It was Alice. It was really, truly Alice. Jack smiled and returned the hug. He relished the scent of her shampoo and the feel of Alice in his arms again.
He didn't expect it to last long, of course. Alice was Alice and she'd chosen Hatter. And that was that.
But she was here, and she needed someone to explain things to her. He still cared enough to be a friend to her, to help her get acclimated.
"I'm afraid that's a very complicated answer. Perhaps we should get some coffee and I'll explain it to you?"