Love groaned, pulling the covers over her head, wishing for just five more minutes. The faint smell of toast drifted up from the kitchen, a reminder that the day was already in full swing downstairs. She glanced at her phone, already buzzing with group chat notifications and a reminder for soccer tryouts after school.
"If only there were more hours in the day," she muttered, finally throwing off the covers and searching for her favorite hoodie.
Love navigated the maze, her mind racing through math homework, an upcoming history test, and the promise she made to help her friend with science after lunch. She spotted her best friend waving by the water fountain, a hopeful smile on her face.
"Hey, Love! Are you coming to the library later, or do you have soccer again?"
"I'm not sure. I wish I could, but Coach said today’s practice is important," she replied, trying to hide the guilt in her voice.
Love sprinted down the field, her heart pounding not just from exercise, but from the weight of everything she had to do. She missed a pass, earning a disappointed look from Coach. The sidelines blurred as her worries crowded her mind.
"Focus, Love! Your head’s not in the game today," Coach called out.
"Sorry, Coach. I’ll do better," she said, forcing herself to concentrate, but her thoughts kept drifting to unfinished homework and her friend waiting at the library.
Love twirled her fork in her pasta, only half-listening as her parents discussed their day. Her little brother chattered about his new video game, but she was lost in her own world. Her mother’s gentle hand on her shoulder brought her back.
"You’ve been quiet tonight, Love. Is everything alright?"
"I just… I want to do everything, but it’s so hard to keep up," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Love stared at her reflection in the window, searching for answers. She picked up her journal and began to write, listing the things that mattered most to her: school, soccer, friends, family, and her dream to create art. The realization washed over her—she didn’t have to be perfect at everything, she just had to find her own balance.
"Maybe I can talk to Coach about cutting back, and ask my friends for help with homework," she mused, hope flickering in her eyes.
Love[/@ch_1] steps outside, backpack slung over her shoulder, ready to face a new day with a plan.]
Love walked to school, a small smile spreading across her face. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to find her own path—balancing school, sports, friends, and family, one step at a time. The world felt a little brighter, and for the first time in a while, she believed she could handle whatever came her way.
