"God, he totally would. And then he'd have a heart attack trying to figure out how to go back in time to stop himself," she snorts. "I'll warn him next time I see him not to go banging strangers in alleys."

Alex leans forward at her desk, resting her chin on her hands with a happy sigh. "You learn so fast. I'm so proud. If I had the ability to cry, I would be, I promise you."