How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
He is afraid. And will allow you to go there rather than risk reaching out and being pulled all the way under. (650)
Will's talking about Pops here. What's Pops so afraid of? His feelings, man, his feelings.
Quote #8
Are people so afraid of what will happen that they will not risk misspeaking with you? (723)
Will sees how much people tiptoe around him. Thing is, though, he needs them to be tougher on him—which is exactly what Angela comes along and does.
Quote #9
You pull him closer to you. You feel that he is nothing. He is barely even there […] Perhaps he is a kite. (1429)
Turns out that the man who has been threatening and taunting Will is nothing, he is "barely even there." Maybe he is, or maybe this is what it feels like to have your fear slip away and to feel strong and confident.