Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he has always felt like an outsider and didn't expect them to care or understand his struggles. Additionally, he is used to being bullied and judged by others, so the genuine empathy and support he receives is unexpected and overwhelming for him.
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he had grown accustomed to being treated poorly on the Spokane Indian Reservation due to his appearance and poverty. The kindness and empathy shown by his new classmates is a stark contrast to the discrimination he had faced previously, making the support unexpected and overwhelming for him.
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he has grown up on the Spokane Indian Reservation where he is used to being ignored, bullied, and alienated because of his poverty and ethnicity. Coming from a marginalized community, Junior never expected such support and kindness from his new classmates, which challenges his preconceived notions and helps him see the potential for friendship and understanding beyond the borders of the reservation.
