Choose the appropriate Modal to complete the given sentence:

"I am short of money today". _______ you please pay my bills this time?

could

"I am short of money today. ____COULD___ you please pay my bills this time?"

Here's why:

• "Should" suggests obligation or duty, which might not be the intended tone in this situation.
• "Dare" implies hesitation or fear, which doesn't seem appropriate in this request.
• "Must" emphasizes a strong necessity, which might be too forceful in this context.
• "Could" is a polite modal that expresses a request without being demanding. It also subtly conveys the speaker's lack of funds and makes the request sound more like a favor.