Chapter 33: Bridges Through Time

The year 1996 marked a pivotal transition for Josh, setting the stage for his long-term growth. With his advanced classes scheduled to begin the following year, he maintained a delicate balance between his academic achievements, Aikido training, and his responsibilities at the Mini Mart.

Josh had become a familiar and dependable figure at the Mini Mart, quickly mastering the organizational routines Sensei Chang had introduced. Whether it was stocking shelves, rotating inventory, or managing the occasional delivery, Josh carried out each task with precision. His dedication impressed both Sensei Chang and Mrs. Chang, earning their respect and fostering a sense of community.

At home, Josh stepped further into a leadership role. While his mother worked to support the family, Josh helped ensure that their household remained structured and harmonious. His brothers, however, followed different paths. Joel, despite initial enthusiasm for Aikido, soon abandoned the practice, his restless nature pulling him toward other interests. In contrast, William found an unexpected passion for Jujitsu, joining a local dojo and embracing the physical and mental challenges it offered.

Through all of this, Josh’s dedication to Aikido deepened. His lessons with Sensei Chang extended beyond physical techniques, delving into the philosophical foundations of the art. These teachings cultivated his sense of discipline and balance, shaping his approach to life in profound ways.

The late 1990s and early 2000s brought significant changes to Josh’s family, marking new chapters in each of their lives.

Joel graduated high school and decided to pursue a career in plumbing, opting for an apprenticeship over traditional college. His knack for problem-solving and hands-on work quickly made him a standout in his trade. Around the same time, he started dating Beth Shrives, a kind-hearted and practical young woman who shared his grounded outlook on life. Their relationship added a sense of stability to Joel’s otherwise impulsive nature.

William followed a different path. Always the quieter and more contemplative of the brothers, he graduated high school and began working for a company specializing in home renovations. His natural talent for precision and craftsmanship shone through as he honed his skills in carpentry and design. Unlike Joel’s fast-paced lifestyle, William found peace in the tangible results of his labor, turning rundown spaces into beautiful, livable homes.

Dorothy, meanwhile, experienced a long-awaited sense of stability. The financial cushion provided by the lottery win, combined with Josh’s diligent support, eased much of the burden she had carried for years. With her sons growing into responsible young men, Dorothy found time to focus on herself—picking up hobbies, nurturing friendships, and occasionally even joining book clubs through her coworkers.

Through all these changes, Josh remained the family’s steady anchor. His advanced schooling and Aikido training occupied much of his time, but he always found moments to check in with his mother and brothers, ensuring they knew they could count on him.

In January 1999, Josh approached Leonard. They discussed investing $100,000 of the trust’s funds in Nvidia, a tech company about to go public. Leonard hesitated, asking Josh what led him to this decision.

“Technology is the future,” Josh explained, keeping his tone confident. “Nvidia is going to revolutionize computing and graphics technology.”

Leonard admired Josh’s foresight and agreed, making the purchase. The stock would eventually grow to an astounding $297 million by the 2020s, further solidifying the trust’s financial stability.

By the year 2000, Josh had accomplished what few his age could even dream of. At just 14 years old, he graduated high school, his advanced placement courses and independent study allowing him to complete his education early. His family celebrated his achievement with pride, though Dorothy expressed concern about him starting college so young.

“I’ll be fine, Mom,” Josh reassured her. “I’m not going far—I’ve decided on the local state college. It’s close to home, and I can keep supporting the family.”

Dorothy smiled through misty eyes. “You’ve always been wise beyond your years. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself too, okay?”

Josh nodded. His decision to pursue a computer science degree was born from a mix of practicality and his own deep interest in technology. His time in college was spent balancing his studies with continued Aikido training, maintaining the habits that Sensei Chang had instilled in him.

The year 2003 marked a profound turning point in Josh’s life. Leonard Johnson, the man who had been a mentor, friend, and surrogate grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep. The news hit Josh like a freight train. For all his foresight and preparation, nothing had prepared him for this moment.

Dorothy was equally shaken by Leonard’s passing. Though she hadn’t been as close to him as Josh, she deeply respected Leonard’s wisdom and the positive influence he had on her sons. As they mourned together, Dorothy began to question the circumstances of Leonard’s will.

One evening, as the sun dipped low and painted the porch in hues of orange and pink, Dorothy broached the topic while they sat in silence.

“Josh,” she began, her voice hesitant, “I’ve been thinking a lot about Leonard. He was such an incredible man, but I can’t help wondering ... why you? Why did he leave everything to you? He cared about all of us. Wouldn’t it have made sense for him to split things between the family or even donate to a charity?”

Josh swallowed hard, buying himself a moment to gather his thoughts. He knew the truth of his relationship with Leonard, but sharing all of it would be impossible. Leonard had been one of the few people who truly understood Josh’s unique situation—a 10-year-old boy with the mind and experiences of a grown man. Explaining that connection in full would only raise more questions.

“Mom,” he began slowly, carefully choosing his words, “Leonard and I ... we had something special. He saw something in me, something he believed in. We talked about the future a lot. He wanted to help me build something meaningful, something that could benefit everyone—our family, this community.”

Dorothy frowned slightly, but her expression softened as she looked at her son. “I know he thought the world of you, Josh. I guess I just don’t understand why he wouldn’t include the rest of us. It’s not that I’m upset—I just don’t want you to feel like this is all on your shoulders.”

Josh reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. “Mom, Leonard trusted me, but that doesn’t mean I’m alone in this. I still need you and the rest of the family. This isn’t about me—it’s about all of us.”

Dorothy sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’re something else, you know that? Sometimes I forget you’re just a kid. You carry yourself like someone much older.”

Josh chuckled softly, looking down at his hands. “Maybe it’s all those afternoons on Leonard’s porch. He had a way of making you grow up without you realizing it.”