Just One Chapter vs. Sleep Schedule: The Case of Midnight Betrayal (From the “Trials of a Reader’s Mind” series)
The courtroom lights are dim. A coffee mug stands in as evidence. It’s half full, half warm much like the reader’s energy levels.
The jury looks half awake.
Today’s case: “Just One Chapter” vs. Sleep Schedule.
The charge? Emotional manipulation and nocturnal chaos.
Exhibit A: The Defendant Appears
“Just One Chapter” strolls in late, obviously wearing a mischievous grin and smelling faintly of paperbacks and bad decisions.
They’re that one friend who convinces you to do dumb things because “it’ll be fun.”
The courtroom watches as they throw a wink at the reader and whisper,
“Come on, what’s the harm? Just one chapter.”
Everyone knows how this ends.
Moments later, Sleep Schedule trudges in – dark circles, swollen eyes, holding a pillow like evidence.
It looks betrayed, caffeine-dependent, and emotionally drained.
Even the judge looks like they’d sell their soul for a nap.
Exhibit B: The Defense Speaks
“Just One Chapter” takes the stand, voice calm and calculated.
“Many years from now,” it begins, “you won’t remember how little you slept.
You’ll remember the story.
You’ll remember the rush of emotions, the gasp at 2 AM, the tears no one saw.
I don’t steal sleep, I give you memories.”
The crowd gasps. The reader nods guiltily.
It’s emotional manipulation.
Exhibit C: The Prosecution Responds
Sleep Schedule rises, voice hoarse but firm.
“You call it devotion,” it says, “but I call it damage.
You romanticize insomnia, but I deal with the fallout — the eye bags, the fatigue, the forgetfulness.
You think stories keep you alive. But so do I.”
The courtroom goes silent.
Even “Just One Chapter” looks down, a flicker of guilt crossing their smirk.
Sleep Schedule continues, softer now:
“Sanity isn’t born from sleepless passion. It’s nurtured by rest.”
A single tear rolls down the face of a reader in the third row.
Exhibit D: The Reader’s Testimony
The reader (that’s us) takes the stand, clutching a paperback like a guilty conscience.
“It’s true,” we admit. “Sometimes reading at night feels like therapy.
It’s quiet, calming, and mine.
But the next day, when the world demands alertness, I’m a ghost of my 2 AM self.
Sleep deserves more credit than I give it.”
It’s not a confession of guilt, but of humanity.
Because sometimes peace and productivity fight for the same hours.
Final Verdict
The judge bangs the gavel with a sigh.
“After careful deliberation, the court hereby declares a curfew at 11 PM.
No reading beyond that hour shall be permitted unless it’s an emotional emergency, such as a cliffhanger or unresolved tension.”
“Sleep Schedule is granted eight full hours of uninterrupted rest.
In return, reading hours will be scheduled responsibly ensuring both stories and sanity thrive in equal measure.”
The court nods in agreement.
Sleep smiles faintly.
“Just One Chapter” winks and whispers,
“See you tomorrow night.”
Epilogue
Outside the courtroom, the reader scrolls through their bookshelf and mutters,
“Okay, but what if I start early… at 10:30?”
The case, as always, remains… temporarily closed.
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025
AND
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
What a piece… A round of applause for the way you thought and presented and its commendably. I will not shy to say I found after a long time a taste of mine in your writing. Thora hatka… but still so impressive.
Your appreciation means a lot Samata..Thank you so much!