Themes
I have little desire to spend my few remaining years grieving for the loss of old friends. Or their sons.
— Alfred
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Alfred objects to spending the time he has left in grief. The added reference to friends’ sons extends that concern across generations, widening the losses he does not want to face. The statement conveys a preference about his remaining life without predicting what will happen.
Context reviewed