"I don't know how to do this, Mum," he said, leaning his face into her touch. "Right now, I just need to hold it together. Get them back to school, make sure they're safe." And then he could fall apart.
"I miss her so much. I can't sleep, I'm not hungry. All that keeps me going is knowing I have to take care of them." He knew she would understand. Better than anyone, she'd understand.