My daughter was not the average five-year-old. She’s not the average six-year-old, either, and I doubt she’ll be average at any age. I know, I know, all parents think their precious little pumpkins are special. This is not that. My daughter is brilliant in a way that scares the living daylights out of me.

I know what it’s like to possess an above-average IQ. It took me a long time to realize that my brain works differently than the average brain. Which means I’m smart but weird. I accept that. What it doesn’t mean, however, is that I’m incapable of doing dumb things. Hell, I have two ex-husbands who demonstrate that I can make dumb choices.

I can already tell that my daughter’s IQ is higher than mine. The way her brain makes connections…nothing gets by that kid. She hasn’t figured out yet that she’s different, but it’s starting to dawn on her, I can tell. And once she knows she’s smarter than the rest of us…lord help us all.

So, I focus on teaching her the things she’ll need to balance out that intelligence. Common sense, empathy, compassion, leadership. Those are the qualities that make the difference between a brilliant leader and an evil mastermind.

So, why am I thinking about this right now? Because this week, one of my all-time favorite Kristine Kathryn Rusch short stories is available for free on her website. (I know, I know, it’s not very smart of me to point out you can read the story for free when it’s my job to get you to buy it, but, hey, I’m no evil mastermind.)

The story is called “Advisors at Naptime,” and Carol reminds me of my own little genius.

Here’s the synopsis:

Carol wants a nap. Carol needs a nap. And no one will let her have one because the grown-ups need her. But the grown-ups underestimate Carol. And they fail to realize that Carol will do anything to get her nap.

You can read the story here. And you should. It’s a great story, and it’s free. That’s just a no-brainer.

Allyson Longueira is publisher of WMG Publishing. She is an award-winning writer, editor and designer.