I lift my desktop to see if there's more paper inside and there isn't. Inside me something hard and tight makes me slam that desk shut.”
-- Mildred (“Mildred, Central Point, Caroline County, Virginia, Fall 1952” paragraph Location 2237)

Importance: Mildred is at school, and she is angry that she does not have the basic supplies and quality of books and desks that are available to her white peers. Her anger at this basic unfairness is one of the things that drives her later to find an attorney who will handle the case she and Richard bring against the State of Virginia.

I feel all flustered. I'm not embarrassed when I'm with the boys at school. And really I've known Richard forever.”
-- Mildred (“Mildred, October 1955”)

Importance: Mildred is examining her feelings for Richard as their relationship begins to change from casual friends to a romantic connection.

I bought tickets, Millie headed for the side entrance. Oh, right.”
-- Richard (“Richard, A Few Weeks Later, December 1955” )

Importance: Richard and Mildred have gone to the movies together, and Mildred...