On the morning of my medical college entrance exam, I woke up late. When I reached for my phone, I realized all my alarms were mysteriously turned off. Panic hit me like a thunderbolt. My heart was racing. My exam started in just five minutes! But then, my 8-year-old brother stepped up with a plan that saved everything.
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. That dream grew even stronger after my mom died from cancer. Watching her suffer, I promised myself I would help people like her someday. I wanted to understand the disease that took her away, and I wanted to fight it for others.
For years, I worked hard to reach this moment. I stayed up late, reading thick books, studying for tests after tests. I gave everything to get ready for this day—my medical entrance exam.
Last night, I did everything to make sure I wouldn’t oversleep. I set three alarms on my phone at 6:00 a.m., 6:15 a.m., and 6:30 a.m. I even left the curtains open so sunlight would wake me up. As I lay in bed, I thought about Mom and whispered to myself, “I will make you proud, Mom. I have to.”
But this morning was different. When I finally opened my eyes, it felt way too dark for that time. I grabbed my phone, and my heart stopped. It was 9:55 a.m.—my exam was starting at 10:00!
“No, no, no! This can’t be happening!” I shouted, throwing off the blankets. I grabbed my phone. All three alarms were off. My hands shook as I dressed faster than I ever had before.
“I know I set those alarms!” I whispered to myself, confused and scared. How did this happen?
I rushed down the stairs, half-dressed, my hair a mess. “Linda!” I called out loudly, looking for my stepmom. “Linda! Please! I need a ride! My exam starts in five minutes!”
She was in the kitchen, calmly sipping her coffee, looking at me like I was some kind of joke.
“You’re already late,” she said flatly, her voice cold like the coffee cup in her hand. “Maybe next time, you should learn how to set an alarm properly.”
“I did set it!” I nearly yelled. “I triple-checked. All three were on!”
Linda shrugged and smirked. “Clearly, you didn’t. Maybe this is a sign you’re not meant for med school. If you can’t even wake up on time, how will you handle real patients?”
My face burned with embarrassment and anger. Was she really saying this to me? Was she trying to stop me from following my dream?
I turned toward the door, knowing I’d never make it to the school on foot in time, but I had to try. Just as I reached for the door handle, a small voice stopped me.
“I know who did it,” my little brother Jason said nervously, but his eyes were strong.
I turned around, surprised. “Jason, what are you talking about?”
He took a step forward, looking carefully at Linda. “I saw her last night. She turned off your alarms, Emily.”
Linda glared at him sharply. “Jason, stop making up stories,” she hissed.
Jason swallowed hard but didn’t back down. “I’m not lying! I saw you go into her room, pick up her phone, and turn off the alarms. You said she didn’t need to go to that stupid exam anyway.”
My head was spinning. I looked at Linda, hoping she’d say it was a mistake or that Jason was wrong. But instead, she sighed and crossed her arms.
“You know what, Emily?” she said, her voice cold and harsh. “Fine. Yes, I did it. You’re not cut out to be a doctor. It’s a waste of time, energy, and money—money your dad could spend on something better.”
I couldn’t hold back. “Like… your beauty salon?” I said, my voice sharp.
Just as I was about to walk out, I heard sirens growing louder in the distance.
Jason squeezed my hand and smiled a little. “Don’t worry, Em. I called for help.”
Linda’s face twisted in shock. “You seriously did that?” she asked, struggling to believe it.
Jason’s voice was small but brave. “You’re the bad guy, Linda. Emily is going to be a doctor one day. Mom would be proud of her.”
Linda’s face changed to anger and disbelief. Before she could say anything, the sirens got closer.
The front door burst open, and two police officers came inside. One was tall and serious. “Is everything alright here?” he asked.
Jason stood tall for an eight-year-old. “I called you. My sister’s alarms were turned off on purpose. Linda did it so she’d miss her exam.”
Linda immediately put on a fake innocent face. “This is ridiculous!” she said. “Kids making up stories because they’re late.”
The other officer, a woman with kind eyes, knelt down beside Jason. “You called us to help your sister?” she asked gently.
Jason nodded quickly. “Yes! Emily worked so hard. Linda wanted her to fail.”
The officers looked at each other, then at me. “Is that true?” the tall officer asked.
I whispered, “Yes. I have to get to school now or I lose my chance.”
They nodded. “Alright, young lady. We’re going to get you there.”
Linda looked furious. “You’re actually going to take her there?” she snapped. “This is ridiculous!”
The officer replied calmly, “It’s our job to help people. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
I looked at Jason, who was now beaming like a little hero. “Thank you, Jason,” I whispered, hugging him tight. “You saved me.”
We got into the police car, sirens blaring as we raced through the streets. My heart pounded—not with fear, but with fierce determination.
When we arrived at the exam center, the doors were already closed. The officers walked with me to the entrance.
A man in a suit, one of the exam proctors, looked confused. “The exam has already started,” he said.
The policewoman quickly explained, “Her alarms were turned off on purpose. She’s here now. If there’s any way she can still take the exam…”
The man studied me, then nodded. “Alright. Go on in.”
“Thank you,” I breathed, still barely believing it.
I found my seat, shaking but refusing to let anything stop me. I closed my eyes and thought of Mom. This was my chance. I picked up my pencil and started the test.
Hours later, I walked out, tired but relieved. The officers had left, but I felt their kindness as I headed home.
Jason was waiting on the steps, jumping up as soon as he saw me.
“Did you make it?” he asked, eyes shining.
I smiled tiredly. “I did. Thanks to you.”
He hugged me tight. “I knew you would.”
Inside, Dad was waiting. His face was pale and serious. Jason quickly told him everything.
Dad’s face turned red with anger. “Is this true?” he demanded, glaring at Linda.
Linda’s eyes darted nervously. “I… I just wanted to stop her from making a mistake,” she muttered.
Dad’s voice was cold. “You ruined her dreams because of your selfishness. You’re not staying another night.”
Linda turned pale and tried to argue, but Dad shook his head. “Pack your things. This family deserves better.”
Jason and I stood by the door as she left. There was no joy in it, only relief. Finally, justice was served.