Why did Starr blubbler like a kid?

"I climb out, blubbering like a little kid who skinned her knee."

This simile occurs when Starr heads back from the interview with the DA. The conversation is emotionally taxing on top of all the other problems going on in Starr's life, and she ends up vomiting and crying. Since Maverick responds by hugging Starr, this simile also reflects the continued importance of Maverick in Starr's life. Even though Maverick couldn't be there for Starr when she actually was a little kid who skinned her knee, now that he is back in her life he's determined to stay there and be as good of a father as he possibly can.