Words to know

help someone, often with something physical

refuses to move, even when you push hard

separate something into its pieces

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

PoppyChen

Practice · 3 min

Take Chen's part first, then Poppy's. They're both out of breath and a bit stressed, so keep the lines short and punchy. Say "Stairs don't get narrower, Chen." flat and tired, and let "It's actually moving." sound surprised and happy.

  1. PoppyChen, thank you so much for coming. I owe you big time.
  2. ChenHappy to give you a hand. Is this the last big thing?
  3. PoppyThe sofa, yes. Then only boxes. Ready? One, two, three.
  4. ChenOkay. Up the stairs. Slowly. Turn it a little to your left.
  5. PoppyIt's stuck. The corner's caught on the railing.
  6. ChenLet me push from this side. No, it won't budge.
  7. PoppyThe delivery guys got it in two years ago. It must fit.
  8. ChenMaybe they came through a different door. Or the stairs were wider.
  9. PoppyStairs don't get narrower, Chen.
  10. ChenFair point. Okay, let's think. Does it have legs that come off?
  11. PoppyI have no idea. I've never looked underneath it.
  12. ChenHold it there. Yes, there are screws. Do you have a screwdriver?
  13. PoppyIt's in a box. One of forty boxes, all labeled "misc."
  14. ChenThat's a great labeling system.
  15. PoppyWait, I have one on my keychain. My dad gave it to me for emergencies.
  16. ChenYour dad's a genius. Okay, legs are off. Try again.
  17. PoppyIt's moving. It's actually moving. Keep going.
  18. ChenAnd we're in. Where do you want it?
  19. PoppyBy the window. Then pizza's on me, and you pick the toppings.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.