Trying to sleep

Ashwin Goyal

Oct 28, 2023

"Come on, sleep. Just...sleep,” I murmur to myself. Tensing every muscle, trying to relax.

"Maybe flipping the pillow to the cool side will help?” I think, doing just that.

"Am I thirsty?"

I look for the water bottle and I curse, "Damn it, the bottle's empty." I walk to the kitchen and chug a bottle.

"Oh great, now I need to pee. Of course."

Returning to bed, I pick up the phone and flip through Reels.

Hours pass. It’s already morning. This is ridiculous. Frustration bubbles up and I just… resign.

“Fine, I’ll just stay awake,” I exclaim as I stare at the ceiling. And instantly fall asleep.

Watching the game

“Eye on the ball,” I remind myself. My living room transforms into the pitch, and I can smell the grass, feel the sun. I’m in my lucky spot, imaginary bat in hand, as the pacer begins his run-up. "Footwork’s the key," I coach myself, the bowler&

Flying

“Ding! Ding! Ding!” The alarm went off early today and my heart skipped a beat. Flight day! I was up and calling a cab before I could even rub the sleep from my eyes. The cab ride to the airport felt longer than usual. I kept checking the time every