Part 3, Chapter 8 Summary

As Mike's job begins taking him away from his family, Mike shows Mick where he keeps his gun, just in case. Mick is told never to touch the gun unless he feels threatened. Between the jeep and the gun, Mick realizes he is growing up.

Part 3, Chapter 8 Analysis

In an ominous precursor for later events, Mick's father shows Mick where he keeps his revolver. In a beautiful example of foreshadowing, Mick is told never to touch the gun unless he feels threatened. The question of what constitutes a threat will be revealed much later.