Contemporary Fiction
3 min
The Test
Claire Lien
4th grader Oliver Ji sat within Room 4 of the School for Lazy and Obsessive Students, yearning to play with the puppy his family had just adopted, a female he'd named Rea. His teacher, Ms. Zil, was talking about their upcoming math assessment. The test was on February 11th, more than a week away - Oliver could just play first, and then study, right? Math wasn't much of a problem for him, anyway; he usually got more than 50% of the questions correct.
Meanwhile, his best friend Carina Ko was panicking. There was so little time to study! What if she didn't get a full score? That would be terrible. She swore to study in all of her spare time, recalling that one dreadful test she got only a 99% on.
Once they had been dismissed from class and he had said goodbye to Carina, Oliver rushed onto his car, eager to return home to play with his dog. Well, after he finished his math homework, which wouldn't be much of a problem.
In contrast, after Carina arrived back home, quickly completed her homework, practiced a total of 90 minutes on her instruments, and attended her daily sports practice, she studied.
Days passed, Carina as busy as ever. She skipped meals and worked long into the night. At times, her parents would protest, worried about her health.
"You should play more," they'd tell her, "You're only 9 years old!"
But she'd shake her head and reply, "No. I must study! I already waste way too much time playing with Oliver."
By February 6th, the day she'd visit Oliver's house, Carina had dropped 6 pounds and had only slept for nine hours total since February 1st. However, when Carina's family arrived at Oliver's home, Oliver was still playing with his dog.
"Hey, Oliver," Carina exclaimed as she entered the house, carrying a thick math book, "Let's study for the math test together! We can complete this book in about 3 hours if we don't get distracted. I'm staying for 6 hours, so I have a spare in the car."
"But this is a playdate!" Oliver argued, "Let's play! Who said anything about studying? We'll study later. Like, start on February 10th or something."
Carina's jaw dropped. "You didn't study all this time? But - but I've completed 13 of these books and am aiming for 22!"
"That's bonkers!" Oliver cried out, "You should play!"
"You should study!"
"Calm down," Oliver's mother interjected, walking over, "Why don't you come up with a compromise? Arguing will waste time meant for playing or studying."
"But I need to study more!" Carina pointed out, "And Oliver does too. He hasn't ever gotten 100% before!"
Oliver turned bright red. "I usually pass," he argued.
"Usually," Carina muttered, "With a D-minus."
"You -"
"You're making matters worse," Oliver's mother interrupted, "How about 50-50? You can study together for 3 hours and finish that math book you so thoughtfully brought, Carina. Oliver's very thankful, right?"
"Am not," Oliver grumbled.
"But the other 3 hours can be for playing!" Carina exclaimed.
"Exactly!" Oliver's mother agreed.
"Fine!" Oliver groaned. He knew he couldn't win the argument now that his mom was siding with Carina.
Oliver stood up to guide his friend to his rarely-used desk.
In 3 ½ hours, they completed the math book. Though at first Oliver was reluctant to study, Carina's encouragement and the interesting questions kept him going. Toward the end, he began to enjoy it. And then it was time to play.
Carina wanted to continue studying, but a promise was a promise, no matter what it was. However, she had to admit that it was fun, the puppy was adorable, and the food Oliver's father cooked for lunch was truly delicious.
When it was time to leave, both kids begged their parents to let them stay for longer.
Smiling, Carina's mother kindly told them, "Maybe next week."
This seemed to satisfy both, and the Kos left.
For the next few days, Oliver would study a bit. Meanwhile, Carina would take breaks from doing so, and though she did finish the remaining 8 math books, she'd sleep and eat more, much to her parents' delight.
Soon it was February 11th. Oliver and Carina still had to think, but the test seemed easier. Everyone else appeared to be sleep deprived, too hungry to think properly, or helplessly puzzled - none of them looked like they were doing well.
The next day, Ms. Zil called on Oliver and Carina.
"Congrats," she exclaimed, "You're the only ones who aced the assessment, which also tested your studying habits. You've both improved quite a bit!"
Oliver and Carina were joyous. That one playdate had truly changed their life.
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