diff --git a/src/parser3.h b/src/parser3.h
index caba48f..1685c88 100644
--- a/src/parser3.h
+++ b/src/parser3.h
@@ -153,9 +153,7 @@ inline WeaselJsonStatus n_whitespace(Parser3 *self) {
 }
 
 inline WeaselJsonStatus n_value(Parser3 *self) {
-  if (self->len() == 0) {
-    MUSTTAIL return Parser3::keepGoing(self);
-  }
+  assert(self->len() != 0);
   while (tables.whitespace[uint8_t(*self->buf)]) {
     ++self->buf;
     if (self->buf == self->bufEnd) {