Why does Max cry in chapter 5 Freak the Mighty?

Max cries in chapter 5 of Freak the Mighty because he is scared. He and Freak have just been chased by a group of older kids, and Max is worried that they are going to get caught and hurt. He is also scared of what the older kids might do to Freak, who is much smaller and weaker than they are. Max's tears show that he is feeling vulnerable and afraid, but they also show that he cares deeply about Freak and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect him.