Stella literally felt the blood drain from her face to be replaced by something icy cold. Tears welled up in her eyes “oh, oh no, no no, and all this time I’ve tortured you with references to her. I’m so, so, so sorry to have hurt you like that. Oh Anton” she reached for his hand “on top of all the pain you have endured along comes me and stirs it all up.” She remained quiet after that, refilling his water and wine glass, sitting quietly by his side.<br/><br/>There were no words, she knew. No words at all that didn’t sound pithy and hollow in the face of such loss. She remembered those empty words when her father died after the accident. Words that made her scream inwardly. What she remembered was Elliot, her best friend just sitting next to her holding her hand not saying a word. That helped most of all, his quiet comforting presence without empty words like ‘he’s in a better place’ or ‘you’ll see him again some day’ or the good lord called him home.’<br/><br/>She wasn’t sure if he’d want her to hold his hand or hug him so she didn’t. She just made sure he knew wasn’t alone.