The Final Exam

“So that’s our story.  Agreed?”  Todd asked.

“Agreed!”  Jensen affirmed. 

The two college freshmen drove into campus, hung over and late for their Sociology final.  They marched directly to Professor Miller’s office, neither bothering to change and take a shower.  Their disheveled appearance would only enhance their story.

“We’re really sorry, Professor.”  Todd lamented.

“And we would like totally understand if you gave us an F on the final,” Jensen pouted, playing up to Professor Miller’s softer side. 

“You both are averaging ninety percent in my class.  Failing the final would lower your grade considerably…”  Miller contemplated aloud.  “Come to class at our regular time tomorrow.  For obvious reasons I’ll have to give you a different test, but I see no point in failing you both because of a little bad luck.”

Todd and Jensen high-fived each other as they skipped down the steps of the Sociology building.

“I told you it would work,” Todd boasted.  “I bet you’re glad we still went to that frat party up at USF?”

Elated, the boys headed to their dorm, completely unaware of Miller staring at them from his office window.

The next morning, both boys walked into the classroom refreshed and self-assured.

Miller placed Todd at the head of the class and directed Jensen to sit three seats behind him.  “You have ninety minutes,” he instructed. 

They opened their test booklets to find only one question.  Their air of confidence was not lost to Miller.

Question One (100 points)
After travelling to see an ailing grandmother in Tampa, two college freshmen get a flat tire on Alligator Alley, making them late for their Sociology final.  Please indicate which tire was flat.

Both Todd and Jensen heaved a collective gasp of horror.  Screwed, was the one word that came to mind.

Word count: 298