And where is it you want to go?
-- The Little Man (chapter 2 paragraph 14)

Importance: This is the first line of dialogue in the book, and reminds the reader that Allan's quest to escape the Old Folks' Home is largely spontaneous. The Little Man (aka the seller of tickets at the bus station) asks Allan this question as he asks most passengers -- as a routine inquiry about destination. For Allan, however, the question is unanswered by where he's going, as much as how far can he ride on a limited amount of money. For Allan, it is literally an existential question, as Allan hasn't planned his escape route as much as he has dreamed simply of escaping the retirement facility.

Couldn't you have chosen to die in a less idiotic manner?
-- Allan's Mother (chapter 4 paragraph 27)

Importance: Allan's Mother says this after learning that Allan's Father died in Russia fighting for a useless cause. The line captures the distance between his parents...