Answer:
The best option seems to be letter C) And I lean down to catch my breath and here comes Gretchen walking back, for she’s overshot the finish line too, huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips taking it slow, breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time.
Explanation:
Squeaky, whose real name is Hazel, is the narrator-character in the short story "Raymond's Run" by author Toni Cade Bambara. Hazel, even though very young, is determined to do her best at every activity she pursues. Her favorite one is running, and she is constantly practicing. One of Hazel characteristics is admiring people who do their best while despising those who pretend not to care. Gretchen is the new girl in school. Hazel does not like her for her cocky attitude. The fact that a former friend of Hazel's now hangs out with Gretchen does not help either. Still, when the two of them finally race against each other, Hazel discovers she respects Gretchen. She admires her professionalism, the way she runs, the way she breathes. Hazel likes people who care enough to do things properly. This is the first time she feels she likes Gretchen:
<em>And I lean down to catch my breath and here comes Gretchen walking back, for she’s overshot the finish line too, </em><u><em>huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips taking it slow, breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time.</em></u>
