Learn by Listening Level 2

[00:00.10]Home Alone|[00:02.44] I remember the first time|[00:03.69] that my parents left me home alone.|[00:05.87] I was very grown up, and I thought|[00:07.98] that I would be just fine.|[00:10.04] I was fine for a while.|[00:11.90] I watched television and had something to eat.|[00:14.83] I called my friend on the phone,|[00:16.82] and we talked for a while.|[00:18.56] Then, I sat down to read a book.|[00:21.48] The house was quiet, very quiet.|[00:24.59] I found myself listening very carefully.|[00:27.83] I heard a tap, tap tapping noise.|[00:30.44] I wondered where it was coming from.|[00:32.93] It seemed to be coming from the window.|[00:35.73] I turned out the lights so that nobody would see me,|[00:39.08] and I peeked out the window carefully.|[00:41.57] I was expecting to see a robber tapping at my window.|[00:45.06] There was nobody there.|[00:47.42] It was just a tree branch swaying in the breeze|[00:50.09] and tapping at my window.|[00:52.09] I felt silly.|[00:53.58] I turned on the lights and sat back down to read my book.|[00:57.44] A few minutes later, I heard some creaking noises.|[01:01.29] I listened carefully.|[01:03.16] Then, I heard a clunking noise.|[01:06.08] I think it might have been the furnace.|[01:08.95] Then there was a whirring noise.|[01:11.43] My imagination began to play tricks on me.|[01:14.42] I was imagining|[01:15.79] that there were all kinds of creatures in the house.|[01:18.90] I told myself to grow up.|[01:21.07] I wouldn't let my imagination run away with me.|[01:24.50] I was glad when my parents got home.|[01:27.42] I told them about all the noises that I had heard.|[01:31.15] My parents laughed and said that all houses make noises.|[01:35.20] We're usually just so busy|[01:37.37] that we don't hear all the noises that go on.|[01:40.11] I have stayed home alone many times now.|[01:43.72] I just ignore all the little creaks and noises that I hear.|[01:47.58] I am still alert and listen for anything suspicious,|[01:51.06] but I know that there are lots of noises that are harmless.|[01:55.60] That tree that taps on my window|[01:58.34] still frightens me sometimes, but I'm a lot braver now|[02:02.19] than I was the first time that I stayed home alone.