• “Everything is made up of atoms. They are the… building blocks of matter, if you will. This kind of science has baffled many over the world and the case of quarks, believed to be the smallest particle ever, has yet to be concluded.” Mr. Axel lectured. I surveyed the room, observing the reactions of this great science. I saw all the faces look back at me.
    Of course I was interested, but I sure wasn’t a nerd. I pretended to daydream, but I knew everyone would know I was faking it. I absolutely wouldn’t show my face. That would austerely obliterate my erudite and knowledgeable repute and—
    “Ali?” Mr. Axel called on me.
    “Um…yes?” My fingers were a blur as I fidgeted in my desk. I saw a couple of grins and chuckles.
    “Could you tell us if this eraser…” He held up a pink object. “…is made of atoms?”
    My mind had already registered the answer as he asked the question.
    “Yes, sir. All objects are made up of atoms. This classroom is made up of atoms. Our skin is made up of atoms and even the air that we breathe.” My mouth got carried away.
    “The world is so full of wonderful things and these things have specialized tissue. The tissue is made up of smaller things which contain atoms. For example, a log cabin is made up of maybe a dozen logs. A log is made up of fibers.” Oh no, Nerd Takeover. “These fibers are made up of smaller things called lignin.” Stop it, mouth! Lignin is made up of atoms; everything—.”
    “Excuse me, Mr. Alistair. I’m afraid you have mistaken the question for an hour-long lecture.”
    “Yes. That eraser is made up of atoms.” I quickly added. I have just ended my life. I hung my head low, peering into my desk.
    “Thank you. Please pay attention next time.” I felt my cheeks combust into red.
    Why did I have to be so smart? Not that I'm bragging.