The narrator expresses a strong personal preference for simple scents, favoring the freshness of plain soap and their own natural scent over wearing traditional perfumes. However, they have a unique desire for a specific fragrance that evokes nostalgic and comforting memories associated with school supplies. This unconventional scent combines the smell of new pencil shavings with the petroleum aroma of fresh erasers, illustrating a deep connection to those sensory experiences.

This quote reflects themes of individuality and the significance of personal memories tied to smells. The desire for such a scent emphasizes a longing for simpler times and highlights how certain fragrances can evoke powerful feelings. The narrator's preference challenges conventional notions of perfume, showcasing a unique perspective on identity and nostalgia within the context of the story in "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine."