Indirect: "'Alone?' breathes the visitor, and prickles seem to rise up all over you. You have said you will do it alone, and you will. You turn your back on the visitor" (2). Ally feels as though her independence is questioned here. She already has some doubt in her skills about maneuvering upstairs by herself. Another adult worrying about her may seem like an attack to her abilities, even though the visitor likely meant well. This shows she is defensive, but it's understandable due to her disability.

This narrative is set in 2nd person, which can be considered as a more 'fresh' approach in literature. It's a good way to drop the reader directly into the story, making them feel as though everything that happens to Ally, happens to them. This gives insight into the daily struggles of a blind person. What may seem very small and mundane to anyone else, can seem like the world is crashing down to her.

Conflicts
Man vs Self: Throughout the story, Ally is learning how to overcome her struggles and believe in herself even when others don't due to her blindness. She is clearly at a constant conflict with herself whether to call her mother for help or not, which shows resilience and strength when she chooses to push harder, even though it's scary for her.

"Mother . . . but you must not call, you must go on. You think of falling, you can't help thinking of falling-down-into nothing until you get hit. Mother! Schiff! Mother! But you have not called . . ." (2).