The evening air was warm, humming with the quiet rhythm of suburbia—distant barking dogs, the low whine of a lawnmower, the occasional laughter of kids chasing fireflies in the street. Marcus sat on the back porch, legs stretched out, a notebook balanced on his knee.
His mother was inside, washing dishes and humming Luther Vandross, just like she always used to.
It still didn't feel real.
He'd eaten dinner with her—talked with her. She laughed at one of his jokes. Her voice, her warmth, even the way she nagged him to clean his room—it had all returned with terrifying clarity. Time hadn't taken her from him. Not yet.
He was going to save her. He had to.
But to do that, he needed money. Real money. Enough to afford the best oncologists, the best diagnostics, years ahead of when she was ever diagnosed.
And for that, he needed a plan.
He flipped open the notebook to a fresh page and wrote two lists:
Short-Term Goals (First 3–6 Months):
Get part-time job or cash flow source ASAP
Start flipping electronics and collectibles via eBay
Build capital to begin investing
Open brokerage account (low-fee, no minimum)
Improve high school grades to qualify for Rutgers scholarship
Begin planting health-related "nudges" to get Mom screened early
Mid-Term Goals (6 Months to 2 Years):
Invest in Amazon (hold long-term)
Watch for Tesla IPO in 2010
Track Bitcoin launch in 2009 and build mining PC by Christmas 2008
Start small-scale tutoring or freelance work for extra income
Build credit early and avoid debt traps
Research early-stage tech companies with future growth
Step One: Early Income
Marcus couldn't invest without seed money. Back in 2006, he'd worked weekends at a local movie theater and made peanuts. But this time, he could look smarter.
"System," he said quietly, eyes scanning the page, "show me the three best high school part-time jobs that could scale quickly in 2006."
> Query received. Displaying results:
eBay Arbitrage: Buy old electronics at yard sales/thrift stores, flip them online.
Tech Setup Services: Home networking and PC setup for adults unfamiliar with new devices.
Freelance Tutoring: Especially SAT prep or math, if skilled.
"eBay it is," Marcus muttered. "I remember when you could get a used Game Boy for $10 and sell it for $60 online."
He scribbled:→ Saturday: check garage sales.→ Create eBay account. Track hot items.→ Use old PayPal link (create new if needed).
It wouldn't be glamorous, but it'd be fast. He didn't need thousands—just a few hundred to begin compounding.
Step Two: The Investments
He opened to a new page. At the top, he wrote:
Amazon – Buy Now.Tesla – Buy 2010.Bitcoin – Acquire 2009.
He remembered how ridiculous crypto sounded at first. But he didn't have to believe in it. He just had to own it.
"System, remind me: what's the best way to purchase Bitcoin early?"
> Local Bitcoin mining or direct transaction via peer networks in 2009. No centralized exchange until 2010. Recommendation: acquire gaming-grade PC before mid-2009 for mining capability.
"Right," Marcus nodded. "So I'll build a rig by Christmas 2008. Start mining by January."
"System, log that for future reminder."
> Logged.
Step Three: Protecting His Mother
This was the hardest part.
He turned to a new page and stared at it for a long time before finally writing the words:
Mom's Health – Preventative Strategy
She wasn't diagnosed until 2010. Stage III. But what if he could get ahead of it?
"System," he whispered, "how early can breast cancer be detected with 2006 technology?"
> Early-stage detection possible via annual mammograms and MRI scans. However, risk evaluation limited unless genetic testing is performed.
"Could I get her BRCA test?"
> BRCA gene testing was available in 2006 but expensive (~$3,000) and not commonly performed without a family history.
"Then I'll find a reason," he murmured. "I'll get her tested by 2007. Pay for it myself if I have to."
The real hurdle wasn't medicine. It was convincing her.
Later That Night
The TV played softly in the background. Old reruns of Girlfriends flickered in the living room, casting a warm glow across the carpet. Marcus sat beside his mother, pretending to focus on the screen while his mind raced.
"Mom?" he said after a long pause.
"Mmm?"
"You ever think about getting a full checkup sometime soon?"
She arched a brow. "Boy, I just had one in March."
"I mean… something more thorough. Like a genetic test. Or a scan. Just to be safe."
She gave him a suspicious look. "You a doctor now?"
He chuckled nervously. "No. Just… been thinking. You're all I've got. I don't want to lose you early, y'know?"
Her face softened. She reached over and gently touched his cheek. "I'm not going anywhere, baby."
He swallowed. "Promise me you'll let me set up an appointment soon. Just to humor me."
She paused, clearly unsure what had sparked the concern—but seeing the serious look in his eyes, she nodded. "Okay. If it matters that much to you."
He exhaled slowly, forcing a smile. "It does."
Before Bed
Back in his room, Marcus updated his notebook again:
Mom: Encourage early screening. Save for BRCA test.
Save $3,000 by mid-2007.
Monitor her diet. Less processed food. More greens. Supplements?
He stared at the last line for a long time.
This time, he wasn't just fighting for money.
He was fighting for her.
He closed the notebook, turned out the light, and stared up at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin.
And he wouldn't waste a single second.