The point of the first sentence is that Squeaky and Gretchen are becoming closer after the race.
the point of the second sentence is that Squeaky is completely focused when she competes.
Friends - bike - trees - sky - grass - fences -
It is emotional I think because if u read it you feel moved.
An anecdote is a brief story about a certain person or an event. Anecdotes are usually created interesting and humorous that aims in making people have fun while relating it to a specific subject matter that the listeners can learn or acquire more ideas.
Well i thing you should identify the idea.
next see what the information is asking you.
then try to answer the queston.