1. **State the problem:** Solve for $y$ in the equation $$-\frac{1}{4} = -\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8}y.$$\n\n2. **Isolate the term with $y$:** Add $\frac{1}{4}$ to both sides to eliminate the $-\frac{1}{4}$ on the right side.\n$$-\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = -\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8}y$$\n$$0 = 0 + \frac{1}{8}y$$\n$$0 = \frac{1}{8}y$$\n\n3. **Solve for $y$:** Multiply both sides by 8 to cancel the denominator.\n$$8 \times 0 = 8 \times \frac{1}{8}y$$\n$$0 = \cancel{8} \times \frac{1}{\cancel{8}} y$$\n$$0 = y$$\n\n4. **Final answer:** $$y = 0.$$