The context of the following conversation is Alex wandered away. Alex never came back. Nobody ever knew what became of them.:
Alex says So, that's how I wound up here. I've Been here for 20 years, nobody was ever the wiser..
The friend responds So, 20 years ago, you wandered away from your family and never returned to them? They must be missing you..
Alex responds They probably did. But I'm sure as the years went on, that feeling went away and I was replaced with someone new..
The friend responds Alex, you should try to reconnect with them. You don't know what happened. They might still care..
Alex responds What if they don't, though? What if they moved on like I said. Why reopen old wounds?.
The friend responds Well, it's your life. But still, the curiosity would eat me alive..