New academic words 4.1

Under Cover

1. I didn’t bother to turn on the patio light. Even though I couldn’t see in the gloomy light, I knew precisely where I was going. As I started to slide the cover off the hot tub, I heard a noise like a slow exhale.
2. “Aaaahhhh,” something murmured quietly. I lunged back to the door and fumbled with the light switch, eventually turning it on.
3. A crimson face, made even redder from the hot water, grinned at me above the waterline. “Hello!” it said. “My name is Sumatō ichi. It means smart one—I hope you don’t mind. I’ve journeyed a long way and I’m tired. I have to tell you that the weather here is delightful; I could stay here permanently!”
4. “You’re a snow monkey! We learned about you in social studies,” I stammered in disbelief. A talking monkey! What a miraculous discovery! I hopped into the tub and started a conversation with the talking primate.
5. A few minutes later, I had to interrupt him. “I’m sorry, but I have to go to bed soon. I’ll be back tomorrow night—see you then!” I heaved the cover back on the hot tub, but left a small opening. Sumatō ichi winked at me as I walked away.