Answer:
the writer is simply trying to communicate some of her experiences as an 11-year-old child. It is interesting to note that she is very perceptive of her world view.
This derives from a statement she made in the 11th paragraph where she writes about how she perceives the story Paul is narrating about what he does with the Racoons he catches.
According to her, Paul states that the Raccoons initially used to be shipped off to Washington Islan until they discovered they could be used for animal sports entertainment - swimming.
She also at this age has begun to understand much of the non-verbal cues given off by adult and what they mean. For in the narrative about raccoons, she notes in paragraph 10 that Paul winks as he started the story about the Raccoons.
He winks again at her dad who according to her quickly looks away when Paul states that they are yet to find their Racoon Champion.
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