I think you're reading too much into the example. Later on the author expands on the event: > He was by my side as I experienced the flash of anger—which wasn’

I think you're reading too much into the example. Later on the author expands on the event: > He was by my side as I experienced the flash of anger—which wasn’t so much about the fact that my friend hadn’t gotten me a gift, but the fact that he had endeavored to explain it away, to make excuses for himself, and the larger pattern of behavior that was embedded in…—and that was when my eyes darted in the direction of where I knew the trash can was. That's not even mentioning that we are not privy to all the details and history of the author's relationship with her friend.