Familiar Object in an unfamiliar way - English

The think she's good for them, that's why they can't leave. She helps them get down even when they shouldn't be, she's there when they're in need, but she isn't cheap. The last time they saw her, most of them couldn't breathe. They say she's bad for them, but they don't think she's bad for them so it's a bit of a disillusion.