The hug and the break in her voice nearly undid him. He hugged her back and said, "It's okay. I've got a lot going on. I won't see her much, not with exams and dealing with university and... stuff..."
Alex was trying to reassure both of them. He had no idea how successful he was being.
"Mommy?" he whispered, his own voice failing a little. "Can we go home now?"