can someone help?

Question

Concise Writing
Rewrite the following 97-word paragraph. keeping all its ideas but reducing the number of words. Try to use no more than 40 words.

We would like to meet face to face with our old rivals, but they still regard us in a way that shows a lack of confidence. We understand their frame of mind. They are short of temper. but when others have suffered, they have not been without concern, interest, or feeling. The feeling of ill will that they have had toward us has to a large extent diminished. We might become friends. A year ago, such a possibility would have seemed too extraordinary to be believed.

Answer 1

We want to meet with our old rivals, but they lack confidence in us. We understand they are short tempered; but when others suffered, they showed concern and interest. The feeling of ill will that they had toward us is largely diminished. We might become friends, which was impossible a year ago.

Did not get it under 40, but shortened it quite a bit.

Answer 2

I don't know if this was a homework assignment -- I hope not -- but I think things like this are a fun challenge. So here's what I came up with:

We'd like to meet our rivals, but they still seem nervous. We understand their feelings. They're quick-tempered. But they've shown compassion toward others. They've mostly dropped their grudge against us. We might become friends, which was inconceivable last year.