I read a message from someone I hadn't heard from in a while, and closed my book
A story for the student whose heart is shaken by one long-awaited message before an exam, moving between replying and studying.
Scenes
- I read a message from someone I hadn't heard from in a while, and closed my book — Even with a welcome message, thoughts of the exam can grow while you write your reply.
- I thought replying would help me feel a little calmer — But even after sending it, I kept checking whether my words were okay, losing my place to return to studying.
- I read one line, then return to the chat — There are nights when, after reading a brief greeting from someone reaching out after a long time, you read the same page three times.
- Anxiety grows the blanks before the answers — When exam anxiety is high, your attention turns to interpreting the message again and again, searching for certainty instead of studying.
- Don’t postpone the message—set a time for it — Close the chat and write that you’ll reply after solving just one page. It’s okay if your thoughts keep drifting back at first.
- You don’t have to finish replying and studying all at once — The strength to keep a conversation going doesn’t come only after anxiety disappears. Even while shaken, start with the first page. Find out in the next entry.
Stories by Saebyeok
- Saebyeok
- After the funeral, I started reaching for cigarettes again.
- I reviewed it, but by Monday it feels unfamiliar again.
- Monday morning, and I feel like I’ll have to explain my time off again.
- After celebrating with someone, I start to doubt whether I want to try again.
- On my birthday, I made my goals too big.
- Even when I go to the study room, I can't open my book.
- Before bed, I write down only how much I studied today.
- While I wait for the results, I’m already worried about who I’ll be compared with.