read this excerpt from “water never hurt a man” by walter d. edmonds.
“take off your pants, dearie,” said the boy in a mock voice, digging his fingers till john winced. “joe buller can handle your captain smart enough. me, i’ll just paddle you to learn you.” john looking up, was afraid. he did not know what to do, but without warning his hands acted for him, and he struck at the square face with his all might.

which statement best describes the interaction between the characters in this excerpt?

a) when the boy speaks to john, it shows that the boy used to be a friend of john’s.

b) when john strikes the square face, it shows his potential for violence.

c) when the boy taunts john, it shows that john is slow.

d) when john fights back, it shows that he is not willing to be bullied.