SOLVED. Short story - writing on the walls [s]

[Benjamin]

Short story included in my tenth grade anthology. A man is in a room, has something to do with writing on the wall or making notches in the wall, maybe to keep track of time? Think there was also a red light or red button. Maybe it was something about launching nuclear missiles. I made a diorama of it, but can't remember anything else

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

What year did you read this?

[Benjamin]

I read it in 2004, my sophomore year, which would have been the year we focused on American Lit like The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, etc. Just remembered- "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" was also included in the textbook. Still having trouble finding it, though

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Benjamin, are you still looking for this story or did you find it?

[Benjamin]

sadly haven't remembered it yet...

[Andy]

Reminds me a little of "A Clean Escape" by John Kessel Dr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clean...

[Benjamin]

I had forgotten about this and went to look for it again just now... it's definitely Game by Donald Barthelme! Thanks for bringing it back on my radar

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Great. "Game" can be found in Sixty Stories.