Do you understand, Abdullah, how this was an act of mercy? That potion that erased these memories?
-- Saboor (Chapter 1 paragraph 89)

Importance: Saboor is about to set out on a journey that will culminate with selling his daughter, Pari, to a wealthy couple. Saboor has no doubt that he will be heartbroken after this deed is done and that he will long for her. In his story about Baba Ayub, the Div provides a magic potion that erases Baba Ayub's memories of his lost son. Saboor knows he will have no such potion and that he will have to endure his heartbreak.

If one night their house caught fire, Abdullah knew without doubt which child Parwana would grab rushing out.
-- Abdullah (Chapter 2 paragraph 37)

Importance: Abdullah is talking about his relationship with his stepmother, Parwana. He says that she is capable of kindness toward Abdullah and Pari but that the biological connection is missing between them. Abdullah isn't angry at...