[Niko]
What was that like, to be there for someone? Did it entail having the other person lean onto you emotionally, knowing full well you were damaged too? Or was the presence enough, the mere giving of reassurance that you would be by their side always even when storms come? And then what, hold their hand, speak nothing more? Well, maybe that was it. Because sometimes, either words were not enough to encompass feelings you want to get across, or on the negative side, there are words that ring hollow, words that were better not to be uttered.
Niko's mother's words kept replaying in his mind as he headed back to the main mansion where the ball was being held. He turned his thoughts over and over in his mind, trying to make sense of it. It could have been so simple. His mother had said it as though it were so simple. Be there for her. But how?
