I woke up with a start, having Alex’s arm around my waist. I was confused for a second about what had woken me up. Then I heard it…raised voices from downstairs.

"Mrs. Hernandez, please," a stressed female voice pleaded. "I'm only following Mr. Alex's instructions. You can't just barge in like this!"

"I am his mother," came a sharp reply. "I have every right to see my son!"

My heart raced. Alex's mom was here? I turned to face Alex, who was still sound asleep beside me. "Alex," I muttered, softly shaking his shoulder. "Alex, wake up. Your mom's here."

Alex groaned, his arm tightening around my waist. "Mmm, five...