The car ride to the church had been long and quiet as neither of them knew what to say. Once John pulled into the parking lot of the church they saw many people standing outside and hugging each other as they whipped away tears. John had helped Olivia out of the car and they walk up to the church together.
"John" John's sister-in-law came up to him and hugged him tightly. Her eyes were red and puffy and she held a tissue in her fist which was clenched.
"I'm so sorry. How are the kids taking it?" John asked as he pulled away from the hug.
"Not good" was all she said.
"This is Olivia Benson" John said stepping aside presenting Olivia.
"I'm so sorry for your loss" Olivia said shaking the woman's hand.
"Thank you…we'd better get inside" she said as she disappeared inside. John stood outside looking at the church, his legs unable to move.
"Are you alright John?" Olivia asked.
"I can't go in" John chocked. Olivia said nothing but grabbed his hand and squeezed it showing him she was there for him and taking a step he followed slowly beside her.
"I'd like to ask Bernie's brother John to say something" John was caught off guard at his sister-in-laws request. He looked over to Olivia scared and Olivia smiled.
"You'll be okay" she whispered. John got up and stood in front of the podium.
"Thank you all for coming…As kids Bernie and I were inseparable…We use to do everything together ride bikes, go to school…we even had the same friends. When our father died we promised each other we'd always be there for one another" John's eye glistened with tears as he fought to keep them back. "We always were…I was his best man at his wedding and at the birth of my nephew…there was nothing we couldn't tell each other. And now he's gone but his memory will live on…" John allowed one tear to fall as he closed his eyes. He stepped down from the podium and took his seat next to Olivia who once again grabbed his hand.