There's nothing he can say to that. It seems cruel to point out there was no way, ever, they'd have been able to meet. And he doesn't want to touch what the thought of kids does to him.

'S'pect she adored you.'

How could she not, when her mother obviously loves her so much.

The whistle goes for the half-time, extra-time changeover. His eyes fall closed. For a moment, he can't pull them open but then he jerks awake.

'You know she'll be alright, Alex. Really.'