Mr. Smith: It was kind of a disaster, actually.

Ms. Jetz: Was the performance that bad? It was Brahms’ Fourth Symphony, right?

Mr. Smith: Yes. The performance was fine, but I had uncontrollable bouts of coughing. I tried not to cough, but I just couldn’t stop.

Ms. Jetz: Well, those things happen. You should try going to a different kind of concert.

Mr. Smith: What kind?

Ms. Jetz: A Desperate Rats rock concert. Nobody will hear you cough.

Riko: Yes, it’s so convenient and saves a lot of time for many tasks.

Will: Really? It’s kind of hard to use.

Riko: Not everybody is happy about these new devices.

Will: I’m one of those people. I prefer to use a pen and paper for certain things.

Riko: Come on, Will. We’re living in the 21st century!

Will: OK, I’ll try it, but can you give me a hand?

Riko: Of course.

Manabu: It was great. I have some small presents for you and the others.

Catherine: Thanks. I bet you ate well. Fukuoka is a food paradise, right?

Manabu: It sure is. The sashimi was delicious. We ate at some good places.

Catherine: How was the hotel?

Manabu: It was just OK. The bed wasn’t very comfortable. I couldn’t sleep well.

Catherine: Well, the company’s accommodation budget is not so generous nowadays.

Gary: Yes, but I’m having trouble with it, so I’ll never make the deadline.

Helen: When is the deadline?

Gary: Tomorrow afternoon.

Helen: Oh, so soon.

Gary: Yes. I’ve seen a paper online on exactly the same topic, so I can just copy that.

Helen: I don’t think that’s a good idea. You could get into big trouble.

Gary: I’m only joking. I would never do such a thing!

Helen: Good. You had me worried.