Chapter 6: The Birthday (Edited)

10 March 1980, 8:00 PM

Since today is their children's birthday, Alice and May decided to hold a private party for just the four of them.

After their performance in the park, Alan couldn't help but smile as he recalled the interview he and Ama had with a journalist.

**Flashback of Alan's afternoon after the performance.**

Alan was beaming with pride. Their performance had drawn a crowd of about a hundred people, despite it not being a weekend. As he basked in the afterglow of their success, he heard a voice calling out, "Hi, young man." Turning, he saw an older man holding a camera.

Alan politely replied, "Good afternoon, sir." Walter Cronkite, the old man, was taken aback by Alan's manners in a world where politeness seemed rare.

"Would you mind if I asked you and your friend a few questions?" Walter inquired. After a moment's hesitation, Alan sought his mother's approval, and with her nod of encouragement, he agreed.

Following some trivial questions about their ages and backgrounds, Walter asked, "I was just told that you two have been performing here every weekend for the past year. Is that true?"

Alan looked to Ama, who signaled her consent to speak, knowing they were being filmed. "Yes, sir," she answered. "We've been performing together since we were eight years old. Today is our tenth birthday." Walter was astonished by their dedication and talent from such a young age.

"Are you twins?" he asked, intrigued by their bond.

Alan explained, "No, I'm an orphan who was left at the doorstep of an orphanage. After being adopted, my birthday was changed to January 1, 1970. I asked my mother to adjust it so we could celebrate our birthdays together." Ama beamed with joy as Alan recounted their special bond.

"Why do you sing?" Walter inquired further. Alan confessed, "Personally, I only enjoy singing when I'm alone, and I love listening to music." Ama added, "I love singing, and Alan said he liked my voice. After we shared our dreams, I felt even more determined."

Moved by their sincerity, Walter asked about their dreams. Alan expressed his desire to help Ama achieve her dream of pursuing film and series, while Ama aspired to perform for a large audience alongside Alan in every one of his movies.

Hearing their answers, Walter was deeply touched. "Oh, what are your dreams?" Alan replied, "I have a simple goal of helping Ama realize her dream and pursuing film and series myself." Ama chimed in, "My dream is to sing for a large audience with Alan playing the guitar beside me in every movie, supporting him all the way."

Walter marveled at the purity of their dreams despite their different backgrounds. Concerned about the pitfalls of fame, he decided not to broadcast the interview, wanting to protect them from the harsh realities of Hollywood.

"Would you like me to keep this recording as a promise?" Walter offered. "When you achieve your dreams, I'll show it to you."

Alan and Ama exchanged glances, understanding the significance of Walter's gesture. Alan smiled and nodded, "Okay, and thank you, sir." With a smile, Walter bid them farewell, and they went their separate ways.

End of Flashback

Later that night, Alan and Ama exchanged gifts. Alan presented Ama with a gift box containing his first signed book, a project he had been working on for a while.

Ama's face lit up with joy as she realized the significance of the gift. In return, Ama gave Alan a large gift box containing a mini piano. Alan's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as he realized Ama's thoughtful gesture.

Later that night, Alan dialed his grandmother's number, eager to share the day's events with her. As she answered, her warm voice filled his ear, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity.

"Happy birthday, Alan! How was your day?" his grandmother asked, her voice tinged with affection.

"Thank you, Grandma. It was wonderful," Alan replied, a smile evident in his voice. "We had a great performance in the park, and Ama and I were interviewed by a journalist."

His grandmother's excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "Oh, how exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it. When will you come to visit me? I miss you terribly."

Alan's heart swelled with love for his grandmother. "I miss you too, Grandma. I promise I'll come to see you soon," he reassured her.

"Why not come every weekend? You're not in school anymore," his grandmother suggested, her voice filled with longing.

Alan hesitated for a moment before responding, "I've been working on a surprise for everyone. I wrote a book, and today I sent a copy to every member of the family. I wanted to wait until everyone received it before I visited."

His grandmother's surprise was evident as she exclaimed, "Oh, Alan, you never cease to amaze me! I can't wait to read your book. Thank you for thinking of us."

A sense of warmth and contentment washed over Alan as he listened to his grandmother's words. Despite the hardships they had faced in the past, moments like these reminded him of the strength and resilience of their family bond.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they bid each other goodnight, their hearts filled with love and gratitude for one another.

Alan, who was a little excited that night, did not fall asleep even though the A.I. showed that his book had an 87% chance of becoming the first in the best-sellers list. It was not until he was exhausted that he fell asleep.