Flipping Days and Nights

I am almost certain that Lily did not go to bed last night.

Despite all reminders and a day without any exams (and consequently not going to school) yesterday, she apparently forgot the deadline for the second art sketchbook which was today.

She made it into her physics exam this morning but apparently nearly stopped and sought medical help because she said her vision was blurring. She told me she might have an allergy, "that's what the medic said".

It's been pouring with rain for 48 hours. I don't need to check the pollen count (but I do), it's low and she's never suffered particularly. I don't think it's allergies I tell her.

She shrugs and says she needs to have a lie down, she didn't get much sleep last night.

She's decided she doesn't need the melatonin anymore and I think she's cramming all night, going to the exam first thing, home by midday and then sleeping till, well, I wake her up.

She's eaten dinner with us the last few days so at least I know she had some kind of nutrition and I've filled the fridge with mini-bites and yoghurts and smoothies.

But it worries me.

I used the term 'flipping his days' with Lucas because that's what it felt like he did with his gaming. Eventually we were able to identify it to him and he has worked out ways to get back to 'normal' when he needs to. I wonder if 'flipping' sounds too light as a term. To me it feels more important than that but I recognise that some people identify as 'night owls' and teenagers and autistic people in particular often prefer the night. Lily and I have discussed the attraction of the night for anyone with social anxiety because there are simply less expectations on you. There is a freedom and a secrecy, a lack of judgement.

They've given her an extension on the sketchbook hand in. Of course they have. Maybe she will be someone who always gets the benefit of the doubt, always gets the concession.

But also maybe it means she will go into another exam tomorrow morning unfit and unable to focus.

Photo by Frank Cone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-owl-sitting-on-tree-15478143/

Comments

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