I Will Save You

Devon is a part of Kidd’s personality. This is never stated explicitly until Kidd wakes in the hospital and reflects on what his therapist had told him: “She’s telling me to remember [...] when we worked so hard to limit Devon’s presence. When she had me go to him inside my mind, tell him I had to live my own separate life” (302). Kidd needs to enter his mind to distance himself from Devon; this clarifies that Kidd’s “friend” is not an actual person. There are hints of this earlier in the book. For example, no one else ever sees Devon or talks about him. Additionally, after he pushes Devon, he describes how he, Kidd, is lying motionless in the sand.

Devon is a dangerous, impulsive persona. He serves as an alter ego to the quiet, respectful person that Kidd strives to be, and expresses the behavior and feelings that Kidd is too ashamed to. Kidd recalls his therapist’s explanation of Devon as someone who “had a strong death drive, which made him do risky, self-destructive things because, unconsciously, he thought ending his life was the only way to restore order in his idea of the world” (81). This manifests in dangerous behaviors like playing chicken with a speeding train, instigating physical fights, and swimming in a riptide. It also manifests as suicide attempts, like swallowing a whole bottle of sleeping pills.

In spite of Devon’s criminal and cruel behavior, Kidd is drawn to this side of himself. For example, after Devon arrives on Kidd’s first day at Horizons, Kidd thinks: “If Devon never walked in that night [...] maybe you never would’ve known what your mom did for you or about the evil in your genes. Or the new person you had to become” (185). Although Devon brings many problems and dangers, Kidd acknowledges that without this side of himself, he may never have read his mother’s letter and learned how much she loved him or realized how desperately he needed to start over.

Red is a surfer in his thirties who runs the campground. He is a flawed but compassionate man who tries to model his values: honesty and kindness. When Kidd first arrives, Red hires him to work maintenance, recognizing that the boy needs stability. Not long after, Red reveals that he is not monogamous with women, a trait some would consider a flaw, but one he is honest about. Although he seems to have a carefree life, he is fighting his own demons, particularly the grief of losing his son and the addiction to alcohol that ensued. He makes mistakes but owns up to them, and he shares his experiences with Kidd to model that no one is perfect.

Red illustrates The Power of Human Connection. After he goes on his drinking binge, he says: “‘A guy can’t do everything on his own, Kidd. That’s what I realized. Sometimes I’m gonna need to lean on friends. Like you and Bill’” (281). He shares his truth: that he needs a support system when the urge to drink is overpowering. Red is honest about what he needs, and, as a result, Kidd learns that it is okay to lean on others.

Red serves as a mentor and father figure to Kidd, dispensing advice and showing care toward the boy. Noting Kidd’s loneliness, Red advises: “‘I think it’s important for people to have friends’” (67). He wants to encourage Kidd to find someone he can lean on.

Kidd is often surprised by how much Red cares for him. After the riptide incident, Red tells him: “‘Look, I’m just glad you’re okay. You scared me big guy. I thought I lost you’” (166). His concern about losing Kidd reveals the extent of his love, for he cannot fear losing someone he does not hold close. His fear indicates a parent’s concern. Red also demonstrates love by encouraging Kidd to consider a future working with animals. When Red tells Olivia in the dream that he sees Kidd just like his son, he is noting not just the similarities between the boys, but also his love for Kidd.