He must conduct his pursuit of the secular world in secret and in silence. This silence parallels the silence between his father and him. His father never speaks to Danny unless it has to do with the studying of Torah. Danny is very afraid that his father might discover his secret life. However deep inside he knows that eventually his father will catch on and Danny dreads that day.
Most children grow up trying to please their father.
As a child gets older he realizes that this is not always possible. Sons are not clones of their fathers. Their desires and beliefs are often different. It is sometimes necessary to live together and resolve their differences. As a consequence of the silence in Reb Saunder's and Daniel's relationship, Danny is certain that once his father becomes aware of Danny's secret life, they will no longer be able to live together.