In "The Gathering" by Kelley Armstrong, the protagonist Maya finds herself questioned about her acquaintance's age, which creates a moment of tension and confusion. The character calling to her seems to seek validation, but Maya's response reveals her skepticism, suggesting that the information shared with the school might be misleading or deceptive.
This exchange highlights themes of uncertainty and mistrust in relationships, as Maya does not feel confident in the truthfulness of what has been communicated. Her reply serves as a reflection on identity and the complexity of personal histories within the narrative.