What do we learn about Al Kiss over the course of the story, Him She Loves?

Through his dealings with Henry, Al reveals his own insecurity, his lack of formal education, his love and awe for his father, his love of books, his wish for a son to connect the generations, his difficult relationship with his mother-in-law, and his lifeless marriage. There is a strong parallel between the way he used to be and the way Henry is at the time.