How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I never told him he was worthless," Cole argued.
"Smashing his head on a sidewalk is a funny way of telling Peter he's valuable." (23.41-42)
All this time, Cole's had a hard time understanding exactly how his actions have impacted Peter's life. When he hears about Peter's suicide attempt, he realizes that beating the kid up has serious long-term consequences.
Quote #8
All the while, in the back of his mind, he knew he was a fool for even considering such a thing. No person in his right mind would ever go to an island in Alaska to be alone with someone who had beaten him senseless. (25.18)
The sheer violence and remorselessness of Cole's initial crime is going to make it hard for him to befriend and apologize to Peter Driscal. After all, the kid is scared senseless around Cole—and for good reason.
Quote #9
Three days later, while Cole was cooking lunch in the fire pit, a rock struck the ground only feet away. Cole turned to find Peter beside the shore, pitching stones into the water as if nothing had happened. Cole looked at the stone that had almost hit him and realized his hands were clenched into fists. (26.81)
Cole has let go of his anger (to the best of his ability) and tries not to act on any violent thoughts that enter his mind—but his crime has already changed his victim. Now Peter is the one who needs to express his rage in acts of violence.