Shengliver’s Note: The teen writer has made an important decision. She says she will stick to it.

Do you like reading? Do you like reading novels?

I like novels of all genres. You probably wouldn’t believe it. I stayed up one night and devoured one of my favourite titles before dawn. Reading enables me to relish fine language and to find my dreamland between the lines. Fiction makes me feel contented and serene. Trapped in a stressful daily routine of assignments, tests and deadlines, I do feel reading fantastic tales a convenient getaway from the mundane, because it lends wings to my imagination. Of course, I stay away from trash literature, especially online.

Unfortunately, my pastime, which became virtually an addiction, brought about disasters. I often slept in class, and I failed many tests. My mother warned me, time and again, to kick the unhealthy nocturnal habit, but I did not heed her warning.

In the recent exam, I have earned my lousiest grade since I entered high school. Therefore, I made a resolution. In my bedroom, there is a cupboard with a lock and key. After locking all the volumes up in the furniture, I entrusted the key to my best friend, Alice. Only on the weekend did I plan to indulge in the pleasure.

“If you really desire to improve,” Alice said, “you should not spend any time on those fantasies of yours at all, even on weekends.” I think my friend was reasonable, so I have touched none of the paperbacks up to now.

The next monthly test is just around the corner. Should I get a decent grade this time, I will keep the promise until I am graduated from YYHS.

My promise, if stuck to, will help make me a better person, hopefully.