The Worst Day

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

The Worst Day

TL;DR

  • The setting is suburban New Jersey on an ordinary Tuesday.
  • The weather was a clear blue sky with an early chill.
  • The narrator was months away from getting their driver's license.
  • The day is remembered as ordinary, shaking off summer cobwebs.