Gene initially tries to reconcile his actions in the tree by rationalizing them. He convinces himself that he was simply acting on instinct and that his actions were not truly his fault. He blames his actions on the heat of the moment and the pressure of the situation. He also tries to justify his actions by saying that he was protecting himself and his friends.

However, these justifications are not entirely convincing. He knows deep down that what he did was wrong, and he eventually feels guilt and shame. He realizes that his actions have consequences that he cannot ignore, and he starts to question his own character.

Here are some specific examples of how Gene tries to reconcile his actions:

* He tells Leper that he was "just scared" and that he "didn't mean to do it".

* He claims that he was "only trying to protect himself" and that "anyone would have done the same thing".

* He tries to convince himself that the incident "doesn't mean anything" and that it's "just a small mistake".

These attempts at reconciliation are ultimately unsuccessful. Gene's guilt and shame grow, and he eventually has to come to terms with the true nature of his actions.