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.

SPEAK

Answer in complete sentences.

1. Why was Erica upset even though there were only two plates?

2. What did Marcus mean when he said Erica was making a mountain out of a molehill?

3. Why did Erica feel that her words went in one ear and out the other?

4. How did Marcus’s attitude change during the conversation?

5. Do you think Erica handled the disagreement well? Why or why not?