The calendar on the fridge was circled in bright red: April 15th, Alex's 8th birthday. For weeks, he'd been bubbling with excitement, his illness momentarily overshadowed by the anticipation of his special day.

"Can we go skating for my birthday?" Alex asked one morning, his eyes shining with hope.

Mik watched their parents exchange a pained look. "Sweetie," Mom began gently, "I don't think that would be safe with your heart condition."

Alex's face fell, but only for a moment. "What about Cedar Point? They must have some rides I could go on!"

Dad ruffled Alex's hair. "Maybe when you're feeling a bit stronger, champ. Those rides can be pretty intense."

As the days went by, Alex's suggestions became more modest, but no less challenging for his fragile health. The fair, the zoo, even a simple trip to the park seemed fraught with risk.

Finally, a week before his birthday, Alex's face lit up with an idea. "What about a movie? The new Mars Colony adventure is out. I bet it's amazing in VR!"

Mik saw their parents visibly relax. "That sounds perfect, sweetie," Mom said, relief evident in her voice.

"We'll make it a family outing," Dad added. "Shae too, if she's free."

On the day of the birthday trip, Mik helped Alex get ready, noticing how quickly he tired just from putting on his shoes.

"Maybe we should bring the wheelchair," Mom suggested cautiously.

Alex's face clouded. "I don't want to use that. Everyone will stare."

Mik knelt beside their brother. "How about this? I'll give you a piggyback ride. It'll be like you're a space explorer, and I'm your trusty robot assistant!"

Alex's grin returned full force. "Really? You'd do that?"

"Of course," Mik said, ruffling his hair. "What are siblings for?"

The drive to the theater was filled with excited chatter about the movie. Shae met them in the parking lot, her smile bright as she handed Alex a small, wrapped package.

"Happy birthday, little man!" she said, giving him a gentle hug.

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As promised, Mik hoisted Alex onto their back as they headed towards the theater entrance. The spring air was crisp, hinting at the warmth to come.

Suddenly, Mik froze. "Look!" they gasped, pointing at the sky.

Hovering above them was a perfect circle of shimmering light, like a soap bubble suspended in the air. It pulsed gently, its edges rippling with an otherworldly energy.

"Whoa," Alex breathed, his arms tightening around Mik's neck. "What is that?"

For about 30 seconds, the siblings stared in awe at the phenomenon. Mik's mind raced with possibilities - was it a new type of drone? Some kind of weather anomaly? Or could it be...

"Mom! Dad! Shae!" Mik called out, turning to where the adults were still by the car, deep in conversation. "Look at the sky!"

But by the time the adults looked up, the circle had vanished without a trace.

"What are we looking at?" Dad asked, scanning the empty blue expanse.

"There was a... a circle," Mik tried to explain. "Like a ring of light, just floating there."

The adults exchanged skeptical glances. "Must have been a reflection or something," Mom said gently.

"But we saw it!" Alex insisted. "It was real!"

Shae placed a calming hand on Mik's shoulder. "I'm sure you did see something. Maybe we can look it up later, see if anyone else reported anything similar."

As they entered the theater, Mik couldn't shake the feeling that they'd witnessed something truly extraordinary. The movie was indeed spectacular, with its immersive VR bringing the red plains of Mars to life around them. Alex was thrilled, his eyes wide with wonder throughout the film.

When it came time to pay, Shae smoothly handed over her credit chip before anyone else could react.

"Shae, no, we can't let you-" Mom began to protest.

"It's my gift to Alex," Shae said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "And to all of you. Please, let me do this."

The gratitude in Mom and Dad's eyes was mixed with a hint of shame at needing the help, but they accepted Shae's generosity with quiet thanks.

That night, as Mik tucked Alex into bed, he was still buzzing with excitement from the day.

"Best birthday ever," he mumbled sleepily.

Mik smiled, adjusting his blanket. "I'm glad you had fun, squirt."

As they turned to leave, Alex's voice stopped them. "Mik? That thing we saw in the sky... what do you think it was?"

Mik paused, considering. "I don't know," they admitted. "But it was beautiful, wasn't it?"

Alex nodded. "Do you think... do you think it could have been aliens?"

In the dim light of Alex's night light, Mik saw the hope shining in their brother's eyes. Hope for mystery, for wonder, for something beyond the confines of his illness.

"Maybe," Mik said softly. "The universe is full of possibilities, after all."

As Alex drifted off to sleep, Mik stood by the window, gazing up at the stars. The shimmering circle played over and over in their mind. Whatever it was, Mik couldn't shake the feeling that it was just the beginning of something much bigger.

With a small smile, they made a silent wish on the brightest star they could see - a wish for Alex, for their family, and for whatever adventures the future might hold.