Okay! So this is how you introduced your story. Now I am going back to Max, to wait for his bright mind to see the way forward :)

I'm also betting that girl is going to be a part of his life - but I hope you are able to evolve the story so that Alice makes it mre interesting. Little children, because of or despite their innocence can often show us a new way of thinking. Since you've introduced her into the story, make her earn her keep (lol)