1. Owned cuff links from his grandmother
1.1. his losing the cufflinks symbolized letting go of his hiding behind objects of masculinity
2. Good swimmer
2.1. swims in the gulf of mexico (known for being rough waters)
2.2. almost drowns when swimming at night
2.2.1. uses swimming to get away from his family
2.2.2. knew the water was unsafe but went anyways (destructive behavior)
3. Goes to Harvard/is really smart
3.1. Harvard is his haven where he can be open
3.1.1. is still really shy and in his own bubble "wonders why he came here when he could be in Cambridge in his T-shirt and jeans, playing chess on the computer, drinking Australian beer."
4. Family is from Tennessee but currently his family lives in texas
4.1. wealth is new luxury his mother attained which is why his own mother stops him from coming out to prevent a rift in the relationship with Richard
4.2. comes from a family of pig farmers to his mom marrying a millionaire who owns beach complexes
5. Is gay
5.1. cannot come out because of his mother
5.1.1. "his mother's eyes are pleading for his silence."
6. Can't tell his new step dad that he is gay
6.1. he has a hard time opening up because his own mother is impeding him from doing so
6.2. step dad is homophobic
6.2.1. would leave Harvards mother if he came out (presumably)
7. doesn't care about wealth
7.1. wealth prevents him from telling his stepfather, because his mother wants him to inherit the wealth and allows her to stay with him
7.1.1. "he does not care for the penthouse with its open-mouthed swordfish on the walls, the blue tiles and all the mirrors"
7.1.2. mom to son "You wonder why I married him but I was thinking of you, all along." "Mom, I don't-"
8. misses his grandmother
8.1. his grandmother's words help him choose what he finds to be a more accepting place
8.2. tries to take the lesson he learned from her story to not make decisions that he will regret
9. he almost dies drowning
9.1. turning point of journey from staying in an uncomfortable environment to going back to Harvard
9.1.1. "he floats [until] he feels able to go on then slowly fights his way back to the shore."
9.1.2. him losing his clothes indicate starting anew
9.1.2.1. was going to get a flight to leave Texas