Stressed

By Edie Taylor, 10, Montpelier, submitted by Lauren Chabot, Main Street Middle School

“I’m stressed.”
“Why are you stressed?”
“I have a lot of homework that’s due the day after tomorrow and I haven’t even started.”
“At least it’s not due tomorrow. ”
“I guess so. But I’m still upset about something else.”
“Why are you upset?”
“I lost one of my favorite mittens.”
“At least you didn’t lose both.”
“I guess so. But I’m also mad.”
“Why are you mad?”
“I’m grounded for two weeks for accidentally breaking the window with a baseball.”
“At least you’re not grounded for longer.”
“Whatever, but I’m annoyed.”
“Why are you annoyed?”
“My little sister is ALWAYS following me around.”
“At least you don’t have to deal with her at school. ”
“I’m still INFURIATED though!”
“Why are you infuriated?”
“Because I’ve been waiting for SO LONG for a package and it’s NOT COMING, it says it’s still in NEW YORK!!!!!!!!”
“At least you know where it is.”
“I GUESS SO, but I’m still ABSOLUTELY RAGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Why are you absolutely raging?”
“BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT BEING A SUPPORTIVE FRIEND AND JUST TELLING ME ABOUT WORSE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“What do you mean? I’m being empathetic.”
“No, when you’re being empathetic you don’t say well at least this didn’t happen, you actually try to make me feel better by being understanding and helping me get through it.”
“Oh. I thought that by making you realize that what you’re upset about isn’t that bad would make you feel better.”
“Well it didn’t.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel even worse.”
“It’s okay. I’m sorry I got mad.”
“Don’t worry about it. Next time I’ll try to be more empathetic.”
“Thanks.”