Why would the junkie say if he was smart he would have reached for a pistol a long time ago?

When Sonny's friend claims he should have "reached for a pistol a long time ago" (106), the narrator responds insensitively. Immediately afterwards, he feels guilty for failing to imagine that Sonny's friend is a human being with a life story. To an outsider, both Sonny and Sonny's friend could easily be perceived as just a couple more drug-addicted African American criminals. The narrator, who understands just how human Sonny is, finds himself dehumanizing Sonny's friend. The narrator feels guilty about his lack of compassion and attempts to move the conversation forward. “Those who got out always left something of themselves behind, as some animals amputate a leg and leave it in the trap."