Susan rummaged through her papers, looking for the latest assignment for her literature class. Usually, she woke up early on the day it was due and worked on it then, but as this would be equivalent to a midterm grade, she thought she should start on it before then.
The only problem was that the paper was nowhere to be found.
Susan, came the familiar voice from inside of her head.
She sighed, ground her teeth, and replied as politely as possible, Yes, Karsae?
Couldn't the Yeerk tell that she was trying to find an important piece of paper? Why did she always have to interrupt at the worst possible time?
Your paper is under your bed.
And how do you know that? Susan folded her hands across her chest.
You put it there the day that it was assigned. Three weeks ago, I believe.
Her voice held more than a hint of reproach.
Ignoring this, Susan searched under her bed, retrieved the sheet, and thanked the Yeerk.
"Write a ten page analysis of the use of plot and character in the works we have read and discussed. Include examples from your own writing as well. The goal for this assignment is to make you think critically of how a play thinks."
Susan wanted to slam her head against the wall. This would take forever. And she still had a five page paper to write for her religion class! Plus two chapters of reading.
Were her professors trying to torture her?
I would tell you that procrastination doesn't pay, but I can tell that you already know this, came the amused voice of the Yeerk.
It's how I work, Susan replied.
Even so, you can't deny that things have been getting much worse recently. Not just for you, but for your friends.
Susan sighed. I'm a senior. I have grad school stuff to do. It's even more stressful than applying to college.
Why don't you write a page and then go to bed? You can wake up early tomorrow to write your paper, and you'll be able to think more clearly after getting a good night's rest, coaxed Karsae.
I still have two chapters to read for my religion class before I can start that paper…
Write the page, get ready for bed, and then do the reading, Karsae replied.
That means doing five pages tomorrow and four the next day, Susan complained.
The Yeerk laughed. You've done more than that in one day.
I guess…
Don't stress out about it. I'll help you, if need be. I can access your memories better than you can.
Doesn't mean I like it when you do that.
I know. Karsae's voice was soothing. But when you put it off until the last minute, like you're doing right now, we don't really have much of a choice. Silence. Then, Now, let's get started and maybe you'll get to bed by 4AM this time…
