John Bradley was surprised to find a letter (1)……….…for him on his desk when he arrived at work. Before (2)………..…it, he hung up his coat and took out his glasses. “Dear Mr. Bradley,” he read, “ we are sorry to (3)………....you that your services are no longer required (4)………” He couldn’t believe it. After (5)…….…for the company for 30 years, he had been made redundant, one Monday morning without (6) …….…..warned in any way at all. There was no point in (7)….…….the letter. The ending was obvious. “Thank you for your loyalty and dedication over the years, and we hope you will enjoy (8)……..….more time to spend”. The company wanted him to go away quietly and enjoy his premature retirement. He was 52. How he could manage to find another (9)……..…at his age? He knew that firms were not interested in (10)…..…….people over 45, let alone over fifty. Could he still afford to (11) ………....his daughters to their expensive school? He sat back in his chair and looked out of the window, (12)……….…what to do next. He decided to leave the office as soon as possible. He did not want anyone to (13)…………… him while he left so sadly . So he put on his coat and for the last time closed the office door (14)…………….him and left the building. Out in the street, it had (15)…………….. to rain. He had forgotten to bring his (16)………………..that morning, so he turned up his overcoat collar and walked towards the station to (17)……………..……his train home. He didn’t know what to say to his wife. The thought of (18)…………..…the news to her made him feel sick.