He'd left around the time Alice probably could have used a big brother the most. She'd started to look up to him and then he just vanished. It wasn't the best way to leave. He wasn't sure they'd be able to patch things up completely either, but he'd try.
He squeezed her tightly until he heard her groan with annoyance. Then and only then did he let go, and ruffled her hair like he used to do.