Even if he is "free" in status he is treated just like a slave, like a property. Titi sees him as a tool, his childhood friend doesn't truly care for him he is just afraid of being lonely, and that girl is the same, she sees him as her property ( if I can't have you no one will) but not like a real human being. And Leonides thinks that being aware and playing this role makes him or will eventually make him more free than his mom, allowing her to obtain a little freedom. But in reality it just makes it more painful because if you don't take your freedom by your own hands no one will give it to you.