I wait for my hand to die."(p. 506). Leo feels obligated to question his son in order to find out what the problem is. Once his questions remain unanswered, Leo is urged to "snoop" around and to be "nosy" to find out what's wrong with his son. Therefore, Leo decided to read a letter among Harry's mail and was caught by Harry with a "guilty look" (p. 508) on his face. Harry burst out with anger and told his father that he "ought to murder"(p. 509) him for spying. The outburst proved to Leo that his son was indeed hiding something from him, and it gave him more reason to violate his son's privacy. Thus, this issue of trust really turns into the dreadful feeling of worry for the parent. As a result of this "worried" feeling, the parent is obliged to ask questions, which is a form of privacy intrusion. Worrying is one of the many ways a parent can show their love.
Some adolescents believe that their parents use the excuse that "snooping" around is done out of love, when in actual fact they are using the opportunity to peek into their private life. Nevertheless, it is done as a gesture of love, after a parent's suspicion of a problem is confirmed. In Malamud's "My Son the Murderer," Leo (the father) is extremely worried about his son and his awkward behaviour. Leo lies to his superintendent by telling him he "wasn't feeling so good"(p.506) so that he can take a vacation. Yet, in reality, Leo told his friend, Moe Bergman, that he "was staying out because Harry has him worried"(p.506). This loving father went through this whole ordeal to spend time with his son. Leo also explains that feeling worried about someone else is the "worst kind" of worry and "that's the real worry because if he won't tell you, you can't get inside of the other person and find out why."(p.507) Therefore, in his opinion, the only solution is to "wait out in the hall"(p.507) and listen, consequently intruding on Harry's privacy.