He lifted the paddle and brought it down quickly again just below the last area the paddle landed . He felt it as Sam went limp over his lap and openly sobbed . John raised the paddle and brought it down two more times before flinging it across the room . He rubbed his palm on Sam 's back as his youngest tried to pull himself together . " Shh , it 's okay . , I ' ve got ya .
Question: Why is John reaching out to Sam ?
The answer to the above question:


To console him .