Scene 1: Community Center Meeting Room, early evening. Folding chairs, a whiteboard, a pot of coffee.
MRS. PATEL: Thank you both for coming. We’re here to discuss a noise complaint and find a fair solution.
MR. RIVERA: (sighs) I work from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. When I get home, I need sleep. But the music starts at 10 a.m. and goes on for hours.
JORDAN: I understand, but our youth band meets after school and on weekends. We don’t try to be loud; the drums just… are loud.
MRS. PATEL: Let’s speak one at a time. Mr. Rivera, how often do you lose sleep?
MR. RIVERA: Four or five days a week. I’m not angry, just exhausted.
JORDAN: I’m sorry. Music matters to the kids. It keeps them busy and off their phones. But I don’t want to hurt your health.
Looking for options. Mrs. Patel writes “Quiet Hours?” on the whiteboard.
MRS. PATEL: What if we set quiet hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays? Jordan, could the band rehearse after 3 p.m.?
JORDAN: We could shift to 3:30–5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturdays. No drums before 3:30 on school days.
MR. RIVERA: That helps during the week, but Saturdays are hard. That’s when I catch up on sleep.
JORDAN: Then we can do “acoustic Saturdays”—no drums, no amps. Guitar, keyboard with headphones, and vocals only.
MRS. PATEL: Good. We also have a small grant. We could buy sound-absorbing panels and door seals.
MR. RIVERA: Will that really work?
JORDAN: It won’t be silent, but it will be softer. I can help install them.
Responsibility and communication. “Respect + Reminders” goes on the board.
MRS. PATEL: Let’s agree to a text group for scheduling and emergencies. If someone has an exam, a patient rest day, or a special event, they can ask for quiet in advance.
MR. RIVERA: I can do that. If I know the plan, I can wear earplugs or sleep at my sister’s place.
JORDAN: And if we have a show coming, we’ll do one loud rehearsal, but end by 6 p.m., and we’ll warn everyone a week ahead.
MRS. PATEL: Finally, let’s add a monthly community hour—your band performs at 5 p.m. on a Friday. Families can enjoy the music, and neighbors can give feedback kindly.
MR. RIVERA: (smiles) If the kids play my favorite song, I’ll be there with coffee.
JORDAN: Deal. I’ll bring extra earplugs for fans and nurses.
MRS. PATEL: Excellent. We’re not just avoiding conflict; we’re building a stronger block.
— THE END —