Reality Game Changer

Chapter Eight

Alex could hardly believe the numbers appearing on his computer screen as the cryptocurrency transfer was completed. Nearly $50,000 was successfully deposited into his account, converted from the virtual funds Zane had sent. It was more money than Alex had ever seen in one place.

He wasted no time initiating an electronic funds transfer to his real-world bank account that had barely received any funds in the past years. The transfer fee stung, but Alex knew he had to convert the crypto to usable cash immediately because it was a very unstable currency.

The next afternoon, Alex's bank app notified him the funds were available. He rushed to the nearest branch, withdrew the maximum daily amount in cash, and then brought the rest out in certified checks for larger payments. Sitting in his idling on his bed back home, Alex stared down at the stack of checks and piles of hundred-dollar bills in disbelief. It seemed unreal after all his financial struggles.

Alex's first stop for his spending was his apartment building to deliver a payment he was several months behind on.

Alex approached the landlord's office holding an envelope containing the large rent check. He knocked on the open door frame.

"Come in," the landlady Mrs. Wilson waved him inside with a smile. "Alex, good to see you. What can I do for you?"

"Hi, Mrs. Wilson. I wanted to drop this off." Alex handed her the envelope.

She opened it and her eyes went wide seeing the $6,000 check. "Is this...your back rent and 6 months ahead?! How did you..."

The landlord raised her eyebrows in surprise as Alex handed over a check covering the back rent and an additional 6 months upfront, totaling over $6,000.

Alex rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Well, I got a new job that pays really well. It's just temporary work but it covered what I owed. And I wanted to pay some in advance while I have the funds."

"My goodness, that's wonderful!" Mrs. Wilson beamed. "I'll admit I was concerned when you fell behind. But I'm so glad you're back on your feet."

"Me too," Alex nodded. "I really appreciate you working with me this past year. Things were tight for a while but they're looking up now. I'll keep working hard and make sure the payments stay consistent going forward."

"I never doubted you for a minute dear." She patted Alex's shoulder affectionately. "You just focus on your studies and taking care of your poor mother. The rest will work itself out."

Alex thanked her again and turned to leave, feeling a wave of relief. The large payment bought him substantial goodwill and stability here for the first time in ages.

His next stop was the local grocery store where he used the cash to load up his loyalty card with $3,000, figuring that should cover him for at least 6 months if he was frugal.

After grabbing some essentials, Alex transferred the rest of the funds electronically to the university to cover this semester's tuition and lab fees. The total came to $8,000, draining almost the remainder of his account.

Alex stopped by the registrar's office to confirm payment, receiving a receipt showing a zero balance. Finally, he worked up the nerve to visit the professor who had warned him about his debts last week, unaware that Alex had just paid in full.

"Alex, I wasn't expecting you. Is everything okay?" the professor asked as Alex entered his office.

"Everything's great actually. I just wanted to give you this..." Alex handed him the tuition payment receipt, waiting for his reaction.

The professor studied the paper in disbelief. "You covered the entire balance already? Even after our conversation about you not having the funds? How is that possible?"

"I picked up some side jobs that paid really well," Alex explained vaguely once more. "It was enough to get square, so I won't have any issues completing the program."

The professor seemed puzzled yet impressed. They concluded the meeting pleasantly, though Alex knew he would continue monitoring this surprising situation. For now, Alex was simply relieved he had bought himself some stability and goodwill.

Going back home, Alex finally allowed a smile. In a single day, his situation had transformed from the brink of despair to temporarily flush with cash. He knew the funds would drain quickly with his mother's care, but for the first time in ages, hope and excitement crept back into his weary mind.

If he was careful and resourceful, this windfall could sustain them for months while he strategized getting more payments from Zane. Alex realized he was now playing a risky game with tremendously high stakes. But with his mother's life on the line, he was all in.

The morning after securing his rent and tuition, Alex totaled up the funds remaining in his bank account - just under $22,000. It was now or never to put that money towards his mother's health.

He called both his delivery and coffee shop jobs, requesting a personal day on short notice. They were reluctant but eventually granted the request. Alex then dressed up in black trousers, a button-down shirt, and a tie - the nicest clothes he owned.

Boarding his scooter, he sped across town toward Metropolis General Hospital. In Dr. Singh's office, he paced nervously until the oncologist arrived.

"Alex, I wasn't expecting to see you today. Is everything alright?" Dr. Singh asked.

Ushering him into the office he offered him a seat.

“What can I do for you today?”

"Actually, it's about my mother's treatment plan," Alex said hesitantly. "I know we've discussed some promising experimental options, but the costs were too high for me. But recently, some opportunities came up allowing me to pay for it."

Alex removed an envelope from his bag containing a certified check for $22,000 made out to the hospital. "This is everything I have available right now. Will it be enough to start her first phase of immunotherapy?"

Dr. Singh opened the envelope slowly, eyes widening at the large check amount. "Alex, this is...incredibly generous of you. It should be sufficient to initiate treatment and medications for the next 3 months. I'm amazed you managed this."

Alex smiled slightly. "It wasn't easy, but Mom is the most important thing. This could give us more time together and hopefully keep her comfortable. I just want to help however I can."

"You have a big heart, Alex. Your mother is lucky to have you," Dr. Singh said, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder. "I'll begin the paperwork this afternoon to start her treatment first thing tomorrow morning."

Alex let out a deep sigh of relief. It was only one step, but a critical one he hoped would buy them more precious time together. He would find a way to keep fighting for her, no matter the obstacles ahead.