When Jayden arrived home, it was well past dinner time. The lights were on, warm and inviting through the windows. He could hear voices inside—the family was still at the table.
He pushed open the door and was immediately met with concerned faces.
"Jayden!" Harleen stood up from her chair, her expression a mix of worry and relief. "Where have you been all day? We've been trying to reach you!"
Jacob crossed his arms, his dad-voice activating. "Your phone's been off for hours. We were starting to get worried, kid."
Jayden opened his mouth to respond, but Jessica beat him to it.
"He told me he was going hiking," she said smoothly, not missing a beat. "Needed to clear his head. I forgot to mention it, sorry."
Tasha jumped in immediately. "Yeah, and his phone probably died. You know how bad the battery on his holo-tab is."
Jayden shot both of them a grateful look.
Harleen's expression softened slightly, though concern still lingered. "Hiking for sixteen hours?"
