How Does The Author Create The Assistance Willie Needs In Order To Develop?

Through the character of Tom, the author places Willie in a caring, attentive environemnt that is conducive to making friends. He is no longer locked up by his mother in London, he is free to raom, to attend school.... to be a boy. Tom helps Billy learn to read and provides him with a supportive environment, under which, Willie thrives both physically and emotionally.