On the day of my medical college entrance test, I woke up late and found all my alarms mysteriously off.
As I hurried to get ready, my 8-year-old brother had a plan that would save the day.
Since I was young, I always wanted to be a doctor. After my mom passed away from cancer, that wish became even stronger. I wanted to help people like her and understand the illness that took her away so others could fight it too.
I prepared for this moment for years with late nights, tons of books, and more tests than I could count. Today was finally here: the day of my medical entrance exam.
The night before, I did everything possible to avoid oversleeping. I set three alarms on my phone—6:00 a.m., 6:15 a.m., and 6:30 a.m. Plus, I left my curtains open so sunlight would wake me up. As I lay there in bed thinking about Mom, promising myself I’d make her proud.
When morning came and opened my eyes something felt off. It was dark—too dark! Reaching for my phone made me freeze—9:55 a.m.! My exam started at 10:00!
“No way! This can’t be happening.” Throwing off blankets and grabbing my phone showed all three alarms were turned off!
“I know they were set!” My hands shook as i got dressed super fast while questions raced through mind. How did this happen?
I dashed down the stairs half-dressed with hair everywhere shouting “Linda!” looking for stepmom “Please! Give me a ride! My exam is in five minutes!”
She sat calmly in the kitchen sipping coffee with an eyebrow raised like she didn’t care at all.
“You’re already late,” she said flatly “Maybe next time learn how to set an alarm right.”
“I did!” Almost yelling now feeling frustration rise in voice “I triple-checked them!”
She shrugged smirking slightly “Clearly you didn’t do it right maybe this means you’re not meant for med school? If you can’t wake up on time how will you handle serious stuff like patients?”
Standing there feeling heat rise in face disbelief swirling around me couldn’t believe this was real; she wouldn’t do this to me…would she?
An angry woman wearing red T-shirt | Source: Pexels
Turning toward door knowing walking wouldn’t work but had to try just as reaching handle heard small voice behind me.
“I know who did it,” Jason said nervously but his eyes steady.
Confused turning back asked “What are you talking about?”
He stepped forward cautiously glancing at Linda “I saw her last night turn off your alarms Emily.”
Linda shot him an angry look ”Stop making things up Jason,” she hissed back at him
Jason gulped but stood firm “I’m not lying! Saw you go into her room pick up phone turn them off saying she didn’t need that stupid exam anyway.”
My head spun looking at Linda searching face hoping she’d deny it or say it was misunderstanding but only sighed crossing arms instead
“You know what Emily?” She said coolly voice hardening “Fine yes i did it you’re not fit to be doctor it’s waste of time energy money your dad could spend on something better.”
“Like…your beauty salon?” Words slipped out before stopping myself
Just when about push past leave heard sirens getting louder coming toward our house
Jason holding hand gave hopeful smile “Don’t worry Em called for help.”
Linda’s expression hardened staring at Jason “You really called them?” barely able speak
Jason’s small voice cut through tension “You’re bad guy Linda,” he declared fiercely despite being small frame “Emily will be doctor one day Mom would be proud.”
Linda twisted face before saying anything sirens outside grew louder watched her look towards window eyes widening surprised
Front door opened two police officers walked inside one tall broad man spoke calmly authority “Is everything okay here?”
Without missing beat Jason replied standing tall despite age “Called you sister needs ride entrance exam Linda turned off alarms.”
Officer’s gaze shifted towards Linda who quickly put on innocent act folding arms scoffing “This is ridiculous! Just kids making things up because they’re late.”
But other officer kind-eyed knelt down level with Jason gently asking “You called us help your sister?”
