How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"He said that last week Peter tried to commit suicide."
"Suicide!" Cole caught his breath. "Why?"
"If someone is treated as if his life is worthless, he begins to believe it." (24.36-38)
Cole is utterly shocked to hear that Peter has attempted suicide, but he shouldn't be. After all, he's shown the kid that his life doesn't matter—someone can just beat him up and show no remorse afterwards.
Quote #8
Cole crawled into bed but tossed fitfully. He remembered his own close brush with death and how terrified he'd been. It haunted him to think that Peter had tried to end his life on purpose. How scared must someone be to actually go searching for death? (24.54)
It's not until Peter tries to commit suicide that Cole comes to understand just how much he's messed up Peter's life, as well as his family's. It's obvious that Peter is in even more emotional pain that the physical pain of being beaten up.
Quote #9
"Peter tried again last night to commit suicide. His parents are desperate." Edwin placed both hands on the table. "Yesterday, when I left here, you said that you could help Peter. And you hollered after me that I wasn't listening. Well, now I'm listening. Tell me what you meant." (24.64)
Even though Peter's family totally hates Cole, they don't know what else to do to save his life. They have to listen to what Cole says and just hope that he also wants Peter to survive and do well.