February, though the shortest month, felt like a whirlwind of firsts and small victories for Alex. The initial thrill of being on the "Happy Days" set was amplified tenfold when the episode finally aired. He and Aunt Nancy huddled on the couch, a bowl of popcorn between them, as the familiar theme song played. Nancy's daughter, Janet, perched on the arm of the sofa, her eyes glued to the screen alongside theirs. When he appeared, delivering his few lines to Fonzie and Richie, a wide grin stretched across Alex's face. It felt surreal, watching himself interacting with those iconic characters. A genuine buzz of excitement filled the small apartment for the rest of the evening, with Janet teasing him good-naturedly about being on TV.
That night, he called his dad in Texas. The phone connection crackled slightly, but his dad's voice boomed with pride. "Well, I'll be! I saw you on that 'Happy Days' show! Your Aunt Nancy told me when it was on, and I made sure to catch it. There you were, right there with the Fonz and Richie. You sounded just fine, Alex. Real natural-like. Your mother would have been so proud, son." His dad's words, tinged with a familiar Texan drawl, meant the world to Alex, a comforting reminder of home even amidst the Hollywood hustle.
The rest of February kept him busy. He landed two background roles with a couple of lines each. In one show, he played a mischievous kid trying to sneak into a movie theater, his emphatic "No way!" when caught by the usher feeling surprisingly significant on set. In the other, he was part of a lively crowd, his quick reaction shot adding to the scene's energy. These small gigs, while not starring roles, were valuable on-the-job training.
He also experienced the unique world of local commercials. For "Freddy's Family Feast," he had the fun task of devouring a prop burger with exaggerated enthusiasm, proclaiming it the "best burger ever!" with a smile he hoped looked genuinely delighted. The "Mid-City Mall" commercial was more involved, featuring him meeting up with on-screen friends at the arcade, navigating a flurry of teenage excitement and playful banter. Seeing those commercials air on local channels, sometimes with Janet pointing him out with a laugh, was another surreal, yet undeniably encouraging, experience.
Not all auditions resulted in success. He had a strong reading for a family drama, hoping to play the role of the son, but ultimately, the part went to another young actor. While a pang of disappointment was inevitable, it didn't linger. Aunt Nancy, who also acted as his agent, was a constant source of encouragement. "It wasn't a reflection on you, Alex," she'd said gently. "Sometimes the chemistry just isn't quite right, or they have a very specific picture in their minds. You did a great job."
Then, as February drew to a close, a more significant opportunity arose. Nancy's voice on the phone held a distinct note of anticipation. "Alex, buckle up. We just got an audition for you. It's for the season five finale of 'Little House on the Prairie.'"
Alex's breath hitched. "Little House on the Prairie? Seriously?" He knew the show's reputation for heartfelt stories and its enduring popularity.
"Absolutely," Nancy confirmed. "They're introducing a new character for the finale, a teenage boy named Dylan. He's terminally ill. It's a guest-starring role, but from what I gather, it's a very powerful and emotional part. They're looking for someone who can handle some really moving scenes."
A dying teenager. The weight of the role settled upon Alex, a stark contrast to selling burgers or yelling "No way!" in the background. This felt like a chance to delve into something deeper, something that resonated with the quiet understanding of loss he carried. That evening, with the script pages in hand, Alex felt a familiar flutter of nerves mixed with a compelling sense of purpose. This audition, he knew, would be different.
The following morning, the air in the audition room felt different. For the first time, Alex noticed a palpable sense of respect and quiet anticipation amongst the people waiting. He recognized some of the other young actors from previous auditions, but today, there was a heavier, more serious atmosphere.
Nancy squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Just remember what we talked about, Alex. You understand Dylan."
When his name was called, a polite assistant led him down a short hallway to a room that felt less like a typical office and more like a small, temporary stage. Sitting behind a table were a few people, their expressions serious and focused. And then he saw him – Michael Landon. The man who played Charles Ingalls, the heart of "Little House on the Prairie." He was also the director for this episode, Alex realized with a nervous flutter in his stomach. This was the first time he'd auditioned directly in front of a director of such a prominent show, let alone have him in the room.
Michael Landon offered a warm, encouraging smile. "Hello, Alex. Thanks for coming in. I'm Michael."
Alex managed a respectful nod. "It's an honor to be here, Mr. Landon."
"Just Michael, please," he said kindly, gesturing to the script in Alex's hand. "So, you're going to be reading the final scene with us today. I'll be reading against you."
Alex's heart did a little jump. Having Michael Landon, a seasoned actor, read opposite him was unexpected and intensely exciting. He took a deep breath and focused on the script.
"Alright, Alex, let's start from the moment Dylan reaches the ocean with Charles," Michael prompted.
Alex nodded, finding his place on the page. He pictured Dylan, weak and weary, but with an unyielding desire.
Michael Landon, as Charles Ingalls, looked at Alex with a gentle understanding. "We're here, son."
Alex, as Nathan, took a slow, deliberate breath, his eyes wide with a sense of wonder as he gazed towards the imagined horizon. "It's... it's just like I pictured." He paused, a soft smile gracing his lips. "It runs right into the sky. It doesn't have an end." His gaze shifted downwards, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I'd like to walk from here."
Michael Landon nodded slowly, his expression filled with a quiet sorrow and respect for Nathan's wish. "Sure."
Alex carefully took five or six small steps forward, his movements hesitant but filled with purpose. He then turned back towards Michael Landon, a look of heartfelt gratitude on his face. "Thank you all."
With that, Alex turned again, his gaze fixed on the imagined ocean. He began to move forward, slowly at first, each step requiring a visible effort. But as he pictured the waves drawing closer, a renewed sense of urgency filled him, and his pace quickened, though he remained weak.
Finally, he stopped, his imaginary toes curling into the imaginary wet sand. He slowly raised his hands, his face tilted upwards, as if feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. A look of profound peace washed over his face.
The room was silent when he finished. Alex kept his gaze towards the ceiling, holding onto the emotion of the moment. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Then, he heard a soft sound. He lowered his hands and saw Michael Landon, his eyes glistening, a genuine emotion etched on his face. He took a moment, then let out a slow, steadying breath.
"Alex," Michael Landon said, his voice slightly thick with emotion. "That… that was truly moving. You really captured Dylan's spirit. Thank you."
A quiet murmur of agreement came from the other people in the room. Alex felt a wave of relief and a profound sense of accomplishment wash over him. He had poured his heart into that scene, connecting with Nathan's longing in a way he hadn't anticipated. Michael Landon's reaction, so genuine and heartfelt, made the experience even more meaningful. This audition, he knew, had been something special.
Leaving the audition room, a quiet sense of confidence settled within Alex. He replayed Michael Landon's emotional reaction in his mind, the glistening eyes, the slightly choked voice. It wasn't just polite praise; it felt genuine. He had also noticed the nods of approval from the other people behind the table. For the first time in his short acting journey, he allowed himself a sliver of hope. It felt like he might have actually landed this one.
The next day, the phone rang in the late afternoon, the shrill sound cutting through the quiet of the apartment. Alex held his breath as he watched Aunt Nancy answer it. Her side of the conversation was punctuated with warm smiles and grateful acknowledgments. When she hung up, she turned to Alex, her eyes sparkling.
"Well, superstar," she said, her voice filled with pride. "You got it. They loved you. You're going to be Dylan in the season finale of 'Little House on the Prairie.'"
A wave of exhilaration washed over Alex. A wide grin spread across his face, mirroring his aunt's. This felt huge, a real step forward. All the auditions, the small roles, the rejections – they had all led to this moment. He thought of his mom, just like his dad had. He knew she would have been beaming. Standing there, in the familiar living room with his Aunt Nancy, Alex felt a surge of determination. This role, this opportunity, was more than just a part in a TV show. It felt like confirmation, a sign that he was on the right path. He was one step closer to his goal.