Refracted Neurons

Image by  PublicDomainPictures  from  Pixabay “Let’s dump it all in,” Ryan held up the test tube of sodium hydroxide. The fluorescent light glinted off his safety goggles making him look like a mad scientist. His unruly curls and intense eyes completed the look.  “Ms. Crenshaw said that we should add it slowly,” Booker grabbed the other tube filled with vinegar.  Why, oh why did the teacher let them pick their lab partner today?   “But that wouldn’t be fun!” Ryan tipped the test tube into the beaker of water.  Why, oh why were they friends?  “She’ll fail us,” Booker grabbed Ryan’s gloved hand. Ryan, being the larger of the boys, resisted.   “So? Don’t you wanna know what happens? I bet it explodes!” Ryan stopped pouring, “Dude, you’re like holding my hand. I didn’t know you felt that way.”   Booker pulled his hand back and stared longingly across the lab. His assigned lab partner, the girl he usually worked wi...

Things were fine.  The air was crisp and icy.  If Russell looked down, he could see his skis, red against the treetops.  Everything was in a hush except for the grinding of the lift. It was fine.  Skiing was fun. A wind blew and his vision blurred.  The sound of the lift increased, then he was nudged off the seat and onto the snow.  Majesty screamed at him, but he didn’t hear it.  All he could think of was the empty spot he had left in the lift behind him. “Look at this guy, he’s just standing there,” the voice was teasing. “Must be his first time.” They laughed. Russell gripped his ski poles.  Through his thick gloves, he couldn’t feel the bumps of the grip.  He couldn’t feel anything.  He was rising out of his body with the steam that rose out of his mouth.  He was melting into the snow underneath his feet.  He was slowing into a glacier, dying and being born.   The ski lift dropped off another pair.  A skier in a p...