Alex blinked twice, managing to keep another traitorous tear from falling, and turned his head to look over the courtyard. Drew one slow breath, and let it out just as slowly.
"I am my family," he whispered, then took another slow breath. "And yes. He was."
Why did people insist on this? Your father was a good man. Your father loved you. Your father was so talented or funny or charming and special and we'll never forget him ever...
The tear swelled and ran past his lashes, down his cheek and Alex wiped it furiously away.