Project: Cayro

Chapter 6: Abstracts of Reality

Cayro Bracton:

August 18, 2025

16:35 EST

The Bracton House

Hampton VA.

I watched Star glare at me as her skycar lifted off, leaving nothing but the receding hum of its engines and a seething rage simmering in my chest. The nerve of that girl, acting so damn nonchalant about everything! Does she have any clue that my entire life has been flipped upside down? All I ever wanted was a normal life—graduate high school, go to college, become a pro skyboarder, and live out my dreams. But instead, I'm some failed experiment with a ticking clock over my head.

Sighing, I tore my eyes away from the sky where Star had vanished and turned to find my grandfather and Captain Clark watching me.

"What?" I snapped, unable to keep the frustration and anger out of my voice.

"Problem?" my grandfather asked, one eyebrow arched in that familiar way that meant he wasn't buying my bullshit.

"Nope," I shot back quickly, walking over to them, trying to rein in my temper.

"Uh-huh..." Captain Clark muttered, his tone laced with skepticism. "Well, Cayro, it was a pleasure to meet you again, even if our time together was brief," he said, offering his hand with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Out of respect, I shook his hand, though I couldn't muster the energy to make it anything more than a formality. "So, what's the plan, sir?" I asked, letting go.

"Well, I believe I might know where your father hid the C Drive. We're going to continue searching for it. Once we find it, we'll contact your grandfather so we can complete your procedure. That way, you can live a healthy and happy life," he explained.

"Good. Is there a way for me to contact you if I happen to find it?" I asked bluntly. I saw his eyebrow twitch at my tone, and I couldn't help but feel a small spark of satisfaction. At least he understood I wasn't happy about any of this.

"I'll have Star send you an email when we get back to the Autumn. Your grandfather can brief you on how to encrypt it. Also, be careful about what you say in the email," the Captain replied, his patience clearly wearing thin. Oh, joy... more interaction with her royal grumpiness. Just what I needed.

"I'm perfectly capable of sending an encrypted email, thank you," I growled, the frustration bubbling back up.

"Cayro... that attitude isn't necessary," my grandfather grumbled, though I could hear the exhaustion in his voice. He was just as fed up with all of this as I was. Maybe this whole situation would teach them not to play God with someone's life.

Captain Clark nodded before heading back to his vehicle. As he opened the door, he turned back to me. "Cayro, keep practicing your skyboarding. Your grandfather mentioned you're one of my biggest fans. From one professional to another, don't give up," he said, his tone softening.

I nodded curtly before turning away and heading towards the house, my grandfather silently trailing behind me. I heard the click of the door shutting behind us as I made my way up the stairs, not bothering to look back. My mind was racing, and all I wanted was to be alone to process everything.

In my room, I collapsed onto my bed, staring blankly at the picture of my father holding me as a baby, propped up on my desk. Without thinking, I reached out and laid it face down. I didn't want to see his face, not now. Closing my eyes, I tried to sort through the mess in my head, but all I could see were bright amethyst eyes—Star's eyes. Her face filled my mind, her soft smile, the way her sharp features seemed to soften when she wasn't being so... frustrating.