I don't fault them for the way they are; I envy them.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Evie Porter's new life in Lake Forbing, Louisiana grants her a sense of the life she wants in the future. She feels envious of Ryan Summer's friends in this scene, because she wishes she had the safety and security that she wants. This line therefore conveys Evie's loneliness and her lifelong craving to belong to a place and a community.

The words are ones that any girl would love to hear, but they feel weighted. Heavy.
-- Narrator (chapter 3)

Importance: Evie's growing attachment to Ryan complicates her ability to focus on her job for Mr. Smith. Whenever Ryan says genuine things to Evie, her heart feels heavy. She has this emotional response, because she wishes she could engage with Ryan as herself and that they could build a real and honest life together.

But most important, no one is questioning who I...
-- Narrator (chapter 5)