[ALVIN]
You should have told me about that

[THOMAS]
Alvin never would have understood

[ALVIN]
Yes, I would!

[THOMAS]
I had too much coming at me-

[ALVIN]
You should have said something-

[THOMAS]
I couldn't work, I couldn't write! I had to streamline my personal life!

(ALVIN selects a story and reads.)

[ALVIN]
"Money and Prizes". A story about Thomas

Having streamlined his personal life... Thomas was able to focus on more important matters

[THOMAS]
But, as much as I tried to focus, there was always this voice in my head. Alvin's patient, supportive and... aggravating voice
[ALVIN]
Another award? You are so talented, Tom

(THOMAS steps into the past; he bеgins to speak to an awards ceremony audiеnce. Throughout the following, THOMAS is completely aware of, but tries to ignore ALVIN's aggravating voice.)

[THOMAS]
Wow, thank you so much for this! I'm flattered, but completely at a loss as to why you've chosen me!

[ALVIN]
You're amazing, Tom
And to prove it, they're throwing this big fancy do
For you
You're amazing, Tom
If I'd known about this, I'd have been there today
Well, anyway

I'm sure you have no time to call
I know that your schedule's tight
You're probably needed at signings and parties
C'mon, I'm your pal, it's all right!
You're amazing, Tom...

[THOMAS]
I'm frequently asked, Where do your stories come from? I don't know. All I know is, there's gotta be thousands of stories in this head of mine, just waiting for me to pick one and write it down

[ALVIN]
You're amazing, Tom
You're everything I always knew you could be
Times three
[THOMAS]
But it's lonely work... just me and the blank page...

[ALVIN]
You're amazing, Tom
And to think that you made it here all on your own
Well, who'd have known?

Your writing has passion and skill
While others are churning out fluff
It's easy to pander to low expectations
But quality stories are tough

[THOMAS]
...and the indescribable feeling of writing those first few words, knowing I'm on my way to changing people's lives-

[ALVIN]
(mockingly earnest)
What you do is important
What you do is an art
What you're doing is feeding your readers
Ideas with heart

Let's admit it
You're making the planet a happier place
It's because of the minds you are saving
That someone is waving
Another award in your face
You're amazing, Tom
[THOMAS]
Every one of my stories - "The Butterfly", "The Marvelous Mystical Bookstore", "The Memory Robe", even the incredibly popular "Mrs. Remington's Halloween" - every one was up here, just waiting for me to set it free

[ALVIN]
(more pointed)
You're amazing, Tom
The result of the choices you made is success
I guess
You're amazing, Tom
It's hard when you have to leave some things behind
Well, never mind...

Some people march in parades
While others just watch them go by

[THOMAS]
Of course, I can't leave the stage without a few thank-yous...

[ALVIN]
So soak up the praise and enjoy the ovation

[THOMAS]
My publisher...

[ALVIN]
Though nobody special will share your elation

[THOMAS]
My agent...

[ALVIN]
Money and prizes are fine consolation
And tangibly indicate why

[THOMAS]
And the single most important person in all of this...

The one who buys my book!

[ALVIN]
You're amazing, Tom

(THOMAS steps out of the past and confronts ALVIN.)

[THOMAS]
It's elusive, Alvin
It's like angels in the snow
Turn your back, and there they go...