Balancing Dialogue and Narration Exercise

“I’m tired,” John murmured, rubbing his eyes. He had been working on the project for twelve hours, and the strain began to show. He looked at the blueprints again before switching off the light and leaving the office.

“That dress is gorgeous,” Anna said. She bought the dress. She wore it to the party. Everyone complimented her. She was happy.

“Are you okay?” Jane asked as she looked at Peter. He didn’t respond. She saw the tears in his eyes and immediately knew something was wrong. She gently squeezed his shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.

“I won’t go,” he declared. He crossed his arms. He pouted. He stomped his foot. He left the room.

“It’s getting late,” Robert observed, glancing at his watch. They had been arguing for hours, going around in circles without resolution. He sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and gathered his papers. “We should finish this tomorrow.”