Ficlets

“Can you please bring my homework to me?” my sister asked. “No,” I replied flatly. I don’t want to risk the time, I thought. “Please. I need to hand it in.” She is my little sister, I really want her to do well in school. But I have to make it to this internship. I have to wash clothes, go to the cleaners, get my hair cut and actually eat so I can maintain focus. I really don’t have the time. Plus it’s about an hour away. I sighed. “Fine,” I replied. It’s seven fifty, I can make 1 o’ clock. I make it back about half past nine and fell asleep for a half hour. That was too much time. If I hustle, I can make it.

Between my father yelling at me about doing my chores, the cashier taking his sweet time with my order, my barber disappearing for a few minutes, and walking back and forth to the different places, I’m late, missing my train by seconds. But in the end, I don’t blame my sister, my father, or the cashier. I blame myself for not taking control over what affects my ability to achieve my goal in life.