Loving father
While Cal keeps himself separated from his son, it is clear that he loves him very much. In comparison with his wife, Beth, Cal holds himself responsible for what happened to Conrad. Even after Conrad returns home, Cal often thinks about what he could have done to help his son. He also tries to actively avoid places that he believes will trigger a negative emotional response from Conrad and is careful about the things he says in his presence. All this actions portray Cal as a loving father, someone who is interested in the well-being of his children and someone who would do anything to protect him from harm.
Sleeping child
After Beth and Cal returned home from the dinner hosted by one of their neighbors, Cal goes to check on Conrad and discovers him sleeping on his books, at his table. This image is important because it shows that even though Conrad went through a great deal of pain and suffered in the past, he was willing to better himself and to make the changes necessary in his life and get back to normal. Because of that, Conrad did everything he could to make sure that he was not falling behind with his schoolwork and to make sure that he was making his parents proud.
Perfect father
In the 17th chapter, Cal tells Conrad about his decision to go see doctor Berger as well, but not to ask questions about Conrad but rather to discuss about his own personal problems with the doctor. At first, Conrad is shook, not knowing why his father would want to go and see a psychiatrist. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with Cal and thus there was no need for him to go and see a doctor. This interaction shows just how much Conrad appreciated his father and the way he perceived Cal. While Conrad has his fair share of problems with Beth, he got along well with Cal and in his opinion, there was nothing wrong with his father. Cal however admitted that he had various problems that needed to be sorted out and thus he was not ashamed to go and ask for help.
Protector
In the 23th chapter, Conrad is portrayed for the first time as being a savior, not a victim and someone who needs to be protected. Until then, Conrad was always looked after by the other characters who treated him as he was fragile and in need of support. This changed however and when Jeannine needed someone to take care of her, he stepped up and became a man. Thus, in the 23th chapter, the way Conrad is portrayed changes for the better and the reader is able to see Conrad transform from the quiet and anxious little boy he was in the beginning into a man capable of taking care of those around him.
