THIS IS TIMED I hung around in the new neighborhood enjoying the sight of green trees, big whitewashed houses, and well-kept lawns where geraniums and roses of different shades were in full bloom. It had been three days since we moved to Cameron County from Reynosa, and I was eager to explore the neighborhood.
2 As I lingered on the sidewalk at the far end of the block, I noticed a house that had the neatest and the best-kept lawn I had ever seen. The lawn looked like one of those paintings by an artist who puts a lot of time and effort into his work of art. I started to turn around and leave when I heard something that sounded like a bark.
3 The gates were slightly open, and I could see the house and its conspicuous front yard with blooming flowers of different colors. For a fleeting moment, I was tempted to pluck one, but they looked so perfect that I decided to bend down and take a whiff of the sweet fragrance.
4 As I was enjoying the view laid out in front of me, a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.
5 "Aren't they lovely?" he said.
6 I turned around to find a middle-aged man, probably in his late fifties. "I planted these beauties with my own hands," he added in his proud and merry voice.
7 "Hi, my name is Ethan," I introduced myself.
8 "Nice to meet you, Ethan! I'm Jacob," he said.
9 When I told him that his garden had the best flowers in the neighborhood, his eyes twinkled, and a big grin spread across his face. I told him that I lived a few blocks away, and when I asked him about his family, he said they were on vacation. He could not leave the house, as he had a pet and a garden to look after.
10 "This garden, its flowers, and the sparrows that chirp all day long on the trees in my backyard are my friends and family for now," he said and winked. "Would you like to take one of my best roses home?" he asked.
11 "But they are so beautiful, and you worked so hard to make your garden look so appealing," I replied.
12 "If my flowers make you happy, I'll gladly gift you one," he said and smiled.
13 I was surprised and inspired by Jacob's passion for gardening and vigor for life. I headed home with a beautiful rose in my hand and a fresh zeal that my new friend had instilled in me.
6
Through the narrator's experience, the author explores the theme of —
A.
travel and exploration
B.
nature and passion
C.
loneliness and grief
D.
remoteness and isolation