It made perfect sense at the time. It was the only choice that hid Alec's fear and protected his delicate ego.

Also, the carnival setting is clearly a sign that this is all designed to make Alec, and the rest of Junkyard Carnival, miserable. They are the target, because the world clearly revolves around him.

"What are you doing?" He hissed up at the man standing over him, ostensibly his 'savior.' "Is that your solution? Wave your stick at him and that will solve everything?"