Helena didn't even have to look at Svetlana to know there was a hole in her heart. She was a mother that knew what it felt like to be separated from her child, so she just innately understood that reaction Svetlana was having. It was an understanding that only another parent who had been separated from their child for an extended amount of time could understand. It was not something that could be accurately stated through words to make others understand, it was entirely intuitive. When one didn't have to try and express what they felt in words, that it was just instinctively known by another, it was always a relief. Words, while vast and capable of describing many things, fell short in accurately describing this. So instead, she chose an action. Helena tentatively reached out to gently squeeze the blonde's hand comfortingly. Normally Helena would give a friend a hug in this situation, but she knew Svetlana wasn't always receptive to such a thing, and right now she would get the better reaction from this than from the hug.
This time of year was Helena's most hated time of year, now for more than just the date Christina had died on. Now she also had Irene's death and being shot on top of it, all within the same week, no less. Helena was edgy, but being around Svetlana made her less so. It made her feel less likely that she was going to implode under the weight of the memories she had in her head. Without thinking about it, Helena lifted a hand and rubbed her shoulder, the one that had been shot, in an absent manner. for a couple moments before she took a drink of her own vodka. She was really glad that Svetlana was here for more than one reason. She had dearly missed Svetlana's company, but she also knew the place Svetlana had come from wasn't exactly the safest place. Not that Lawrence was much safer, but it at least didn't have the KGB lurking around every corner.
"He did? I am very glad to hear that." And she was, she knew how much Svetlana needed Anatoly. Which clearly meant the Seal had been feeling rather benevolent in bringing both Svetlana and Anatoly here. Though it had left their daughters at home, but they would at least have each other here. Sometimes having that and the friendships made here were enough to help ground someone. It wasn't an easy time for either her or Svetlana, so it was undoubtedly a good thing they were able to be in each other's company now. They didn't need words to communicate, though obviously they were more than capable of talking when they wanted. But actions spoke so much louder than words ever could.