阅读理解

　　When Ray was about seven, he had a very close friend Mike．They lived near each other, traveled to and from school together, played together, were together in school, and spent time in each other's homes．

　　Once, in school, Ray got bad marks(分数)and was very down．He just walked round and round the school playground．Mike followed Ray．Far enough not to stifle him, but near enough never to let Ray out of his sight．Ray was very angry at that time．He just wanted to be alone．At one point, he got so angry that he even shouted out,“Just leave me alone!”But Mike just silently walked on behind Ray, still never saying a word．

　　It was only after many years, almost twenty years later, that Ray truly began to understand the lesson on friendship which had been shown to him that day, Ray and Mike had already separated by then, only seeing each other a couple of times every year．But Ray still remembered that thing with gratitude(感激), a warm feeling in his heart and sometimes tears in his eyes．

　　Mike had taught him that true friendship does not only show up when one wants or needs it．A true friend will be around when he thinks you need him, regardless of(不管)whether you want it or not or whether you would admit it or not．He will be there even when you drive(赶走)him away, as long as he feels his presence will help you．But he will not speak if you do not want him to, and he will give you the peace that you expect．

　　The true friend will do what Mike did, following a distance behind, giving you space and peace, but always nearby, casting(投)a silent eye on you to make sure that you do not do anything silly, making sure he is around if you need him, and being ready to pick you if you fall anytime, to wipe your tears if they flow．

　　Appreciate your true friends．And be a true friend to others．