Well, when you make friends with someone as a child, it tends to be out of a more pure emotional attachment as opposed to any sort of socially circumstantial reasons, at least I would think.
That you and your friend are too distant in ages to have been in that situation together, maybe it means that she secretly fears if she is to expose some part of herself that is a pure and unchanged, or how she feels deep down and honestly to you completely, that you would reject it or be uncomfortable or upset in some way.
Or maybe since childhood is a time of change, she feels that some changes in both of your lives might disrupt your friendship, and as symbolised by being young, she feels powerless to do anything about it.


Eh, there's my worthless observation. ;) Have fun with it, Magpie dahling.