Tom and Kate are at a cafe, discussing Tom's birthday plans. Tom mentions going through his dad's paperwork and feeling overwhelmed. Later, Tom receives a birthday card from his dad, who passed away, expressing pride in Tom's management of the family business and encouraging him to ask Kate out. Touched by the message, Tom decides to invite Kate to the symphony as a date. Kate happily accepts.
Good morning, Tom. Here's your coffee. The usual? Morning, Kate. Thanks. Yes, please. But let's do a biscuit instead of the sourdough today. You got it. Hank, sunrise platter, sunny, and a biscuit. Copy that. You were later today than usual. Everything okay? Oh, fine. I couldn't find my keys. Turns out they were right where I'd left them last night. So, how are you holding up, Tom? All good at the shop? Doing okay. Still going through Dad's paperwork.
Lots of records. Feels like it'll never end. But it's all right. I'm glad to hear that. Thinking about heading over to Sterlingville tomorrow for my birthday and treating myself to the symphony. Oh, that sounds like a great time. Oh, got another customer. Oh, and happy birthday, Tom. Thanks, Kate. Hey, Tom. Saw your pickup truck out front and thought I'd save myself the trip to your place and hand-deliver you your mail. That works for me, Charlie. Thanks.
No problem. See you around. See ya. Let's see. Bill. Catalog. Bill. Bill. Junk mail. Wait. What's this? A birthday card? The handwriting. Happy birthday, dear Thomas. I'm sure this is a surprise for you. In my estate directives, I asked Jackson Bartlett to mail this card to you on the first birthday after I was gone. Don't be upset with him for not saying anything. I told him to keep it a secret. Anyway, I know you're always worried about keeping the shop going smoothly without me.
And I just wanted to let you know that I have every confidence that you're doing a great job with our family business. I know that you love it as much as I did. Love you, son. And I'm very proud of the man you've become. Mom and I will see you soon. Love, Dad. P.S. Hopefully not real soon, though. P.P.S. Have you asked Kate out yet? She's not going to wait around forever. Thanks, Dad. You're right. What am I waiting for? All right.
One sunrise platter. Thanks. And I'll be right back to top off that coffee for you. Kate, you got any plans tomorrow night? I'd like you to come with me to the symphony, if you're interested. Why, Thomas Walker, are you asking me on a date? That's exactly what I'm doing, Caitlin Crawford. What do you say? I say, what took you so long? This micro audio drama, Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser, was written, directed, and produced by me, J.D.
Sutter, and I also voiced Tom. The music was played by Rose Beasley, Christopher Green played Hank and the postman Charlie, and Glenn Haskell voiced Tom's dad. Thanks for listening.