Lost in Time

Chapter 3: Echoes of the Past

Alan looked around the garage, his mind racing as he tried to make sure everything was perfect for the birthday party of the triplets, his sons and daughter. Balloons and streamers were hanging from the ceiling, a table filled with food and drinks, and a large race track set up in the center of the room.

Alan had always loved racing and the garage, and he was excited to share that passion with his kids.

He looked around and things were going well according to his plans even though there were some mishaps. Some of the boys helped, Pete and Kim were preparing things for the birthday with Jeff while North and Sonic were playing on the simulator, and then the two lovebirds Charlie and Babe were entertaining the kids. "P'Alan the cake is finally here, help me get it please?" Jeff called so he went ahead to get the delivery.

Planning a party was harder than he had anticipated. There were so many details to attend to, and it seemed like everything was going wrong. The banner he had ordered arrived with the wrong colors, the cake he had commissioned was delivered late, and the clown he had hired had canceled at the last minute.

Alan felt the weight of it all bearing down on him, and he began to wonder if he had made a mistake by trying to do too much.

As Alan re-entered the room, chaos greeted him. Voices clamored, people were scattered, and even the children were on the verge of tears—a scene that immediately tugged at his heart. Setting the cake down on the table, Alan instinctively moved towards his kids, their distress a priority amidst the disorder but before he could reach them, North and Sonic intercepted him, their enthusiasm palpable. "Hey, P'Alan! Show us those racing skills of yours on the simulator," Sonic urged eagerly, attempting to divert Alan's attention.

"Yeah, P'Alan! We've seen your old footage—you were amazing back in the day," North chimed in, admiration evident in his voice. The mention of his racing days stirred something deep within Alan—a reminder of a passion that still burned brightly in his heart. "Maybe later," Alan responded, gently stepping back from the simulator. "Let me check on my kids first."

With that, he turned towards his children, his mind briefly lingering on the thrill of racing and the memories it held, before focusing once again on the present moment. He arrived in front of Charlie and Babe who tried to sing for the kids but that only made them cry more, it seems.

"Come on P'Alan, sing with us," Charlie says continuing to dance and sing along with the kids who seem to be more in a good mood now that their dad was around. Jed and Jet wobbled and sang along with their uncle while Jade was focused on her daddy. She was constantly, squeezing her squeaky toy into Alan's ears to get his attention, she was always joyful when Alan was around.

The squeaking made Alan a bit irritated so he got the toy from her. "Please, Jade, not in Dada's ears." He calmly said which made the little girl pout while still reaching for the toy as it was stolen from her, Alan kept it in his pocket. Everything was starting to take a toll on Alan, one by one.

"Excuse me, khun Alan!" It was one of the staff from the garage who Alan and Jeff invited to make the party more livelier or so Alan thought. "Can you do a car rev for my son? He's a big, big fan of yours." He says showing Alan his toddler who was eating a lollipop. "You know, I'd rather not. It's my kids' birthday party." Alan politely declined, the sound might be too much for the kids so he asked everyone to have a day off and join the party instead.

"Honey?" Alan turns to Jeff as the man pats his shoulders, great timing since the kid looked like he didn't want to give up on the car rev thing. "Can you get the cake on the table, don't forget the candles." Alan leaves immediately to do the task and when he does he is still disturbed by the same people.