That Little Voice

Sinking on the couch, Serena was reading her book, humming quietly as she flipped the pages. Suddenly, the alarm went off. Ring! Ring!

“Just another minute,” she mumbled. This was the third time she said to herself that night. But this time, she hesitated for just a brief moment, going through a mental battle.

“Serena, did you forget why you set the alarm? Your Spanish homework is due tomorrow morning,” that little voice pestered her again.

“I know! I’ll do it later. I am at the most exciting part of the book! I can’t stop. I will do it after I finish this chapter. I promise,” Serena replied reluctantly.

Minute after minute, it became darker and darker outside, and the moon was blocked by the clouds. Serena continued reading, but the little voice was still there haunting her. She couldn’t focus anymore.

“Why can’t you just let me read my book peacefully?” Serena demanded, frowning.

“Priority. You need to prioritize your work. If you have homework due tomorrow, don’t wait until the last minute,” the little voice explained in a whisper.

“You always say that. But I never turn in anything late, right?” Serena sighed, frustrated.

“But you are worried about it, are you not? That’s why you didn’t continue reading without another thought. You can’t focus on reading anymore for the same thing. Why don’t you finish your homework first, so then you can read your book without worrying about your homework?” the little voice encouraged.

“Okay. You win this time. I’ll do my homework now,” Serena said to the little voice, convinced.

Serena took out her Spanish book and homework. As her pencil started scratching on the paper, her heart relaxed for the first time that evening.

An hour later, Serena put down her pencil.

“All done!” she said happily, jumping onto the bed with her favorite book. The clouds floated away, revealing the glowing moon, shedding a bright light into Serena’s room. The tension seemed to fade, and a carefree smile grew on Serena’s face, knowing that the little voice won’t be coming back anymore.