How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"So, Pearl?" various friends and not-friends asked. "Who were you with at the river?" "I can't really talk," I said, whispering as though my own voice were too damaged to explain the many things that would, if told, exonerate me. (56.8)
In the end, Pearl is embarrassed by her choices. She doesn't want to face anyone at school or at the funeral, and when she does, she pretends she can't talk so she doesn't have to face the music. It's evident that Pearl blames herself for what went down (there's even a whole theme dedicated to it), mainly because she made poor choices.