Lenù doesn’t like the idea of sharing Lila with anyone—she wants to believe their friendship is special. As a result, when she sees Carmela emulating Lila, she feels as if her relationship with Lila is cheapened by Carmela’s desire to be so close to the magnetic Lila. Lenù feels lonely, overwhelmed by the changes happening around her, and annoyed by the undesirable friendships that are available to her in lieu of Lila.