A mother having that much control over a son would be considered strange in Basawar. It'd be the father putting that pressure on his male children, especially the oldest. He wonders what it is that Wilhelm has unwillingly become heir to within his family. A replacement for the brother he's still grieving.

He watches Wilhelm's hands as he gives up on fidgeting with the blade of grass.

"What would you choose to do with your life, if it wasn't in your mother's hands?"

Not the impossibility of his brother returning to life but - what would he do if he returned and found his responsibilities gone?