Even though he isn't armed with anything more than a flashlight, Jacob heads into the forest to find his grandfather. That takes courage. Who knows what lurks in the woods of Florida? Alligators, rabid theme park mascots—anything could be out there.

Jacob realizes that his fate is at stake here. He can be cowardly and stay home, or he can be brave and pursue his grandfather's past and his own future.

This is a quick way of letting us know that Jacob is "gifted." The story would probably pan out a lot differently if Ricky, who is less-than-gifted, were our protagonist.