How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Line)
Quote #1
What happens next is a blur. I see Metias tense up to fire his gun. I throw my knife at him with all my strength. Before he can fire, my knife hits him hard in the shoulder and he falls backward with a thud. (1.3.61)
Day may hate everything that the Republic stands for, but he doesn't hate Republic officials enough to kill one. He injures Metias, but only enough to allow himself the opportunity for escape.
Quote #2
But someone else he knows must, someone he cares enough about to risk his life for. Someone living in Blueridge or Lake or Winter or Alta, sectors all recently affected by the plague. If this is true, Day won't be leaving the city anytime soon. He's bound here by this connection, motivated by emotions. (1.4.81)
June realizes quickly that Day (when she thinks he's a criminal) makes some decisions out of an emotional obligation. He may be smart and clever, but he's still prone to irrationality when it comes to the people that he loves.
Quote #3
If it were up to me, I'd cross the whole country alone and escape into the Colonies first chance I got. I don't mind risking my own life. But there are a dozen reasons I can't go, and Tess knows it. (1.5.53)
It would be far safer for Day and Tess to go into the Colonies, but he can't do that. He's made the choice to stay close to his family in order to make sure that they're safe and healthy. He can't leave them to the mercy of the Republic.