Examination Day Quotes

“You may specify by telephone,” the voice droned on, “whether you wish his body interred by the Government or would you prefer a private burial place? The fee for Government burial is ten dollars.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“This is the Government Educational Service. Your son, Richard M. Jordan, Classification 600-115, has completed the Government examination. We regret to inform you that his intelligence quotient has exceeded the Government regulation, according to Rule 84, Section 5, of the New Code.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“Dick said, “Ready.” Lights appeared on the machine, and a mechanism whirred. A voice said: “Complete this sequence. One, four, seven, ten …”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“Why did it have to rain today?” he asked. “Why couldn’t it rain tomorrow?” His father, now slumped into an armchair with the Government newspaper, rattled the sheets in vexation. “Because it just did, that’s all. Rain makes the grass grow.” “Why, Dad?” “Because it does, that’s all.” Dick puckered his brow. “What makes it green though? The grass?” “Nobody knows,” his father snapped, then immediately regretted his abruptness.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“Dad,” he said, “how far away is the sun?”
“Five thousand miles,” his father said.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“The Jordans never spoke of the exam, not until their son, Dickie, was twelve years old.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day

“It’s nothing. It tastes like peppermint.”
― Henry Slesar, Examination Day