36. I played a racquetball game against my cousin Ed last week. It was one of the most 36 and tiring games I’ve ever had. When Ed first phoned and 37 we play, I laughed quietly, figuring on an 38 victory. After all, Ed’s idea of 39 has always been nothing more 40 than lifting a fork to his mouth. 41 I can remember, Ed’s been the least physically fit member in the family. and 42 proud of himself. His big stomach has always ballooned out between his T-shirt and trousers. Although the family often 43 about that. I’d refused to buy a 44 T-shirt or to lose weight. So when Ed 45 for our game not only with the bottom of his shirt gathered inside his trousers but also with a stomach you could hardly 46 . I was so surprised that I was 47 . My cousin must have made an effort to get himself into shape. 48 , at the point in our game when I’d have predicted（预计） the score to be about 9 to 1 in my favor, it was 49 7 to 9 — and Ed was 50 . The sudden realization was painful. We 51 to play like two mad men. When the score was 16 up. I was having serious 52 about staying alive until 21 years old. Let alone 53 that many points. When the game finally ended,both of us were lying flat on our backs, too tired to 54 . In a way, I think we both won: I the game, but cousin Ed my 55 .
(A)encouraging
(B)hopeless
(C)surprising
(D)regular