His mother found a classic Bugs Bunny cartoon, the one where he sings opera with Elmer. Alex watched it for a bit, sniffing a little, and sighed as she played with his hair.
She loved him, and always would. Alex loved her, and always would. This knowledge helped make everything a little bit better. What was going to happen with Rahel Verma wouldn't change the relationship he had with Katharine Renshaw. Not enough to make it cease, anyway.
He'd be wrong to think some things wouldn't change.
Alex's eyes slowly drooped shut. He whispered, "Love you..." Then fell silent, but for the deep breaths of someone drifting into sleep.