Final answer:
Maya's feelings about hope changed from positive to negative due to the repeated disappointments she faced, leading her to adopt a protective stance to avoid further emotional pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maya's change in feelings about hope can be attributed to her experiences and the outcomes of her hopeful expectations throughout the story. Initially, hope might have served as a coping mechanism or a source of comfort, but repeated disappointments can lead a person to adopt a protective stance against the pain of unmet expectations. Maya's journey reflects a common emotional evolution where the pain of disappointment causes someone to become wary of hoping again, as a shield against future emotional turmoil. This development is a common theme in literature, showcasing the complex human response to adversity and the struggle between optimism and realism.