As Basil and Percy’s friendship develops further, the two form a close bond and sense of trust in each other. One day, Percy asks Basil why he used to spend to so much time alone in the forest before they met.

Basil confides that, after his parents left him, he found it difficult to open up to people in case they too might leave. With youth and optimism on his side, the young Percy explains to Basil that having friends who care is almost like having a family.