In the quote from Frogkisser! by Garth Nix, the character reflects on the emotional challenge of staying strong. Although she seldom cried, maintaining her bravery required significant effort, implying that it was a constant struggle to appear resilient. This suggests an internal battle between her outer appearance and her inner feelings.
The quote also reveals her exhaustion from always holding everything together. It highlights the vulnerability behind her brave facade, emphasizing the emotional toll of trying to remain strong in difficult situations. This moment offers insight into her character's inner conflict and resilience.