In a few months, pregnant Sydney siege hostage Julie Taylor is to give birth to her "precious" baby - healthy and unharmed by the stressful Martin Place crisis.
But the good news comes with the heartache of knowing her closest friend, slain hostage Katrina Dawson, won't be by her side.
Ms Taylor, who is 19 weeks pregnant, was fortunate to escape after police stormed central Sydney's Lindt Cafe in an eruption of gunfire just after 2am on Tuesday.
Others weren't so lucky.
Cafe manager Tori Johnson and Ms Dawson, a barrister and mother-of-three, died along with gunman Man Haron Monis, ending the 16-hour siege.
Ms Taylor has described her fallen friend as a "role model and confidante".
Ms Dawson and Ms Taylor, colleagues at law firm Eight Selborne, popped out of their Phillip Street office to go for coffee on Monday morning prior to the fatal siege unfolding just before 10am.
"Her bravery and strength was, and continues to be, a comfort and inspiration for me," Ms Taylor said on Friday.
In a statement, the expectant mother said she and her husband were told by doctors their unborn child is healthy and unaffected by the devastating attack.
"If all goes well ... we will give birth to a precious baby in a few months."
The 35-year-old also paid tribute to Mr Johnson, who she described as a kind, level-headed and courageous person.
"Although our acquaintance was forged under the worst imaginable circumstances, I feel privileged to have known you," she said.
Mr Johnson's partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn said the couple had hoped to get married one day.
In an interview with the Nine Network, Mr Zinn said his "soulmate" would have appreciated the growing memorial in the city's CBD.
"I'm sure he can see it," he said.
"When I was down there ... I could smell the flowers through Sydney and I think it is just amazing that he has been able to make our city smell like flowers."
Mr Johnson's parents and brother have visited the makeshift shrine that has bloomed in Martin Place with tens of thousands of bouquets.
Mr Johnson's father, Ken, met and warmly spoke with religious and community leaders on Thursday night.
"I think Australia is trying to pave a way for tolerance," he said.
"I want solidarity."
Ms Dawson's family and Ms Taylor have also visited Martin Place.
Ms Taylor said the messages of kindness and tributes from strangers has given her the resolve to carry on.
"It is good to know that none of us is alone," she said.
The bodies of the two hostage victims have been returned to their families so funeral arrangements can be made before Christmas.
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