The Boy Who Knew Too Much

Peyton

Unfortunately, it was a beautiful day.

Peyton frowned at the bright, midday sky overhead and wished for a storm to save her from this stupid camping trip. A weekend in the woods wasn't exactly how she wanted to start her summer break. If she had any choice, she'd be in her pool with an ice-cold glass of lemonade, not spending the next two days in an insect-infested campsite. But this was a family trip, so she had to go.

. Outside the car window, a blur of trees rolled by and her frown deepened. Peyton was sure she was close to the campsite where the rest of her family awaited. This was over—no point in wishing. Peyton sighed in defeat when her commlink buzzed. It was a text from her mom: Your father was to talk to you. Peyton groaned. Her dad was the last person she wanted to talk to. This trip was his idea. But she couldn't ignore him, either.

Peyton glanced up at him. "You need something, Dad?"

"Yeah, listen. I know you're not thrilled about this trip, but it will be good for you." Her dad glanced at her rearview mirror with a sympathetic gaze. "You'll get to reconnect with nature and escape all this tech."

Peyton resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, her dad would say that. He was obsessed with this low-tech lifestyle. Even now, he was driving the car instead of putting it on autopilot like everyone else. And her dad didn't want any implants, even though he could afford them. No. He was happy with his natural body and kept an ordinary human—a Baseline. A choice Peyton didn't get. Why be a Baseline, when everyone else was becoming more?

"And we get to spend some time together," her mom added from the passenger seat. Unlike them, her mom had implants—small-scale neural units. Most people didn't even know she was Augmented. "You just finished your first year of high school and it won't be long before you're off to college."

Peyton protested. "But why camping? Why couldn't we go on a cruise or something?"

"Because," her dad paused briefly. "I didn't think of that. You know what? Next year, you plan our vacation."

She raised her eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah, but I want to have some fun this weekend."

Now that was a tall order. But if putting on a smile meant going on a cruise next summer, Peyton was more than willing to try. She imagined herself on the top deck of a large cruise ship with the glowing sun and salty ocean air. The waves crashed against the hull as the service drones passed her drinks with the tiny umbrellas. Peyton smirked. "Alright, I can do that."

"Good. My wallet hurts already," her dad joked.

Her mom slapped his shoulder. "At least you won't be alone. Anna will be there to keep you company."

Peyton shrugged. While she loved her cousin, Anna had been driving her crazy with all her camping talks. It didn't surprise Peyton. Anna loved camping and the great outdoors. She had planned their entire weekend with hiking, swimming, and telling ghost stories by the fire. That didn't sound to Peyton. Maybe this weekend won't be—

BANG! She jerked back and forth as the car halted. Her heart raced. Peyton turned to her parents who groaned and moved around. She sighed with relief. They were still alive.

"Is everyone alright?" Her dad asked. He sounded worried.

Her mom replied first. "Yeah, I'm alright. Peyton?"

"I'm good," Peyton shook off the dizziness. "What happened?"

She leaned over her dad's shoulder, peering at the cracked windshield. They must've hit an elk or a grizzly bear. Animal sightings were common and accidents were bound to happen. However, the car sensors should've alerted them unless her dad turned them off. No. He wouldn't risk their safety. Something else happened.