Yuma Robotics HQ, Central Dome, New Astarte, Planet Yuma, Coronado
late evening, 3 Aug. 824 A.S.
When Doreen hugged the boys, Peter felt somehow numbed for a moment, then, out of a reflex he didn't quite agree with, he pushed himself away a bit, just as Doreen was letting both of them go. His mother or not, Doreen made Peter feel - even if just for a brief moment - a kind of love he long forgot about. Perhaps she didn't realise it, but a mother's touch is present at all times and usually felt by any child, hers or otherwise. Still, before anyone would notice anything, Peter was already deeply involved in showing his toys to Ben.
Erik could only watch the scene from the elevator door. For a short moment, Erik was truly at peace... simply knowing that somehow his son was at peace. As Doreen came in, he replied "Indeed we shall, Doctor." and the elevator started moving downwards.
Before they reached the destination floor, though, Erik looked straight into Doreen's eyes and explained with a sigh of relief "Thank you for that." - he smiled - "I can't remember the last time Peter felt an embrace like that..."