Answer: It adds hope by showing that Victor and Thomas understand each other.
In "This is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona," Victor and Thomas embark on a trip of recovery after the death of Victor's father. The two men were good friends when they were young, but the distance between them has increased over time.
In a series of flashbacks, we are told of how their previous relationship was. And in the last flashback, we see Thomas "flying," as he leaps off the school roof. Although he breaks his arm, Victor considered him a hero that day. The way Victor used to think about Thomas gives us hope that maybe they will again understand each other and develop a friendship.
