Keith’s birthday rolled around, and we got to the place early, ready to party. I ordered a birthday cake, which Lori picked up, along with enough food for two weeks, even though we were only going to be there for the weekend.
Things were great until the evening took an unexpected turn. We were all drinking — nobody was going to be on the road. We were safe. But Benjamin, having indulged a bit too much, sought solace in the cool night air on the balcony with me.
Lit candles on a birthday cake | Source: Pexels
Inside, Lori and Keith were singing along to YouTube music videos.
“You know, Sadie,” Benjamin began, his words slurring, “there’s something I’ve been working on for Lori.”
Intrigued, I nudged him for more.
“Ben, what are you planning?”
“It’s a surprise! But you’ll have to keep it a secret if I tell you. It’s been so hard hiding bottles from Lori…”
“What bottles?” I asked.
“Oh, you know,” he said, his voice trailing off as the alcohol took over him.
People standing on a balcony | Source: Pexels
Lori and Benjamin were not big drinkers — they had the occasional drink with Keith and me, but it wasn’t something they did by themselves. It all stemmed from Lori’s father being an alcoholic, so she was uncomfortable with having alcohol in their home.
