Your dad is lying!” I call out to Willa. “We’re, like, knee-deep in sewage.” Nick looks up at me and smiles. “Are we knee-deep in sewage, Rocky?” We are not. “We are,” I say.
-- Rocky / Nick (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote highlights Rocky's tendency to exaggerate and dramatize situations, a recurring theme throughout the novel. Her declaration of being “knee-deep in sewage” underscores her inclination to inflate problems to match her emotional state, thereby creating unnecessary conflict. Nick’s calm response and smile contrast sharply with Rocky’s behavior, illustrating his role as a stabilizing force in their relationship. The quote not only underscores the dynamics between Rocky and Nick but also symbolizes Rocky's broader struggle with handling stress and her propensity for making minor issues seem monumental, reflecting her inner turbulence and need for control.

You’re actually mad at me because I couldn’t predict which breakfast pastry you’d choose?” This...
-- Nick / Rocky (chapter 4)