Test Day

by Conrad Moher

This story was originally published in Day One, a weekly literary journal dedicated to short fiction and poetry from emerging writers.

Forced to abandon a promising career in medicine when he was caught using the hospital’s drug supply, Mr. Redmond tried to get clean and took the only job he could get: teaching high school math and science to learning-disabled students. Unfortunately, Redmond still spends his nights partying and using—endangering his life and job, but also his chances of creating a romantic relationship with his colleague Miss Morley. When someone begins sending Miss Morley sexually provocative letters, the hunt for the culprit risks exposing Redmond’s secret life to both her and to the school’s principal. Desperate to hide his own misdeeds but determined to expose those of others, Redmond must ask himself: When is it useful to reveal the truth, and when do lies serve better?

20 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2014

Reviews

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Unexpected exploration of a fallible character in a specialized school setting.