Maurice disappears from Laura's life. He later explains, "I wanted to prove I was a man, that I didn't need you to support me. One night
in North Carolina, Maurice and his friends get ambushed by thugs
with guns. His friend orders him to pick up a gun and shoot back.
"You're not no child no more. Pick up the gun. Right now." In what
ways did Laura's influence "save" Maurice at this moment? How
might things have turned out differently if Maurice had followed his
family's example?