The character reflects on the protective instincts of a mother, recalling how his own mother viewed extreme actions, like an axe attack, as understandable in the quest to defend her children. She emphasized that, in a world with scarce good fathers, a mother remains the primary guardian and support for her offspring, having devoted herself to their care from birth. This perspective highlights the fierce loyalty and strength of maternal love in dire circumstances.

Now facing someone in need, the protagonist feels a conflict between his ingrained sense of duty to assist and the knowledge of the circumstances around him. The weight of his past beliefs clashes with the current reality he must navigate, showing that loyalty and honor can become complicated in the face of adversity. This moment illustrates the deep emotional ties that bind individuals to their families and the moral dilemmas that arise within those relationships.