The space port wasn't far from Doreen's home and kindly, Erik and Peter decided to escort Doreen and Ben home. Besides, it gave everyone a few more minutes to enjoy each other's company.
Ben was still riding an emotional high. Never had he received such a birthday and it was one he wouldn't soon forget. Doreen felt much the same way but with the added benefit of having had the chance to get to know Erik on a personal level. She noticed the faded smirk but at the spaceport, paid no mind to it.
At the door to her residence, the two boys went inside for a moment. While they were, she gave a light smile.
"Thank you, Erik, for everything," she said with kind sincerity. "You gave my son the best birthday he's ever had."
Then her smile went into a look of concern......concern for Erik. "Erik, back at the space port, you looked......troubled."
She wanted to take his hands in hers but didn't although her own twitched out of instinct. She was looking into his eyes.