Short story: A Sleepy Society

Chapter 1: The Sleepy Routine

From my bed, I reflect on the importance of books and the habit of reading. I know I am not an avid reader, but I recognize their value. Books, like movies, are formats for disseminating information, from great works to banal content. However, it is our responsibility to cultivate a society that values knowledge, depth and critical thinking.

I look around and see my roommate, Juan, engrossed in his phone. I sigh and wonder when was the last time we had a real, undistracted conversation.

- What are you doing? - I ask him.

- Nothing, just checking social media - he answers without looking up.

- Don't you think we spend too much time on our devices? - I insist.

- What do you want me to do? Everyone does. It's the way we communicate now - he says, shrugging his shoulders.

I shake my head, frustrated by his lack of interest. Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever have deep conversations again, like the ones we used to have when we were younger.

Later, on campus, I run into my friend Sara. She has always been a passionate reader, and I'm glad to see that she still maintains that habit.

- Hi! What are you reading? - I ask her.

- Oh, I'm reading a Gabriel García Márquez novel. It's so captivating - she answers enthusiastically.

- I'm glad to see you're still reading books. It seems like most people are more interested in their phones than in the world around them - I comment.

- I know, it's really worrying. Sometimes I feel like we are living in a numb society, where people have forgotten the importance of knowledge and human connection - Sara says, with a tone of concern.

We nod silently, both of us aware of the growing distraction around us. I feel a pang of sadness at the thought of how we have lost the habit of reading and depth in our lives.

Later, in the cafeteria, I run into my classmate, Andres. He has always been a diligent student, but lately he seems more distant and distracted.

- Hey, Andres, how's it going? - I greet him.

- Fine, fine. Sorry, I was checking some notifications on my phone - he answers, without looking up.

- Don't you think we spend too much time on our devices? - I ask, concerned.

- I guess, but it's hard to disconnect. Everyone does it, you know? It's how we stay informed and connected - he says, shrugging his shoulders.

- But don't you think we're losing something in the process? When was the last time you read a book for pleasure? - I insist.

Andres is silent for a moment, thoughtful.

- I don't know, I guess it's been a while. But it's so easy to access all the information I need online - why bother with books? - he replies, with a tone of indifference.

I sigh, frustrated by his lack of interest in reading and deep knowledge. I wonder if we will ever succeed in waking up this sleepy society.

Later, in the library, I meet my professor, Dr. Fernandez. She has always been an advocate of reading and critical thinking.

- Hello, professor, how are you? - I greet her.

- Hello, student. I'm glad to see you here in the library. It's a pleasure to see someone interested in books these days - she says, with a smile.

- Yes, it's sad to see how people have lost interest in reading. We seem to be living in a sleepy society, where technology and distractions have replaced knowledge and human connection - I comment, with frustration.

- I know, it's a constant worry. But I believe there is still hope. We must continue to strive to cultivate a society that values reading, critical thinking and human connection," says Dr. Fernandez, with determination.

I nod, feeling a little more optimistic. Perhaps, if we work together, we can awaken this sleepy society and reclaim the value of reading and knowledge.

Chapter 2: Awakening Society

As I walk back to my dorm room, I run into my roommate, Juan, again engrossed in his phone.

- Juan, can I talk to you for a moment? - I say, earnestly.

- Sure, what's up? - he replies, without looking up.

- Look, I know it's easy to get lost in social media and digital distractions, but I think we're losing something important in the process - I start.

Juan finally looks up and looks at me curiously.

- What do you mean? - he asks.

- Well, we have forgotten the importance of reading, deep knowledge and human connection. We seem to live in a numb society, where people are more interested in their phones than in the world around them - I explain.

Juan is silent for a moment, thoughtful.

- I guess you're right. But what can we do about it? They all do it, don't they? - he says, with a tone of resignation.

- We can start by getting back into the habit of reading. Read books, discuss ideas, cultivate curiosity and critical thinking. Little by little, we can wake up this sleepy society - I answer, with determination.

Juan looks at me with a surprised expression, and I can see that my words have made him reflect.

- You are right. Maybe we should give it a try. How about we start reading together? - he proposes, with a smile.

I smile, feeling hopeful. Maybe, with small steps, we can begin to awaken this sleepy society.

Later, I meet Sara on campus.

- Hi! How have you been? - I greet her.

- Fine, fine. I just finished reading a fascinating novel - she replies, enthusiastically.

- I'm glad to hear that. You know, I've been thinking about the importance of reading and deep knowledge. I think it's time we start waking up this sleepy society - I comment.

Sara nods earnestly.

- I agree. We have allowed technology and distractions to take us away from what really matters. We need to get back into the habit of reading and critical thinking," she says, determinedly.

- Do you think we could organize a book club or something? Maybe we could invite other students to join and discuss ideas - I propose.

- That's an excellent idea! We could start with a small group and then grow. Together, we can wake up this sleepy society - Sara replies, excited.

We shake hands, feeling the energy and determination that drives us to act.

Later, I meet Andrés in the cafeteria.

- Hi, Andres, do you have a moment? - I call him.

- Sure, what's up? - he replies, putting his phone aside.

- Look, I've been thinking a lot about the importance of reading and deep knowledge. I think it's time we start waking up this sleepy society - I tell him, seriously.

Andres looks at me carefully, and I can see that my words have made him reflect.

- You are right. Lately I've realized that I spend too much time on my phone, consuming superficial information. I miss the feeling of immersing myself in a good book," he confesses.

- Well, Sara and I are organizing a book club. Would you like to join? We could discuss ideas, broaden our horizons and wake up this sleepy society together - I propose.

Andres smiles and nods.

- I think it's an excellent idea. Count me in - he replies, enthusiastically.

I feel more optimistic. Perhaps, with the help of my friends, we can begin to awaken this sleepy society, one person at a time.

Finally, I meet Dr. Fernandez in the library.

- Hello, Professor. Good to see you here - she greets me.

- Hello, Dr. Fernandez. I have a proposal I would like to discuss with you - I say.

- I'm listening - she replies, with interest.

- Well, I have been talking with some friends and we have decided to organize a book club. We want to wake up this sleepy society, recovering the habit of reading and critical thinking. Do you think you could join and help us guide these discussions? - I ask.

Dr. Fernandez smiles broadly.

- I think it's a wonderful idea. I'd be happy to join in and contribute my expertise. Together, we can inspire more people to rediscover the value of reading and deep knowledge," she replies, enthusiastically.

I nod, feeling full of hope. Perhaps, with the help of my friends and mentors, we can awaken this sleepy society and reclaim the value of reading and critical thinking.

Chapter 3: Sowing the Seeds of Change

A few days later, we gathered at the library for the first book club session. Sara, Andres, Dr. Fernandez and I sat around a table, ready to discuss.

- Welcome, everyone. I'm glad you could join us in this project," begins Dr. Fernandez.

- Thank you for organizing this, Professor. I'm thrilled to be able to participate and rediscover the pleasure of reading - says Andrés.

- Yes, I think it's time we start to wake up this sleepy society. We must recover the habit of reading and critical thinking - adds Sara, with determination.

I nod, feeling inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the group.

- Well, what do you say we start with a classic novel? Perhaps we could discuss "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez - I propose.

Everyone nods enthusiastically, and so begins our first discussion session. As we analyze the themes and characters of the work, I feel that little by little, we are waking up this sleepy society.

Week after week, our book club grows. More students join us, drawn by the opportunity to delve into ideas and connect with humanity through books.

At one of our sessions, I run into my roommate, Juan.

- Juan! Good to see you here - I greet him.

- Hello, my friend. Actually, you've convinced me. I decided to join this book club. I missed the feeling of immersing myself in a good book - he says, with a smile.

- I'm very glad to hear that. I'm sure you'll enjoy the discussions and the exchange of ideas - I reply, patting him on the shoulder.

Together, we join the group and participate in the discussion about the latest novel we have read. I can see how Juan is getting more and more involved, his gaze full of curiosity and enthusiasm.

After the session, I approach Dr. Fernandez.

- Dr. Fernandez, I'm glad to see how this book club is growing. I think we are really waking up this sleepy society," I tell her.

- I'm glad to hear that, student. Little by little, we are sowing the seeds of change. Each person who joins us is one more step towards a society that values knowledge and human connection - he replies, with a smile.

I nod, feeling full of hope. Perhaps, with perseverance and dedication, we can transform this sleepy society into one that values reading, critical thinking and depth.

Chapter 4: Igniting the Flame of Change

As the months go by, our book club becomes a meeting point for students and teachers interested in awakening the slumbering society. We organize talks, discussions and shared readings, attracting more and more people.

In one of our sessions, I meet my friend Andrés, who seems more enthusiastic than ever.

- Hello, my friend! You look very cheerful today - I greet him.

- That's right! I have just finished reading a novel that has left me fascinated. I have so many ideas I want to share with the group - he replies, excitedly.

- I'm glad to hear that. You know, it's amazing to see how this book club has been growing and sparking the interest of so many people - I comment.

- Yes, it is truly inspiring. I think that little

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