“After lunch, I carried a bag of refuse to the bin behind the house. The air smelled unpleasant, so I hurried back inside. Later, when my little brother asked me to do his homework for him, I had to refuse, telling him it was important to try on his own. At school, our teacher reminded us that it’s okay to politely refuse an offer if you feel uncomfortable, as long as you explain your reason. On the way home, the garbage truck drove by, collecting the city’s refuse as it rattled down the street.”