I never thought chemistry class could feel like a mystery novel, but that all changed last Tuesday.
It started during ninth period, when Miss Lopez, our science teacher, rolled in a cart full of beakers, test tubes, and bottles of strange-looking liquids. She had that mischievous smile that usually meant something exciting was about to happen.
“Today,” she said, pushing her glasses up her nose, “we’re doing an experiment called the glow reaction. But remember safety first.”
We all pulled on our goggles. I started at a lab station with my best friend, Marcus. He was way too excited, brushing his fingers on the table, like we were about to open a treasure chest.
“Watch,” Miss Lopez said, pouring clear liquid into a beaker. She added white powder, then another liquid. Suddenly, the entire mixture began to glow neon blue, like it came straight out of a superhero movie. Everyone gasped.
Marcus whispered, “Bro, that looks like radioactive slime.”
I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t stop staring. The light seemed to pulse, like it was almost alive.
We got our own supplies and started mixing. At first, it was just boring, clear liquid. But when I sprinkled in the powder, the beaker started glowing too. My jaw dropped.
“This is sick!” Marcus said.
But then something weird happened. Our beaker didn’t just glow blue. It started glowing green, brighter than anyone else’s. People turned to look, and even Miss Lopez froze.
“That’s … unusual,” she said, walking over.
“Unusual?” I repeated nervously. The beaker’s glow was getting stronger, almost buzzing.
“Maybe we should dump it out,” Marcus suggested.
“No, wait,” Miss Lopez said quickly. She leaned closer, eyes wide. “I’ve never seen it react like this.”
The green glow flickered, then POP! a tiny spark shot out. Everyone screamed. Marcus ducked under the table, while I just stood there holding the beaker, too shocked to move.
“Set it down!” Miss Lopez shouted.
I carefully placed it on the table. The glow diminished, but then a strange fog started, curling out on top, spreading across the table as ghostly smoke.
Marcus peeped up. “Uh, is this how super villains are made?”
“Quiet!” Miss Lopez snapped, though I could tell she was just as freaked out. She grabbed a stopper and sealed the beaker. Instantly, the glow faded, and the fog disappeared.
The whole class was silent. Finally, Miss Lopez exhaled. “Well. That was unexpected.”
“What happened?” I asked, my heart still racing.
Miss Lopez tilted the beaker, examining the liquid. “Science happened. Sometimes, when chemicals mix in slightly different amounts, you get new reactions. You two must’ve added a little too much of one ingredient. But don’t worry, it wasn’t dangerous, just … surprising.”
Marcus grinned. “So basically we made history.”
Miss Lopez chuckled. “Let’s not exaggerate it. But yes, this was unique.”
For the rest of the period, everyone kept glancing at us like we were some kind of lab legends. Even after class, kids asked, “How do you make it glow green?”
Marcus shrugged dramatically. “Trade secret.”
I walked out, and I laughed. “Dude, we almost blew up the classroom.”
“Yeah,” Marcus said proudly. “Best. Science class. Ever.”
And I had to admit he was right.
