The Wake-Up Call

“Frannie!” Katie’s voice was sharp. “Wake up. If you get up now, you can still make it to class on time. You might even have a few minutes to catch breakfast.”

Frannie opened her eyes and stared at Katie, slowly registering recognition, followed by surprise and dismay. Her mouth gaped as she looked at the silent alarm clock on her desk. “But… what happened to my alarm? Why didn’t it go off?”

Katie shook her head, realizing that Frannie’s transition from pampered child to self-sufficient adult wasn’t going to be easy. “It rang until Robin was afraid it would wake Leslie and me. As soon as I’m dressed, the three of us are going to get breakfast. We’ll stay in the cafeteria until 7:40, then we’re leaving for class so we can get there early enough to sit together. If you get up now, you won’t be late.”

Frannie nodded, holding back her tears. “Katie, why didn’t Robin just wake me up? I don’t understand why she needs to be mean to me. My mother never had any trouble getting me up on time.”

Katie considered her response. “Frannie, Robin did try to wake you. She shook you, spoke to you, and let the alarm continue to ring.” Frannie started to protest, but Katie interrupted, her expression stern. “No, Frannie, it’s not Robin’s job to wake you. We’re all living away from home for the first time, and we’re all realizing how much more responsibility we have for ourselves.”

A tear slipped down Frannie’s cheek. Katie pulled her gently to her feet. “Get up and get ready. I doubt that you need a whole hour in the bathroom. Hurry, and if there’s time, meet us in the cafeteria and we’ll all go to class together. Otherwise, we’ll save you a seat.”

Katie went to dress. Frannie found her towel under some clothes on her chair and went into the bathroom. “If Katie were my roommate, she wouldn’t have let me sleep so late. Robin just hates me.”

Katie, hearing nothing from the bathroom, called through the door. “Frannie, don’t just stand there. I meant it when I said that we are all learning what it means to be on our own.” As if Katie were a mind-reader, she continued, “Robin doesn’t hate you. I would have let you sleep, too. You’ll never be OK on your own if you have to count on someone else to look out for you.”