Eucalyptus was safe, and that was all that mattered, especially when you knew what other options were out there.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: After spending most of her childhood in foster care, Bitter is grateful for her new life at Eucalyptus. Because her character is so fearful of the world, Bitter relies on Eucalyptus for a sense of comfort and home, protection and grounding. In this moment, the narrator establishes Eucalyptus as Bitter's one safe space. This moment foreshadows Bitter's reluctance to leave the school under any circumstances. The moment simultaneously foreshadows Bitter's future need to face what lies outside the school's walls in order to grow and change.

This was her favorite world to live in.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Because Bitter is terrified of the world, she has learned to rely upon her art for safety and comfort. Although she loves Eucalyptus, she does not feel that the world outside her artwork is real. She believes...