The sun shone on Nigel Watson's face as he picked up the remaining pieces of trash. Of all the volunteer service activities, Nigel enjoyed the beach cleanup days the most.

The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and the heat of the sun relaxed him. Nigel gazed out over a jewel-like ocean to enjoy another spectacular view before he returned to the beach parking lot to drop off collected trash, equipment, get his log signed, and go home. Just as Nigel was contemplating this, Milo appeared from behind a sand dune.

“Hey, Nige! Any weekend plans?”

“Not much; going to play The Machine, I think.”

The Colossal Machine was an online role-playing game that had been taking up most of his weekends lately.

“I might do that, although my dad did just get me a cool new antenna kit to construct. Either way, we should hang out. We haven't since summer.”

They began walking toward the parking lot together, the sun bearing down on them.

“We’ll see how it goes. I need to develop some characters for Jake and his friend.”

“I don't know why you do that. I know it's extra money, but you have been missing a lot of school lately.”

“I haven't been feeling well,” Nigel lied.

They dropped off their equipment. Nigel’s mother’s black Ford sedan caught his eye, and he waved.

“Well, call me if you change your mind, Nige.”

Milo was already in line to get his service log signed. As Nigel got in line behind him, he heard his phone chirp. It was Jake. Nigel swallowed hard.

“Give me the account.”

Nigel typed one word, “Tuesday!”

“Deliver or ur ass is mine.”

Nigel swore under his breath. He wanted to get on Jake's good side—if he had one—because the cash was too good to pass up. Nigel looked up from his phone; a dozen or so kids were in front of Milo, and the line wasn't moving fast. At the rate of speed Nigel had been going on the design, it would take the rest of the long weekend to finish Jake's character.

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But what if he used the game's macro and programming features normally reserved for modifications to level Jake’s character?

“See you Tuesday,” Nigel told Milo. “Got to get to work. I’ll get this log signed after school instead.” As Nigel approached his mother’s car, he noticed her going through a stack of papers. His mother was working Saturdays and bringing work home again. She worked too hard. At the beginning, it was great without her around to nag him, but lately having to make his own lunch and look after this younger brother Ralphie wasn’t worth the hassle.

“Hi, Mom. Did you have a good day at work?”

His mother Ellen Watson looked up. “Yes, Sweetie. I'm glad I'm off.”

Nigel was already in another world: the mobile app version of the game he was addicted to, Pretzelverse’s The Colossal Machine.

“How was your beach cleanup day?” Ellen continued when he didn’t respond.

“It was good.”

“Did you get your service log signed?”

“The line was long, so I’ll do it Monday.”

“Nigel, you forgot to get your log signed last time and missed out on ten hours of community service. Did you forget Monday’s a school holiday?” Ellen chided. “This will affect your rating in the honors society.”

“I’ll get it signed, Mom,” Nigel snapped.

“Yes, you will.” She whipped the car around. “Today!”

Nigel threw his head back and groaned.

When Ellen arrived at the beach, the event was already packed up, and there was no one to be found. Ellen grumbled as she pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the district office.

“You always do this, Nigel.”

“What? I will get it done at school, Mom; let’s just go home,” Nigel pleaded.

“You would almost be home if you waited in line like you’re supposed to. Why are you so lazy?”

Nigel folded his arms and looked out the window. Ten minutes later, she pulled up to the office. The windows were shuttered. Nigel didn't immediately make a move to go inside; he was still on his phone.

Ellen gave him a gentle push. “We’re going to be late to pick up your brother,” she said. “Go.”

Nigel mumbled something unintelligible as he left the car and slowly moved toward the door.

The community service supervisor sat at a desk going through papers. Helping him was a girl Nigel had never seen before. She was six feet tall, skinny, and had the most captivating smile. Pink streaks ran throughout her golden blonde hair.

“Can I get this log signed?” Nigel asked.

The girl took it from Nigel. After a brief glance, she handed the log back to Nigel.

“I need you to fill this out completely. If you don’t, you won’t get credit.”

Nigel stared back with a blank expression.

“You’re missing the correct date of service,” the girl said.

Nigel smiled at the girl as he took back the paper. Their hands briefly touched, sending shivers down Nigel's neck. He quickly added the correct information. He wanted to ask her name, but when he opened his mouth and started to speak, he froze. She was gone. Only the community supervisor remained. Nigel gave the log to the supervisor; she signed it and gave it back without so much as a second glance.

“What was the name of the girl who was helping me?” Nigel asked.

“Josephine, but she goes by Jet.”

“I like her hair, very captivating.”

“Yeah, but the pink streaks are too much.”

“Thank you.”

He left with a strange feeling in his gut.