The Wake-Up Call

Frannie, homes and dorm rooms don’t just take care of themselves.”

“I know. I know.” Frannie looked defeated.

“You’re not a child. You’re a bright young woman and you need to act like one. You have the opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s up to you to take advantage of it.”

“I will, Dad, I promise. I wish you didn’t have to go back so soon.”

“You’ll be fine,” her father reassured her. “I know you’ll enjoy your classes because you’ve always done well in school. Time will fly and the holidays will be here before you know it.”

Frannie squeezed her Dad’s hand and prayed that she’d made the right choice.”

They returned to Hadley Hall together to retrieve Gerhart’s coat and tie while Mrs. Crandall called a taxi. Frannie and her father waited together at the curb, then shared a long goodbye hug. “You’ll be fine, Frannie,” he assured her. “Crestmont is a wonderful opportunity for you.” He climbed into the cab and Frannie stood waving, not bothering to wipe away the tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt a stab of anxiety when the Yellow Cab turned at the end of the oval and disappeared.

She stood for several minutes, then swiped at the tears. “I can do this!”