The kid struggles but continues, and that's the essence of the existence that Alex has come to know. Alex keeps his hand on Neil, keeps watching him, even as the kid won't even look at him. He doesn't know if it's just because of what happened, or if part of Neil really wishes Alex wasn't here right now--hadn't been there when he turned to the pier.

Alex takes in a breath, deep and simple. There's no point to any of that now. Just focus on what needs to be done.