she didn't need anyone. At Wheeler, even when she stood out with her pink hair and quilter army-surplus jacket and combat bots, she did this without apology. It was a great irony that the very fact of a relationship with her would diminish her appeal, that the moment she came to love me back and depend on me as much as I depended on her, she would no longer be a truly independent spirit. No way in hell was I going to be the one to take that quality away from her.
The character embodies a strong sense of independence, highlighted by her unique style and personality at Wheeler. Despite being in an environment where she stands out with her pink hair and distinct clothing, she remains unapologetic about her individuality. This independence is central to her identity, suggesting that she values self-reliance above all.
There's a poignant irony in relationships impacting one's independence. The narrator reflects on how mutual love and dependence could diminish her unique spirit. He grapples with the realization that if their relationship led her to rely on him, it might strip away her distinctiveness. He resolves not to compromise her independence, emphasizing the importance of her unique qualities.