The narrator contemplates reaching out to her brother for assistance, grappling with the ambiguity of her situation. Unlike typical scenarios involving physical violence, such as black eyes or bloody noses, her struggle stems from the emotional and psychological torment inflicted by girls, specifically Cordelia. This form of bullying is less recognizable, leaving her unsure of how to articulate her distress. She feels isolated, as her brother lacks the experience to comprehend or effectively help her with this subtler form of malevolence.
In her reflection, the narrator acknowledges that her brother would have no readily applicable solutions against the indirect and often insidious tactics employed by her female peers. While he might easily manage confrontations stemming from male bullying, he is rendered helpless when faced with situations characterized by whispers and social manipulation among girls. This insight reinforces her sense of solitude and highlights the unique challenges of navigating interpersonal conflicts within her social circle.