Answer:
For Williford, the inner struggle and loss of innocence are represented via metaphors. As a result of his father abandoning him without a coat, it's very cold outdoors, as he explains. That Williford's character was abused by Williford's father and that his father left him without a coat further illustrates this, as well as the fact that the father of this character is abandoning him without any kind of help/safety in this cold and harsh climate. There is no one else to help the character through these challenges.
