Reader 03
The Loud Reminder
Erica and her brother Marcus shared an apartment, so they had agreed to clean up after themselves. On Saturday morning, Erica entered the kitchen and found dishes in the sink again. She had reminded Marcus three times to wash his dishes after eating, and she was tired of repeating herself.
When Marcus walked in, Erica pointed toward the sink. “Are we doing this again?”
Marcus glanced at the two plates and shrugged. “It’s only two plates. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Erica crossed her arms. “It isn’t about today. This keeps happening, and I feel as though my words go in one ear and out the other.”
Marcus looked ready to defend himself. Then he noticed how frustrated she was and became quiet. “I hear you,” he said. “I should have washed them instead of leaving them for later.”
He picked up the sponge and turned on the water. Erica thanked him and added, “I’m not trying to start a fight. I just want us both to follow the agreement.”
Marcus nodded and washed the dishes without arguing. Before leaving the kitchen, he promised that Erica would not need to give him the same reminder again.
VOCABULARY
Write the words or expressions from the story that are new to you or that you want to review.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Share your thoughts. Use details from the story to support your answers.
Marcus focuses on “only two plates,” while Erica says, “It isn’t about today.” How do their views of the problem differ, and why does that difference matter?
What causes Marcus to change his response? How do his words and actions show that he begins to understand Erica’s concern?
Marcus washes the dishes and makes a promise. How much of the disagreement does this resolve, and what would Erica need to see afterward to feel that their agreement is being respected?
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
