What is love anyway?
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Mizuki identifies her affair with Kiyoshi as the center of her narrative. She suggests that telling the story of their relationship is her reason for telling her story at all. However, as soon as she begins thinking about Kiyoshi, she begins doubting the authenticity of their entanglement. She then lapses into a lengthy passage questioning the definition of love. This line reveals Mizuki's true quest, and illustrates her desperation to understand if what she experienced and felt was real. The moment also contributes to the author's thematic explorations regarding love and fate.

The relief of it.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: Before Mizuki can fully explain how and why her relationship with Kiyoshi began and ended, she must explain her present circumstances as a mother and housewife. In this passage, Mizuki tries to convey both the goodness and despair of her chosen life. She describes...