This was the first time I skipped a day in what had been a successfully continuous series. Once again, just like on the days when the page count doesn’t budge, it’s okay. I accept it.

Day 24

I fell asleep on my sofa before 9 p.m., probably from heatstroke. I know everyone’s feed, TV screen, and daily conversations are already invaded by the topic of the heat wave and El Niño, but I can’t ignore the weather phenomenon that’s failing to pair well with my fever. My resources have boiled down to my fan. It has a 20 cm diameter and looks like a miniature model of the one everyone has in their home. It mostly helps the hot air circulate, but at least there’s movement in the atmosphere. It’ll have to do for now. We’re leaving the city in a few days, so we don’t need to buy a portable AC unit. At least, that’s what I’m trying to convince myself of.

I read two pages. My mistake for trying to read in the living room at 3 pm. I knew I’d struggle halfway through the first page. I had to put it down and try to cool off again before taking care of all the tasks that come with absence.

Started Today On: Page 278
Ended On: Page 280
Pages Read Today: 2

Day 25

The headaches have eased, and the discomfort has moved downward. I managed to fit some reading in, though. Between splashing my face with cold water and lying in the dark, I almost didn’t have time to. Forty-two pages. I have 80 to go, and there are five days left in the series.

It’s my last day at home, and tomorrow should be my last day at work. Despite having three days at home with the time I’d been dreaming of for months, I still wasn’t able to sit up and read with my coffee. I didn’t get to enjoy the time I had because the passing of time only seemed to drag out the feeling I needed to shake off.

But I have great news: I’ll be finishing the series with a 12-hour train ride on the very last day of the month. I’ve got the perfect chance to finish the month strong. If I finish The Unwilding before then and start a new book at the beginning of my journey, how much reading do you think I can get done in 12 hours? Let me know!

Started Today On: Page 280
Ended On: Page 320
Pages Read Today: 42