Reflecting

While I was washing my hands just now, I tested out a few sentences.

"I have to write an essay and to study for 2 finals by Monday."
and
"I ONLY have to write an essay and to study for 2 finals by Monday."

The nuances in meaning between these two sentences is basically as great as:
"I only have 3 days to live"
and
"I have 3 days left to live."