Who tells Tom that he has to leave the family?

Who tells Tom that he has to leave the family?

• A. Pa
• B. Ma
• C. Uncle John
• D. Ruthie

Answer: (B)

Ma acts as the steady, protective center of the family in tough times. She makes the hard calls to keep everyone safe and moving forward. In this moment, she tells Tom he has to leave not out of rejection, but to shield the rest of the family from potential trouble—his parole status and his past could bring danger or unwanted attention down on them. By insisting he go away for now, she prioritizes the family’s survival and future in a harsh world where staying together doesn’t always mean safety. The decision reflects her role as the family’s anchor, rather than the others who aren’t in a position to set that boundary.

Ma acts as the steady, protective center of the family in tough times. She makes the hard calls to keep everyone safe and moving forward. In this moment, she tells Tom he has to leave not out of rejection, but to shield the rest of the family from potential trouble—his parole status and his past could bring danger or unwanted attention down on them. By insisting he go away for now, she prioritizes the family’s survival and future in a harsh world where staying together doesn’t always mean safety. The decision reflects her role as the family’s anchor, rather than the others who aren’t in a position to set that boundary.