"Photosynthesis," Mrs. Baker said. "It is the process of turning light into energy. The plant takes the chaotic energy of the sun and turns it into structured sugar. Glucose. Fuel."
Alex sat at his desk. He was spinning a pen.
Chaos into structure.
That was football. The game was messy. The ball bounced anywhere. The crowd screamed. The job of a midfielder was to take that noise and turn it into a goal.
"Mr. Finch," Mrs. Baker asked. "What is the waste product of photosynthesis?"
Alex looked up.
"Oxygen, Miss," Alex said. "The plant breathes out what we need to breathe in."
"Correct," Mrs. Baker smiled. "A perfect symbiotic relationship."
Mark raised his hand. He was wearing sunglasses indoors.
"Yes, Mark?" Mrs. Baker sighed.
"If I eat a lightbulb, will I get super energy?" Mark asked.
"No, Mark. You will get broken glass in your stomach and a trip to the hospital."
"Oh," Mark looked disappointed. "What if I just lick it?"
