Setting: The hallway of an apartment building.
(The scene opens in the hallway of an apartment building. MARK is standing outside Jessica's door, looking annoyed. He knocks firmly. JESSICA opens the door, looking surprised.)
MARK: Jessica, we need to talk.
JESSICA: Oh, Mark. Hi. What's up?
MARK: The noise. The loud music. It's almost midnight. This is the third time this week. I have to wake up for work at six in the morning.
JESSICA: Oh, come on, it's not that loud. I was just listening to some music while I cleaned up.
MARK: It is that loud. I can feel the **bass** through the wall. The **lease agreement** clearly states no excessive noise after 10 p.m.
JESSICA: I wasn't having a party! It was just me. You're being a little dramatic, don't you think?
MARK: I'm not being dramatic. I'm just asking for a little respect. I've tried to be patient, but I can't get any sleep.
(Just then, MR. HENDERSON, the landlord, comes out of his apartment a few doors down, having heard the raised voices.)
MR. HENDERSON: Is everything alright here? I heard some shouting.
MARK: Mr. Henderson, I'm glad you're here. I've been trying to talk to Jessica about the loud music. It's a constant problem.
JESSICA: It's not a "constant problem," Mr. Henderson. I played some music for an hour. He's exaggerating.
MR. HENDERSON: (To Mark) Mark, did you talk to her before?
MARK: Yes. I asked her to turn it down a few days ago. I thought she understood.
MR. HENDERSON: (To Jessica, calmly) Jessica, the lease is very clear on noise. It's a community, and we all have to be **considerate**. Your music might not seem loud to you, but sound travels.
JESSICA: But I'm just living my life! I work hard, and I should be able to relax in my own home.
MR. HENDERSON: Of course, you should. But not at the expense of your neighbors. This is a **common area** issue, and we need to find a solution. How about we set a clear **noise curfew**? 10 p.m. on weekdays, and maybe a bit later on weekends, but no loud bass, ever.
MARK: That sounds fair to me.
JESSICA: (Sighs) Fine. I guess I can use headphones. I didn't realize it was such a big deal.
MR. HENDERSON: It's not about being a "big deal," Jessica. It's about respecting the rules and your neighbors. I appreciate you both coming to a reasonable **compromise**. Now, let's all get some sleep.
(Mr. Henderson smiles. Mark nods in thanks and goes back to his apartment. Jessica stands in her doorway for a moment, then closes her door quietly.)