Here's why this fear is so central to the story:
* His mother is his anchor: Sally is the only truly stable and loving presence in Percy's life. He relies on her for support and guidance, especially in the face of the dangers he encounters at Camp Half-Blood and during his quest.
* The threat is real: The Greek gods, particularly Zeus, are suspicious of Percy and believe he is responsible for stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. This suspicion puts his mother in danger as well, as the gods are capable of great cruelty and retribution.
* His own powers make him a danger: Percy's demigod abilities make him vulnerable to monsters and enemies, and he fears he might inadvertently put his mother in harm's way.
Throughout the novel, Percy's fear of losing his mother motivates his actions, pushes him to fight for his survival, and ultimately shapes the course of his journey.