentions?

13. Did the child want to spend much time studying?

14. What would Tommy like to do instead?

15. What was his mother’s attitude to his own interests?

16. Why were Tommy’s parents strict with the boy?

17. Did Tommy follow all his parents’ rules? Why?

18. What was the living room associated with?

III Analyse the following:

1. Lilly’s behaviour in the situation with the broken vase;

How does it characterize the girl?

2. Conversation between Tommy and his mother; How does it characterize the boy, and his mum?

TALKING POINTS

I Tell about the room that you associate with your family place. Describe it.

II Answer the following questions.

1. Is there a tradition in your family? Tell about it.

2. Are you accustomed to keeping order in your room?

3. Do you have to follow a lot of rules at home? What are they?

III Tell about your parents. Are they strict or mild?

CHAPTER 6

The Game room

The game room presented a great variety of things for entertainment.

There were some board games, toys, stationery and everything you can imagine for a kid to play. Tin soldiers, small planes, toy cars of different models and colours were on the shelf and on the floor. The railroad on the carpet was an object of the boy’s pride. Playing it, he passed a lot of stations as an engine driver in his fantasy travelling.

Tommy usually put on a record. When he was listening to music, he went on dreaming. The magic sounds aroused in his soul strange unknown feelings, they were unclear to him. He couldn’t explain why one liquid melody evoked melancholy while another beautiful piece of music made him smile.

Tommy really liked drawing. He took his sketchbook, coloured pencils, markers, crayons, then he placed himself on the floоr and started to express his ideas on paper. The child drew everything that came into his head. His fantasy revealed some incredible images, and he often was astonished at his own pictures. They looked as if somebody else depicted the amazing stories.

Lilly visited the room as often as possible. She knew every object in the room in detail. A toy or game, pen or pencil, marker or eraser – the girl could tell a story about any subject.

When Tommy was in a good mood and ready to play with her, she chose costumes for them to play some roles in their home theatre.

“Tommy, I will be a Princess and you’ll play a pirate.. no, you’ll be a hero who will save me! …or you’ll free me from an evil wizard’s castle! Here is my sparkling gown! Where is your prince’s suit?”

“Lill, we have already played this game. Let’s make another one for a change! Maybe lotto? Or the sea battle?”

“It is very complicated and boring for me. Tommy, please!”

“Oh, my building kit is here, I haven’t finished construction of the airport yet. Will you help me?”

“I don’t know… I can only help with decoration… Do you want your airport to be luxurious?”

“What?! Are you kidding? Lilly, this is the airport! Have you ever seen a luxurious airport?”

“Why not create it right now?”

“No. I’ll build the best airport myself, without your silly decoration.”

“You won’t! And it’s not silly!

What makes you think that your airport will be the best?!”

“I know for sure, because I’m the best constructor!”

“Ahahaha! Who said it?”

“My mum! She says that I’m the best! Don’t dare to laugh! And don’t speak to me like that.”

“Ok. Tommy, will we play today?”

“Lill, let’s make your theatre performance.

Put on your dress, and I will find my sword.”