The character reflects on the unsettling nature of the murder of a girl at school, suggesting that the community is reluctant to discuss the tragedy. This avoidance creates a chilling atmosphere where the victim seems to carry a burden of shame for being the victim of such a horrific act. Even friends, like Cordelia, choose silence over expression, indicating a collective discomfort with the situation.

This response to the murder reveals deeper issues about guilt and innocence, as the character grapples with the implications of the girl's death. It highlights how society often reacts to violence with denial or avoidance, making it easier to overlook the harsh realities of such events. The girl’s murder leaves an indelible mark on the narrator, who cannot shake the feeling of unease that follows her and her peers.