I know where I am and what I am doing.
-- Narrator (Part I: San Francisco)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Alexandra is living with J in San Francisco. Having only spent two years of her life living outside of California, Alexandra associates the place with safety and security. On the narrative's opening page, Alexandra says that the place allows her to understand her identity and her purpose. The passage speaks to Alexandra's reliance on familiar spaces for grounding and balance. As soon as she ventures into the unknown in Part II, the assuredness she displays in the above line rapidly dissolves.

Let's see. Let's see. Let's see.
-- Alexandra (Part I: San Francisco)

Importance: While Alexandra reviews J's application essays, he grows worried about all the changes she is making. She assures him that her many edits are not an indication of poor writing. However, J's comment makes her realize that she is muttering the above line over and over while...