I don't know what to do with this. The cable got yanked out when the front wheel was off and the handlebars were twisted the wrong way, so it's the front brake cable. I'm really really really reluctant to mess with anything beyond the wheels and chain on my bike, but I also really don't want to have to bring this to a bike shop. What do I do?
Honestly just looks like you have too much slack in the cable now. Make sure your front brake calipers are released, re-seat the end cap of the housing in the brake lever, pull the wire snug at the caliper and tighten it all up. If this sounds wrong it might be because I'm bad at explaining, but any YouTube vid on how to replace your brake cable will show you. Worst case this is something your Friendly Local Bikeshop will be able to fix in 5 minutes for free.
i think i understand what you're saying, but i also think i tried that. every time i used the front brake it came loose again. i'm pretty sure i have to open it up and tighten it up there, unless that is what you meant and then i guess i didn't understand you lol