Why does the idea of kicking AWOL frighten connor in unwind?

The idea of kicking AWOL frightens Connor in Unwind because it means he would be forcibly taken from his family and friends and sent to a Graveyard, where he would be unwound for his body parts. Connor is only thirteen years old, and he is not ready to die. He wants to live a full and happy life, and he is afraid that being unwound will prevent him from doing so. Additionally, Connor knows that his parents love him and would be devastated if he were to be unwound. He does not want to hurt them, and he is afraid of the pain that his death would cause them.