After the children ran off, Allen remained on the bench for a few minutes, feeling a quiet calm. The gentle sounds of the park wrapped around him—rustling leaves, distant laughter, and the chirping of evening birds. It eased something inside him. Slowly, he stood and began walking toward the food court near Gate No. 2.
There, he spotted Marry and the boy again. Marry had changed her clothes and now wore a golden frock, a small cap perched playfully on her head. Her round eyes sparkled as she looked up at the ice cream vendor, cheeks slightly puffed with excitement. She had a tiny nose, delicate hands curled into pink fists, and small shoes that matched her outfit. Her chin-length bob of golden hair shimmered under the warm lights, bouncing as she shifted from foot to foot.
Allen smiled softly and walked toward the vendor. Marry caught sight of him.
"Oh! Big Uncle!" she squeaked, her voice high with delight. "You came for ice cream too?"
"Yes," Allen replied with a gentle nod. "Looks like you beat me to the line."
The boy, standing next to his parents, turned politely. "Sir, which flavor do you like?"
Before Allen could respond, Marry blurted out with gleeful confidence, "Strawberry!"
The boy frowned. "Strawberry? That's totally a girl flavor! Boys eat chocolate!"
Marry crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Says who? Strawberry is everyone's flavor!"
Allen chuckled, the sound coming from a place in him that hadn't laughed in a while. Watching the small debate unfold, he felt a strange warmth in his chest. For a brief moment, it was like watching a scene he'd once imagined—with Amy.
He gazed at the children and said softly, "Well, I like strawberry too."
Both kids turned to him in surprise.
"See!" Marry said triumphantly.
The boy looked unconvinced but grinned. "Okay, fine! But I'm still getting chocolate."
Other children began arriving at the food court with their parents, forming a small crowd around the vendor. The smell of cones and sweet flavors filled the air.
Allen received his ice cream, just as Marry tried convincing her parents to let her have a second one. They gently said no. The boy joined in, backing her up with playful enthusiasm.
Marry then walked over to Allen, who was quietly enjoying his strawberry ice cream. He seemed lost in thought.
She tugged at his hand. "What happened?"
Allen looked down at her.
She asked, "All the boys I know don't like strawberry. Why do you like it?"
"Because one of my best friends liked it," Allen said with a soft smile.
The children nearby, as well as some of the parents, were listening quietly.
Marry's curiosity deepened. "So why today?"
Allen looked out at the sky for a moment. "Today is her birthday," he replied.
Marry's eyes lit up. "Then you must give us an ice cream party!"
Allen laughed—a deep, genuine laugh that had been buried for too long.
The parents quickly stepped in, apologizing for Marry's boldness. But Allen waved them off. He had already overheard that many of the children wanted another scoop.
Marry took her chance. "What is her name?"
"Amy," Allen whispered.
Without waiting, Marry began singing. "Happy Birthday to Amy!"
All the children joined in, their innocent voices blending into the night air.
Allen couldn't stop the wide smile that formed across his face.
As the song ended, they all shouted, "Now can we have ice cream?"
Before any parent could protest, Allen raised a hand. "Okay, all of you will get ice cream from me—including the parents."
Some of the parents hesitated, unsure how to respond.
But the vendor asked, "Sir, your second scoop?"
Allen looked at him and said, "Let everyone choose whatever they want. I'll pay."
He sat back on a nearby bench, quietly eating his ice cream. A few tears slid down his cheeks. The parents watched in silence. They understood.
Once the children finished their treats, they all ran to him.
"Thank you, Big Uncle!" they said together.
Allen smiled and nodded.
The parents thanked him too, and one by one, they began to leave the food court.
Allen paid the vendor for all the ice creams and started walking toward Gate No. 4.