A Little White Lie

A handyman living a quiet, unremarkable life in New York City is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when a case of mistaken identity leads him to be invited to deliver a prestigious keynote address at a university. The mix-up occurs when the university staff, in an attempt to contact a reclusive and world-renowned author, mistakenly believe that the handyman is the writer they’ve been trying to reach.

Having no connection to the literary world and possessing no public persona, the handyman—who has always lived under the radar—finds himself caught in an absurd yet surreal situation. With no choice but to play along, he is whisked away to the university, where his supposed fame precedes him, and the staff is eager to have him speak on behalf of the literary community.

As he struggles to keep up with the expectations placed upon him, the handyman’s life is turned upside down. He is showered with attention, questions about his work, and endless requests for interviews and appearances, all of which he is woefully unprepared for. In a world where words and ideas carry immense weight, he feels completely out of place, but is also unable to back out of the role he has been assigned.

The more he attempts to maintain the ruse, the more complicated the situation becomes. As the day of his keynote address approaches, the handyman must find a way to navigate the overwhelming pressure, all while grappling with his own identity and the expectations others have placed upon him.

At its heart, this story explores themes of identity, the power of perception, and the absurdity of fame. The handyman’s journey reveals how quickly someone can become a symbol of something they never intended to be and raises questions about what it means to truly “be” someone, especially when you’re thrust into a role that feels completely foreign. With moments of humor, tension, and unexpected insight, the story highlights the gap between the public’s perception of a person and their true self.