Congratulations...at last.
-- Ruth Fowler (chapter 1)

Importance: Ruth Fowler gives congratulations to Austin Cooper on the fact that his wife is pregnant after years of trying to conceive. This moment helps establish the centerpiece of Austin and Su Cooper's storyline, which is their journey of becoming parents and raising their twin boys.

The girls stood up and told Deepak they had a going-away present for him.
-- Narration (chapter 2)

Importance: Before Deepak and his family move away from the town, Sophie and Lynsey give him a "going-away present;" they go into the woods with him and perform sexual acts. This moment establishes the idea of the teenagers' developing sexuality in the narrative.

Oh, Christ, Will. You idiot.
-- Miss Carter (chapter 3)

Importance: Miss Carter says this to Will Jackson. Miss Carter is moving away from the town, and Will tells her that he still has feelings for her. Miss Carter's response serves to chastise him for what Miss Carter likely sees as a...