Erik smiled at Ben's promise, somehow feeling the boy would keep it. At the same time, Peter, while partially clumsy in his attempt to join in the toast, managed to spill a few drops of lemonade but nobody minded. He was genuinely happy for his friend, so after the glasses were put away, he hugged Ben tightly and exclaimed "Happy BiLthday, Ben!" The two then went on talking about games and stories, giggling slightly farther from their parents.
"I figured this whole thing would be better than what I could give him." Doreen commented, to which Erik quickly replied "He's a good lad. I'm sure the very presence of his mother is the best gift he could receive anyway." He then kept listening to her remarks, up until she turned towards him again, yet this time almost so close he could feel her breath.
She offered a shy sorry and pulled back, but he didn't react in any sudden manner. He just offered her a soft smile and then, with his glasses by chance still forgotten in his shirt's pocket, he looked into her eyes. He didn't let out any words, he just allowed his smile to grow bit by bit for a few more moments. Soon enough he stopped staring and diverted his eyes to the boys for a second, if only not to appear as weird, but remained silent. Somehow this entire celebration started to feel as if it wasn't a gift just for Benjen.
