..The Birthday..

Aaron and Alan returned to the house, they gathered again for lunch:

Anna seemed worried, she kept looking at her watch.

- What's wrong mom?

- Tarou didn't come yet! I hope he won't be late like the other time.

- You know him. Traveling around the world became an obsession. Even Sarra started to get tired because of their constant travel.

- Well, it is not easy to travel with a little girl in your hands. I missed Salma so much, she must be all grown up. The last time we saw her, she was three years old.

- The birthday will be held in the evening. There is still time, he will come at the last minute as usual.

After lunch, the preparation for the birthday started. Annie was very excited:

- I can't wait to grow up and be like mom

- Enjoy your childhood, my little girl, you will grow up faster than you thought

- But, father, I want to know what kind of power I will possess. I hope it is The power of light like you and mom.

- I want to fly like uncle Tarou. Said Dave

Aaron smiled, then he held his children:

- We will always love you no matter what kind of power you will possess.

Alan was watching his son being a loving father:

- I'm happy that he is not making the same mistake as me. I was a cruel father back there and I regret it.

- You loved your children, but you didn't show it because you thought that it is some kind of weakness.

Replied Anna while holding his hand.

- You still have time to compensate for that.

The preparations for the birthday were almost done, everything was in its place. There was only left the arrival of Tarou and his family.

They kept waiting for so long, but no one showed up. All their faces became gloomy, especially Anna's. She was waiting for more than anyone.

- Don't worry, mom, he will come, I'm sure that he missed us as we did.

- Let's bring the cake and start the birthday, maybe something delayed his arrival. Said Alan.

Diana brought the cake and they started singing the birthday song for Annie. After that, she blew out the candles while everyone was clapping for her.

Annie was very happy, but her father and grandparents were forcing themselves to smile to not ruin her big day.

- Open your presents, Annie. I brought to you something you will love. Said Alan while giving her a small box.

She opened it with excitement. It was a bracelet made with small magical stones.

- OH MY GOD! Thank you, grandfather. I liked it a lot.

- Give me your hand, I will help you wear it.

When she wore it, the stones started glowing.

- WOW! How does it work

- Just touch the stones. The white one will make you feel peaceful, the green one will give you energy and the blue one will make you feel refreshed.

- What about this red stone?

- I don't know, it seems that it is just a normal stone without any magic. It did never glowed.

Annie hugged Alan:

- Thank you, grandpa, I love you very much.

- Love you too, dear.

The night ended, and Tarou has never shown up. Alan and Anna were invited to spend the night there hoping that Tarou will come any minute

Aaron took his children to their bed. Then he went to his room after saying good night to his parents.

- I hope Tarou is fine, I can't stop worrying about him.

Said Aaron to his wife while changing his clothes.

- He is a monster, what can happen to him? Besides, Sarra is a skillful wizard. Nothing bad can happen to them.

- If I knew his place, I would go to him immediately, but he never settled down. When he comes, I will give him peace of my mind for making his mother this worried.

Aaron shut the lights and went to bed.

After midnight, the door suddenly knocked.

- Is it Tarou? Did he finally come?

Aaron woke up immediately and went in a hurry to open the door.

It was Sarra and her little daughter.

- FINALLY, YOU ARRIVED! COME IN.

The others came and gathered around her.

Anna hugged Sarra as soon as she saw her.

- It has been so long, I missed you so much

- I missed you too Anna.

- Oh, look at our lovely Salma. She grew up so much. She looks exactly like you.

Aaron kept waiting for Tarou to show up, but no one else was there.

- Where is Tarou? Didn't he come with you?

Sarra's tears started falling.

- WHAT'S WRONG, SARRA? WHY ARE YOU CRYING?

- Tarou is missing.