In "Lily and the Major" by Linda Lael Miller, the character Caleb acknowledges Lily's strength and resilience after a challenging situation. He humorously claims that his intervention was crucial to her survival, playfully patting her to emphasize his point. Their exchange reflects a bond built on mutual respect and recognition of each other's abilities, highlighting the dynamics of their relationship.

Lily, confident in her capabilities, responds by affirming her belief in her own resourcefulness despite the adversity she faced. As she begins to unbutton her soiled shirtwaist, a symbol of her trials, it underscores the physical and emotional struggles she has endured. This moment encapsulates the themes of survival and self-reliance throughout the narrative.