The narrator reflects on a moment while being tutored, recalling the scars on the tutor's hands. It strikes him that they both had forgotten about these marks, symbolizing past struggles. In that instant, he longs to bring back her smile, recognizing how much it meant to him. The memory of her scars evokes a sense of empathy and a desire to connect with her on a deeper level.

He acknowledges his own inner conflicts, revealing a worry about his reputation if he remains non-confrontational for too long. The tension between his desire to protect her feelings and his need to assert himself creates an intense emotional landscape. Ultimately, he recognizes the power of that fleeting smile, a moment that breaks through their circumstances and momentarily lifts their spirits.