Will's point was further proven when Harvey walked by with a piece of toast in his mouth and said "Hey, Billy" as if it was perfectly natural to see him hanging out on his couch without Hazel around. That was simply the way things were with the Dixons.
Alison came out of the laundry room carrying an overflowing basket and smiled at him. "Good morning, Billy! Are you waiting for Hazel?"
"Good morning. Yeah, I am."
"I'm sure she'll be down sooner or later. Have you eaten yet?"
"I have but thank you."
"Alright. Just let me know if you need anything," Alison replied cheerfully as she began lugging the basket up the stairs.
"Are you sure you don't need any help with that?" Will called after her.
It looked like it might fall over. Hazel loved her mother and Alison had been very good to him over the years so he was a bit concerned about her injuring herself.
"Oh, I've done this a million times. I've got it. Thanks!"