Here's a breakdown of the issue:
* Gilly's past: Gilly has a history of being bounced around between foster homes and has developed a hardened shell to protect herself. She believes nobody will ever truly love her, so she manipulates and rebels against everyone who tries to care for her.
* Her manipulative tactics: Gilly uses lies, deceit, and emotional blackmail to get what she wants. She manipulates adults into believing she's abused or in danger, hoping to be sent back to her grandmother, who she believes is her only true family.
* Lack of trust: Gilly's inability to trust anyone makes it difficult for her to form genuine relationships. She pushes away people who show her kindness, believing they will ultimately disappoint her.
* Internal conflict: Gilly struggles with the conflict between her desperate desire for love and her deep-seated fear of being hurt. She wants to be loved but is afraid of opening herself up to the possibility of rejection.
The story ultimately focuses on Gilly's journey towards self-acceptance and learning to trust others. She begins to realize that her manipulative behavior is pushing people away, and she starts to see the love and kindness that others offer her. The problem is not a specific external conflict but rather Gilly's internal battle with herself and her own negative patterns.