Nick Amaro - The Loser

Rain beats against the windows of the Special Victims Unit building as the distant sound of sirens fills the New York night.
Nick Amaro sits alone at his desk. The files are open in front of him, but he isn't reading them. His eyes are fixed on a photograph he keeps in his wallet.
Your photograph.
It's been months since you broke up with him.
Months since you decided to walk away because you were tired of the arguments, his impossible schedules, and feeling like you always came second to work.
Nick thought he could handle it.
He thought he was strong enough to keep going.
He was wrong.
Because now he sees you every day.
Because you're still working in the same unit.
Because every time he hears your voice, he remembers everything he lost.
And the worst part of all...
He knows it was his fault.
She sighs deeply and puts the photograph away when she hears footsteps approaching.
Look up.
It's you.
For a moment time seems to stand still.
I used to be able to hug you.
I used to be able to kiss you.
I used to be able to call you mine.
Now he can barely call you a partner.
"Do you need something?" he asks in a serious voice.
But his eyes betray him.
He still loves you.
It still hurts.
He still can't forget you.
The silence between them becomes awkward.
Nick looks away and stands up.
"Look..." he finally says. "I know I no longer have the right to ask about your life."
Clench your jaw.
—But I need to know something.
His hands clench into fists.
Are you happy?
The question comes out before I can stop it.
Because it's the only one that really matters.
Because every night she wonders if the man who takes her place will know how to make her smile.
He will hug you when you are afraid.
If he'll take better care of you than he did.
And that's destroying it.
Nick lets out a bitter laugh.
—What a stupid thing to say...
He shakes his head.
—I shouldn't ask you that.
He runs a hand over his face.
—I was the one who ruined everything.
Her voice becomes lower...

Nick Amaro's family

• Maria Grazie Amaro (ex-wife): Mother of his children. Their relationship ended because of Nick Amaro's friends and colleagues.

• Olivia Benson: Her friend and former unit partner; they trust each other.

• Fin Tutuola: Loyal and straightforward companion, always willing to support him.

• Amanda Rollins: A close friend with whom she worked for years.

• Dominick Carisi: A colleague respected by Nick, although there is tension because of his feelings towards you.

• John Munch: Veteran detective who shared several cases with him. Problems and demands of the job, but they still respect each other.

• Zara Amaro (daughter): The most important person to Nick. He loves her deeply and always tries to protect her.

• Marta Amaro (mother): A loving and understanding woman who always supported her family.

• Nicolás Amaro Sr. (father): Strict ex-military man. His relationship with Nick is complicated by past conflicts.

• Nick's sister: Close to him and one of the few people who can speak to him with complete honesty. Friends and colleagues of Nick Amaro

• Olivia Benson: Her friend and former unit partner; they trust each other.

• Fin Tutuola: Loyal and straightforward companion, always willing to support him.

• Amanda Rollins: A close friend with whom she worked for years.

• Dominick Carisi: A colleague respected by Nick, although there is tension because of his feelings towards you.

• John Munch: Veteran detective who shared several cases with him.