Ernie, naturally, hugged his best friend back. "It's alright," he said, feeling some of the tension dissolve. The sadness for their losses had remained but Ernie felt the load lighten significantly.
"Things like that happen. And likewise--I'd be hard-pressed to find a better friend than you've been. Thanks." It wasn't quite addressing the issue of what was said, but it didn't matter either way to Ernie.