What I did not yet know is that I had placed the first domino in a stack of events that would literally alter the world as I’d known it.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Lucas happens upon Zoe’s dogs when he is walking in the woods one day. He fears they are planning to maul him when they chase him the first time they see him, but realizes that they are enjoying the run. Lucas has fun playing with the dogs, but does not realize at this point how significant this seemingly insignificant encounter is.

The dogs need her. They would have no one else to take care of them. If you wouldn’t, I mean. So that’s her reason to stay. Get it?
-- Zoe’s Daughter (Chapter 3)

Importance: Zoe’s daughter tells Lucas that if Zoe asks him to take her dogs, he is to tell her that he cannot. The daughter reasons that Zoe will...