"What time is it, Mama?" Tiana asked. "I'm setting my alarm clock for tomorrow."
"I think it's five o'clock," her mother called from across the house. "The sun is coming into the kitchen, and that's usually around five this time of year."
"That's what the clock in the hall says, so I guess you're right."
"Your daddy is the only one who sets the clock in the front hall, unless you started keeping that one going."
"Oh. I suppose a stopped clock is right twice a day. I'll set my alarm a little earlier, just in case. I wish I could remember how he did it. He showed me before he left."
Her mother came out to the hall to look. "Well, in his last letter, he said it looked like they'd be home in a few more months. The clock can wait."
"I suppose so," Tiana sighed.
"The mailman always carries a pocket watch, maybe tomorrow afternoon you can ask him for the time," her mother suggested. "But I'm sure your alarm clock is close enough for tomorrow morning."
"You're right, Mama."
"You're never late for school, anyway. Just don't stay up too late studying, and you won't have trouble waking up."