If you read it, it doesn’t state anywhere that she is not a victim. Could be that she was rejected based on lack of evidence or something like that, but felt she deserved it. Especially that she states that taking the money gave her a sense of validation makes me think she at least believes she is a valid victim who deserves recompensation.

I think the lonely part means I’m not used to having to suppress my internal voice going external anymore. Are there people that don’t have an internal dialogue going on at all times?

I talk to myself all the time and I am only in my thirties. I think it’s partly because I work from home and therefore spend around 8-10 hours talking to myself or the dog at home, or sit in total silence. It’s hard to break that habit when I’m at the shop or other public space. Many elderly people also live quite lonely lives, so maybe that’s why?