They were virtually the first married couple I made friends with in the city. Almost 10 years ago. Vic was the opening act at a gig. From the back of the club, he looked like a freshman. Some time in between numbers, his friend Eli chatted me up. We had so much in common, there was this immediate connection. And after the gig he invited me over to Vic and his wife's. Looking back, I can't believe my own flippancy. They were, after all, complete strangers.
Vic, his wife and their son were the people I went to be in a family. With big family dinners, rabid celebrations, and just that elusive feeling of belonging and being loved and cherished for what you are.
Eli got married and moved away. Vic got divorced and remarried. And I had a string of failed relationship that ended to my great relief in childbirth.
It's ten years later, and I still consider the three of them good friends.