Midtown School of Science and Technology – The Next Morning
Peter Parker walked into class with his backpack slung over one shoulder, holding a paperback titled Reborn in World War II: Fighting Beside Captain America. He had reread it the night before and found it even more thrilling.
"Good morning, Peter." Gwen Stacy turned in her seat at the front row, her golden ponytail catching the morning sunlight.
Peter's face instantly flushed. "M-morning, Gwen."
Harry Osborn came in through the back door and spotted Peter clutching the book. "Don't tell me you're reading another boring science journal?"
Peter shook his head quickly. "No, it's a novel. And it's amazing!"
Gwen leaned over, curious. "What kind of novel?"
Peter froze. Gwen was actually starting a conversation with him! His hands trembled slightly as he passed her the book.
"It's a… time-travel story. The main character fights alongside Captain America."
"Captain America?" Gwen turned the book over, reading the cover aloud. "Reborn in World War II: Fighting Beside Captain America. Well, that's a straightforward title."
Harry craned his neck. "Sounds fun. Where'd you find it?"
"I picked it up yesterday at Uncle Jack's bookstore," Peter said, scratching the back of his head. "The protagonist—John Smith—his story's incredible."
Gwen flipped open the first page. "My name is John Smith, an ordinary military buff… Wow, that's a strong hook."
"Right?" Peter lit up. "The way the author describes Captain America feels so real, like he actually knew Steve Rogers."
Harry reached for the book. "Let me try."
Gwen reluctantly handed it over. "I wasn't finished yet."
"Then we'll take turns," Harry grinned. "Class hasn't started anyway."
The three huddled around, reading aloud in turns. Gwen giggled softly at John's clumsy first moments in 1942. Harry nodded at the scene where John first meets Steve.
"This John's smart," Harry said. "He knows Steve's future but doesn't just blurt it out. That must be tough."
"I like that he doesn't steal Steve's spotlight," Gwen added. "He chooses to stand beside him instead."
Peter's heart soared hearing her praise, as if she were complimenting him directly.
Flash Thompson, overhearing, leaned over. "What's got you nerds so excited?"
"A fantastic book," Peter said, surprising himself with confidence. "A time-travel story with Captain America."
Flash's eyes lit up. "Captain America? Let me see!"
Harry held the book tighter. "Wait, I'm still reading this chapter."
Soon, more classmates joined in.
"What book is that?""Is it new?""Let me read it too!"
The classroom buzzed with energy. Gwen suggested, "Let's pass it around—one chapter each." Everyone agreed.
By mid-morning, the novel had become the star of the classroom. Students gasped at tense battles, clenched their fists at cliffhangers, and swooned over John's friendship with Steve. Even kids who usually hated reading lined up to take a turn.
The math teacher finally came in, frowning. "What's all the fuss?"
"It's a great novel, sir!" one student held up the book. "It's about Captain America."
The teacher raised an eyebrow at the title, then sighed. "Save it for after class."
As soon as the bell rang, the crowd gathered again.
"Peter, where can I buy this?" Gwen asked.
"Jack's Bookstore, Fifth Avenue. Eighteen bucks a copy."
"I'm going," Harry declared, pulling out his wallet.
"Me too!" Gwen stood.
"Wait for me!" others joined.
Half the class rushed off to the bookstore, buzzing with excitement.
Fifth Avenue – Jack's Bookstore
Meanwhile, Voss sat at home, flipping through yesterday's paper.
"Still no mention of my book," he sighed. "Promoting a debut is harder than I thought."
On the windowsill, Tom the cat stretched in the sunlight. Jerry fiddled with a toy on the table. Aqua lounged on the sofa, leafing through a fashion magazine with stars in her eyes.
"These dresses are gorgeous," she muttered dreamily.
Voss rolled his eyes. "Could you not drool over the pictures? You're creeping me out."
"Why don't we swing by the bookstore again?" he suggested, trying to sound casual.
"Again?" Aqua looked up. "We went yesterday. Some kid already bought one copy—shouldn't that be enough?"
"One copy?" Voss stood. "I want ten thousand sold!"
Tom padded over and tapped his leg, urging him to relax.
"I know, I know," Voss said, pulling on his jacket. "But what if someone else buys it today?"
The four of them headed to Jack's Bookstore. From a distance, they saw a crowd gathering outside.
"Why's it so busy?" Aqua whispered.
A dozen teenagers lined up at the entrance, all buzzing with excitement.
"Are you sure it's that good?" one girl asked.
"Peter wouldn't recommend garbage," a boy insisted. "And Gwen and Harry loved it."
"I can't wait to see Captain America in action!""I want to know how strong John's powers are!"
Voss's heart pounded. Were they… talking about his book?
"Tom, did you hear that?" he whispered. "They're here for my story!"
Through the window, he saw Uncle Jack frantically pulling copies from the shelf, handing them out as fast as he could. And yes—the books in the students' hands were Reborn in World War II: Fighting Beside Captain America.
Voss nearly jumped for joy. "They're really buying it!"
Even Jerry popped out of his pocket, waving tiny paws in excitement.
"Looks like you've got a hit," Aqua admitted.
Voss quickly counted—at least twenty people waiting. If each bought one, that was twenty sales. Hundreds in royalties.
"I'm going to make it big," he thought, clenching his fists. But he kept a calm face, not wanting to draw attention.
Just then, Peter arrived with more classmates.
"Peter, are you sure it's worth eighteen bucks?" someone asked.
"Trust me," Peter said firmly. "You won't regret it."
Voss looked at him with gratitude. Without this kid's help, none of this would've happened so fast.
Peter Parker, my very first reader. My supporter. Don't worry—I'll make sure your tragic future never happens. I swear it.
Inside, Uncle Jack looked overwhelmed.
"Sorry, kids," he said, mopping his brow. "I only had ten copies. Didn't expect them to sell out."
"What? Already gone?"
"Can you order more?" Peter asked anxiously.
"I'll call the publisher right now," Jack promised, grabbing the phone.
Outside, Voss trembled with excitement. Ten copies—gone in a single day. And the demand was still growing.
"My book's really taking off," he whispered. "This is only the beginning."