I Overslept on the Morning of My Crucial College Entrance Exams Because Someone Turned off My Alarm

The morning of my medical entrance test, the day I'd prepared for years, started like a nightmare. For some reason, all my alarms were off, and it was already 9:55 a.m. My exam was starting in just five minutes. Panic washed over me, dread filling every part of me as I grasped what this could mean for my dreams.

I jumped out of bed, countless questions racing through my mind. I was certain I'd set three alarms the night before—6:00, 6:15, and 6:30. I'd even left the curtains open to let in the morning light. Despite all that effort to ensure I wouldn't oversleep, here I was, hours late.

"This can't be happening," I whispered, throwing on clothes and sprinting down the stairs. I called out for Linda, my stepmom, hoping she'd drive me. "Linda, please! I need to get to my exam!"

In the kitchen, she sat calmly, sipping her coffee with an almost amused look. "You're too late, Emily. Maybe you should've set your alarms better if this exam was so important."

"I did!" I shouted, frustration building inside me. "I triple-checked everything. They were all on."

She shrugged, a slight smirk on her lips. "Maybe it's a sign you're not cut out for this. If you can't even wake up, how do you plan to handle something as serious as medicine?"

Her words stung, but before I could argue, a soft voice came from behind me. "Emily, I know who turned off your alarms." Turning around, I saw my little brother, Jason, his eyes fixed on Linda.

"Jason, what are you saying?" I asked, confused.

He swallowed, his small face determined. "I saw Linda turn them off last night. She came into your room while you were asleep. I heard her say you didn't need to be at that 'stupid exam' anyway."

Linda's face tightened. "Jason, stop making up stories," she hissed.

But he didn't back down. "I'm not lying," he said firmly, looking up at her. "I heard you."

I stared at Linda, searching for any sign of denial, any hint of a misunderstanding. Instead, she rolled her eyes and said coldly, "Fine, you caught me. But it's not like you're fit to be a doctor anyway. It's a waste of everyone's time and money."

My shock and anger must have been clear because she stepped back, realizing the impact of her words. Just as I was about to run out the door, sirens blared in the distance, getting closer. Jason gave me a hopeful smile. "Don't worry, Em. I called for help."

Linda's face went pale. "You did what?" she asked, fury creeping into her voice.

The sirens grew louder, and soon two police officers arrived at the door. "Is there a problem here?" one officer asked, tone calm but firm.

Jason didn't hesitate. "Yes. My sister needs to get to her entrance exam, but Linda turned off her alarms so she'd miss it," he said, voice small but sure.

Linda scoffed, trying to appear innocent. "They're making things up because she overslept."

The female officer knelt down, looking Jason in the eye. "Did you call us to help your sister?" she asked gently.

He nodded. "Yes. She worked so hard for this, and Linda messed it up."

The officers exchanged glances before turning to me. "Is that true?" the male officer asked.

"Yes," I managed to say, my voice choked with emotion. "I have to get to the school, or I'll lose my chance to take the exam."

"Alright, young lady," the female officer nodded. "We'll get you there."

Linda's face twisted in disbelief. "Wait, you're actually going to escort her?" she stammered.

The officer met her gaze. "It's our job to help people."

They led me to the squad car, sirens wailing as we rushed through traffic toward the exam center. When we arrived, the doors were already closed, but the officers explained my situation to the proctor. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and let me in.

The exam room felt surreal. Sitting down, I took a deep breath, thinking of my mom and how much I wanted this. Despite the chaotic morning, I centered myself and began the test, determined not to let anyone take this dream away from me.

Hours later, I walked out exhausted but relieved. Jason was waiting on the steps, his face lighting up when he saw me. "Did you make it?" he asked, eyes shining.

I smiled and hugged him tight. "Yes, thanks to you."

When we got home, Dad was waiting. Jason told him everything, sparing no detail. Dad's face darkened with anger as he looked at Linda. "Is this true?" he demanded.

She stammered, trying to excuse herself. "I didn't mean for it to go so far..."

But he cut her off, his voice cold and firm. "You sabotaged her dreams out of pure selfishness. You're not staying here another night."

Jason and I watched as she packed her things, leaving with a defeated look. As the door closed behind her, I felt no satisfaction, only relief. We were finally free from her negativity, and I had my family's support to pursue my dreams.