Junior's Relationship During The Tree Climbs

Junior’s interactions during the tree climb reveals how he sees his friendship with Rowdy which is shown through his ninth grade journey. Rowdy has always been friends with Junior ever since they were born. He always protected him and they had a never-ending friendship. When Junior and Rowdy reached the top of the tree, they “didn’t want to leave.” Not wanting to leave represents their friendship with each other. Even though Rowdy disliked the idea of Junior moving to Rearden, he still respected him during the tree climb they had. Junior’s perspective towards Rowdy changes even though they might not have a perfect relationship with each other. Junior is used to being called names or made fun of by Rowdy because it is his usual behavior. Before
the tree climb, Rowdy calls Junior a “tree fag” for loving the tree. Junior just stays normal because he knows that Rowdy won’t change the way he acts towards other people. At the top of the tree, Rowdy describes the world as “pretty” and Junior never heard him talk like that before. Rowdy always said something negative more than saying something positive. Junior realizes that Rowdy has changed a bit by saying something positive for the first time. Junior was also the person who was the only “one who made him laugh.” Their friendship allowed them to know what made each other laugh. Junior and Rowdy always supported each other and never let each other down.