Reply #119: The boys words are much more than sweet and dear of heart.

[Jefferson23]

For his age, he is a very wise and good child, as his intellect is very sharp, he says,
"Only people who have been through suffering understand each other.."

I am not sure why you presume the light bulb, as you phrased it, hasn't already gone off. Imo, the kid gets it.

I don't think it is impossible that he may at some point feel exploited but I do believe that is unlikely from what we know he has said, his own words. He walks into the situation carrying the moral high ground and leaves the same or higher, regardless of what transpires afterward.