"Hey, thanks," Billy said, giving a small smile as he ran a hand through his hair. He didn't know what to say besides 'thanks', which didn't seem enough. There were more people here at this birthday party than he'd had at his other parties combined. The fact that people cared enough to show up meant a lot.

"I'm glad you could come. Uh, even if I didn't know that anyone was going to be here."