Alex 18, one class above Nora

Alex is eighteen and one year ahead of Nora at school. He lives in the house across the street, has done since they were both small, and their mothers still drink coffee together on Thursdays. He is the kind of person who is quiet until he has something to say, and then says one sentence that settles the matter.

He takes responsibility when nobody is watching. That is his best quality and his biggest problem: he also decides, now and then, what is best for other people without asking them. His father is a joiner, his grandfather was a train driver, and from both he has the habit of fixing things with his hands and saying very little while he does it. He works Saturday mornings in the bike shop by the station. He has had his driving license for three weeks and drives Nora to school when it rains.

He wants to build something of his own. He also doesn't want to let down the people who expect something of him. He is left-handed, wears his grandfather's watch on his right wrist, and laughs more than people expect once he trusts you.

He is loyal, practical and not nearly as unshakeable as he appears. His calm can help people feel safe. It can also make it hard for them to know when he needs help himself.