Eva Friedman had been a rock throughout this journey I had embarked on.

In all the times I struggled to cope with him being in prison to his death, she was there. All throughout my life I had been surrounded by amazing women who were resilient in this life. From cousins to my mother up to Nicky's own family I confess I had been blessed.

With her close to me, the second we stepped out of the building into the world once again I didn't feel like cowering away. We navigated towards the vehicle where Leo stood; he gave us a gentle smile and helped place the baby's stroller in the back whilst I placed David securely into the car seat leaning forward briefly to peck his chubby cheek. I hadn't said much to Leo and Daniel who had been equally hurt by the loss of their friend.

Though I was grateful at some point whilst I was still in hospital that they came by I could tell it was a struggle to find an appropriate thing to say. I too struggled when I had people in my life who suffered loss. I never really knew if what I said or what I did was ever enough but I think what truly mattered most was just showing a willingness to try. I was thankful both of them were willing to try which was why I had no issue seeing Daniel as David's uncle whilst Leo had been deemed the appropriate choice to be his godfather.

"Where to?" Leo asked once he settled into the driver's seat. Eva who occupied the front seat pursed her lips pondering the question for a moment or so until she looked back at me as if the answer was on my face. I watched her already curious as to what she was thinking until she finally looked back at Leo and said, "Let's go back to the place where it all began," the response was rather ambiguous but Leo seemed to understand the woman's cryptic message and brought the car to life.

As the building grew distant I found myself more at ease. I couldn't bear being in there but I couldn't avoid it. Eventually I would have to return to try find some steady rhythm that works for me that did not involve me tripping over my own feet. Unaware of the destination my interest peaked as we entered Brooklyn, a place that was founded in the 17th century that shared a land border with Queens and had tunnel connections that led to Manhattan. It was also the very place that made up Eva's formative years.

Once the car came to a complete halt in front of an apartment building we disembarked. Eva informed Leo that he'll find us at a spot they went to on Friday nights.

Once he was given the instruction he left, leaving us to do that which we wished. "I'm sure you're wondering why we're here," Eva said looking past me to observe the building for a moment. "You're about to tell me about how it all began," I replied.

In all the time I had known her she never divulged too much on her history with Victor or much about her past. I always assumed that was an area she wanted to keep to herself but when she opened her mouth to speak I could tell that she had decided otherwise, "I grew up in this building on the second floor with my parents, Theresa and Jacob. To say they were strict upon my sister and I would be an understatement. We were hardly ever allowed to go anywhere such that Ella and I resorted to watching strangers walk about on the streets conjuring up stories of what their lives were like," she chuckled shaking her head lightly at the memory. "My mother worked as a seamstress, which was pretty ideal for us considering how much we enjoyed playing dress up whilst my father worked as an accountant."

Listening attentively to her speak I was intrigued by the gleam radiating all over her face as she spoke about her parents.

She began moving towards a park located directly across from us. Considering the welcoming weather it came as no surprise that there were people lounging on the grass enjoying the feel of the sun against their skin.

Pushing the stroller, for a moment I could already picture David being able to run around on the plush lawn. No doubt a lot of precious memories awaited us and knowing how fickle life could be I planned to never take those moments for granted.

Taking a seat on a bench I allowed my eyes to move around the blossoms on fruit trees, to the myriad of colorful flowers that reminded me of a fireworks display.

"Sometimes when we were allowed to leave the house my sister and I would come here. There used to be a small playground where that fountain is," she said pointing towards large water source that was situated right in the middle of the park.

"One particular day my sister who was about fourteen at the time whereas I was sixteen decided for some odd reason to see who'd swing the highest when we were on the swing set. I won, of course," she boasted playfully eliciting a giggle out of me, "but that win came with a cost that had me flying off the swing. That's how I got this scar," she explained pointing to the mark that was just above her eyebrow, "I noticed you looking at it when we first met and I did plan on telling you about it... under much lighter circumstances. "

"I'm glad you're still willing to open up," I replied honestly appreciating the conversation despite everything we were going through.

She smiled disconnecting her eyes from mine to focus on the fountain once again, "I was in a lot of pain; blood was gushing down my face onto this pretty yellow dress my mother had made me. And then a hand popped out in front of me... without thinking too much of it I reached out and grabbed it." Her tone had grown airy at that point as I grew more drawn to the words she said. The faraway look in her eye was a clear sign she was a million miles away, "It was rough yet oddly so warm to my much smaller one which led me past the pain I felt to look up and see warm brown eyes observing me. It was far too easy to get lost in them such that I grew embarrassed when I didn't respond after he asked me if was okay. I felt like an idiot... but," she giggled biting her lower lip, "I was convinced he looked like James Dean."

At the comparison I chuckled. I had seen pictures of Victor when he was much older but I could still see he was a handsome man. I didn't blame Eva for swooning when I swooned for her son. "It's so strange how quick you can feel a connection with someone... back then I admit things were a lot simpler when it came to people getting together. If you liked someone there was hardly ever a need to play games or overcomplicate something. And with Victor since that moment we met we became inseparable," she said.

"But your parents weren't happy," I pointed out earning a simple nod from the woman whose face grew serious at the mention of the early obstacles that were thrown their way. "My parents weren't the only ones against our relationship. There were plenty of people especially when he lost his business and entered the dangerous life that told me it was best to leave. He even said he wouldn't blame me if I chose to walk out because the life we had wasn't what he promised me on our wedding day. I chose to stay though... because life will always be this imperfect thing that we can't control. But love is the only thing that offers solace and peace amidst the imperfection. Love can help you survive anything," at that point a few stray tears moved over her cheek. Without much thought I placed the tips of my fingers against her skin to wipe the tears.

"I know you can't stomach being in the very home you and him shared... I struggled to be able to come to this park or the places Victor and I spent time together because it was a harsh reminder of the fact I could never hold him or tell him how much I loved him. But in order to heal I realized coming here and not shying away from talking about him with Nicky especially helped. You'll see that in time," she paused reaching into her pocket to bring out the same ring that Nicky wore on the night I last saw him making tears accumulate in my own eyes.

She took my hand and placed it in my hand pushing my fingers to clasp it, "Give it to David." At the sound of his name on her tongue I turned to find his eyes on us. The innocence staring back at us that compelled me to say, "I promise..."