Birthday Book: A Special Story In Their Birthdays

Heizou's Birthday Special 2023: George Alagiah (Edition 1)

Monday, 24th of July, 2023...

Heizou and Mika were in London for a special occasion: Heizou's birthday. They had planned to spend the day exploring the city, visiting famous landmarks, museums, and parks. They also had a reservation at a fancy restaurant for dinner, where they hoped to enjoy some delicious food and drinks.

They were staying at a hotel near Hyde Park, where they met their companion for the day: Sophie Raworth, a BBC journalist and presenter who was a friend of Mika's. Sophie had offered to show them around London and share some insider tips on the best places to go. She was also a fan of Heizou's work as an Anemo catalyst user and a detective of the Tenryou Commission.

Sophie greeted them warmly at the hotel lobby and gave Heizou a birthday card and a small gift: a book of his favourite poems by William Wordsworth. Heizou thanked her and smiled, feeling touched by her gesture. He opened the card and read the message inside:

"Happy birthday, Heizou! I hope you have a wonderful day in London. You are an amazing person and a brilliant detective. I admire your courage, your intelligence, and your kindness. You have made the world a better place with your skills and your spirit. I'm so glad to have met you and Mika. You are both very dear to me. Enjoy your day and your evening. Love, Sophie."

Heizou felt a warm glow in his chest as he read the words. He looked up at Sophie and gave her a hug.

"Thank you, Sophie. This is very sweet of you. I appreciate your friendship and your support. You are very kind and generous. I'm happy to have met you too."

Mika smiled as He watched them hug. He was glad that Heizou had someone like Sophie in his life, someone who understood him and appreciated him for who he was. She knew that Heizou had been through a lot in his career as a detective, facing many dangers and challenges. He deserved some happiness and peace.

They left the hotel and walked to the nearby Hyde Park, where they enjoyed the fresh air and the greenery. They saw some swans swimming in the Serpentine lake, some squirrels running around the trees, and some children playing on the grass. They also saw some statues and monuments, such as the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the Albert Memorial, and the Speakers' Corner.

They chatted as they walked, sharing stories and jokes. Sophie told them about her work as a journalist and presenter, how she had covered many important events around the world, such as the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the Asian tsunami, and the Iraq War. She also told them about some of her colleagues at the BBC, such as George Alagiah, who was one of her co-presenters on the BBC News at Six. She said that George was a great broadcaster, a kind colleague, and a thoughtful journalist.

Heizou told her about his work as a detective of the Tenryou Commission, how he had solved many cases involving crimes, mysteries, and conspiracies in Inazuma. He also told her about some of his adventures with Mika, who was his partner and lover, as well as a Cryo Polearm user. He said that Mika was his soulmate, his inspiration, and his strength.

Mika told her about his work as a member of Reconnaissance Team Surveyor and as a Cryo Polearm user, how He had used his powers to help people in need, to fight against injustice, and to create Teyvat World Map. He also told her about some of his travels with Heizou, who was his companion and protector, as well as an Anemo catalyst user. He said that Heizou was his hero, his mentor, and his love.

They listened to each other with interest and admiration. They found that they had a lot in common, despite their different backgrounds and professions. They also learned from each other's perspectives and experiences. They felt a strong bond of friendship and respect.

They continued their tour of London, visiting other places such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben , Tower Bridge , Trafalgar Square , Piccadilly Circus , Covent Garden , Oxford Street , Camden Market , The British Museum , The National Gallery , The Tate Modern , The London Eye , The Shard , St Paul's Cathedral, The Globe Theatre, The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon.

They had a lot of fun and excitement, seeing the sights, taking pictures, buying souvenirs, watching street performers, eating snacks, riding buses and trains, and enjoying the atmosphere. They also had some challenges and surprises, such as getting lost, finding clues, solving puzzles, meeting celebrities, escaping dangers, and discovering secrets. They felt like they were in a movie or a game.

They ended their day at a fancy restaurant, where they had a reservation for dinner. They were seated at a table with a view of the Thames river. They ordered some food and alcohol-free drinks, and toasted to Heizou's birthday. They also had a cake with candles, which Heizou blew out and made a wish.

They ate and drank, and talked and laughed. They reminisced about their day, and shared their thoughts and feelings. They also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for each other. They felt happy and content.

They were about to leave the restaurant, when Sophie's OnePlus 11 5G rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was from Jon Sopel, her colleague and former BBC journalist. She excused herself and answered the call.

"Hello? Sophie Raworth speaking."

"Hi, Sophie. It's Jon Sopel here. I have some bad news for you."

"What is it?"

"It's about George Alagiah. He passed away earlier today."

Sophie felt a shock in her heart. She couldn't believe what she heard.

"What? How? When?"

"He died of Bowel cancer this morning. He had been battling it for years. He was 67."

Sophie felt tears in her eyes. She couldn't speak.

"I'm so sorry, Sophie. I know he was your friend and colleague. He was a great man and a great journalist. We will miss him terribly."

Sophie nodded silently.

"Do you want me to come over? Or do you want to come to the studio? We are going to do a special tribute to him on the News at Six and Ten."

(Sophie's Note: this studio means Studio B that I was in for the program that night.)

Sophie shook her head slowly.

"No, thank you. I need some time alone. I'll call you later."

"OK, Sophie. Take care of yourself. And let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you, Jon. Goodbye."

Sophie hung up the phone and put it back in her purse. She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. She looked at Heizou and Mika, who were waiting for her with concern.

"Are you OK, Sophie?" Heizou asked.

"What happened?" Mika asked.

Sophie forced a smile and said:

"I'm fine. It was just a work call. Nothing important."

She didn't want to ruin their mood or their evening. She didn't want to tell them the sad news.

She decided to keep it to herself for now.

She would tell them later.

She would grieve later.

She would mourn later.

For now, she wanted to enjoy the rest of the night with her friends.

She wanted to celebrate Heizou's birthday with them.

She wanted to cherish the moment with them.

She wanted to live in the present with them.

She got up from her seat and said:

"Come on, let's go. I have one more surprise for you."

She took their hands and led them out of the restaurant.

They followed her with curiosity and excitement.

They didn't know what she had planned for them.

They didn't know what she was hiding from them.

They didn't know what she was feeling inside.

They only knew that they loved her.

And she loved them too.