The sun beat down on Mik and Alex as they manned their lemonade stand, a cheerful addition to the yard sale spread across their front lawn. Mik had insisted on setting it up, arguing that people might be thirstier in the heat and more inclined to donate.
"Ice-cold lemonade!" Alex called out, his voice weaker than it used to be but still full of enthusiasm. "Help support my heart surgery!"
Mik winced inwardly at the bluntness of the pitch, but they couldn't deny its effectiveness. People's faces softened when they saw Alex, pale but smiling, behind the stand.
Next to the pitcher of lemonade, a tablet displayed a holographic QR code for donations. Mik had set it up, insisting that even people without physical cash should be able to contribute easily.
Alex was having a good day, by his standards, which allowed him to participate in the yard sale festivities. However, after just an hour in the sun, his energy was visibly flagging. Mik noticed the color draining from his cheeks and gently suggested he go inside to rest.
"But I want to help," Alex protested weakly.
"You've been a huge help already," Mik assured him, helping him back into the house.
For the rest of the day, Mik kept noticing the living room curtain fluttering. They knew Alex was supposed to be resting, but couldn't resist peeking out at the activity. Every time Mik caught a glimpse of his pale face in the window, they felt a mix of fondness for their brother's spirit and a sharp pang of worry for his health.
From the corner of their eye, Mik could see their parents. Mom was carefully wrapping a lamp for a customer, while Dad was earnestly explaining the features of their old hoverboard to a interested teenager. The strain was visible on both their faces, the humiliation of having to sell their possessions and ask for donations clear in the set of their shoulders.
As the day wore on, Mik was surprised by the generosity of their neighbors and even strangers who had seen their online ads. People often rounded up their purchases or added extra to their lemonade payments. Some even shared their own stories of medical struggles, offering words of encouragement along with their donations.
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By the end of the day, exhausted but hopeful, the family gathered around the kitchen table to count their earnings.
"Five thousand, six hundred and twenty-three dollars and forty-seven cents," Dad announced, his voice a mix of gratitude and lingering worry.
Mom pulled Alex and Mik into a tight hug. "You two were amazing today. Every penny counts."
Mik felt a surge of pride, but it was quickly tempered by the knowledge that it still wasn't enough. The treatment Alex needed cost tens of thousands, and that was just to buy time until a transplant became available.
Later that night, as Mik got ready for bed, they noticed the growing hole in the toe of their sneaker. They sighed, knowing new shoes were out of the question right now. Instead, they pulled out their art supplies, quickly sketching a galaxy design that would camouflage the wear and tear. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it would have to do.
Settling into bed, Mik pulled out the family's shared tablet. They'd long since accepted that they wouldn't have their own smartphone like their classmates - the monthly fees were an expense their family couldn't justify. But the shared tablet was enough to connect with Cayde.
StarGazer101: Hey Cayde, you there?
CelestialObserver: Always here for you, StarGazer. How did the yard sale go?
StarGazer101: Better than expected, but still not enough. I feel so helpless. I wish there was more I could do to help Alex.
CelestialObserver: Your efforts are admirable, StarGazer. Have you considered other fundraising methods?
StarGazer101: Like what? I'm all ears for ideas.
CelestialObserver: Well, you have a unique perspective and talents. What about creating and selling some of your cosmic artwork? Or offering online tutoring in astronomy?
Mik's eyes widened. They hadn't considered monetizing their passions before.
StarGazer101: Those are brilliant ideas! But... how would I even start?
CelestialObserver: I can help you set up an online store for your art. As for tutoring, there are several platforms that connect students with tutors. Your knowledge of the cosmos could be valuable to many.
As Cayde outlined more ideas, Mik felt a spark of hope ignite in their chest. Maybe they could make a real difference for Alex after all.
StarGazer101: Cayde, you're amazing. Thank you so much for brainstorming with me.
CelestialObserver: Always happy to help, StarGazer. Remember, in the vastness of the universe, every action, no matter how small, can create ripples of change.
As Mik signed off, their mind was buzzing with possibilities. Tomorrow, they'd start putting these plans into action. For Alex, for their family, they'd do whatever it took. And as they drifted off to sleep, they couldn't shake the feeling that somehow, someway, things were going to work out.