But I was not one of them.
-- Narrator (Corona)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Razia describes the ways in which her neighborhood peers dress and behave. The above line follows this description. Razia is thus identifying herself as an outsider. As a Pakistani Muslim girl, she knows that she is different from her contemporaries. At this juncture of the novel and her life, Razia has yet to begin questioning these facets of her identity and world.

Your mother called my uncle a thief and my mother a liar.
-- Saima (Sabak)

Importance: Throughout Razia's childhood, her connection with her childhood best friend Saima is formative. The girls have indeed been close since their births. However, when the girls' mothers stop talking, Razia realizes she is going to lose Saima. Although she tries to make amends with her in this scene, Saima rejects Razia because of what her mother said against her family. This scene marks...