Again, the book illustrates the complicated nature of family. His dad clearly cares about Jacob and wants to take care of him, but at the same time, they still struggle to meaningfully connect. This also continues the pattern of Jacob struggling to be fully honest with his dad, even though he has been frustrated when others withhold the truth from him. Not only does this show Jacob’s developing maturity, but it also demonstrates how a pattern of lies can damage a relationship—Jacob continues hiding the truth from his dad, because based on past lies, he’s afraid his dad won’t believe him.