[Norah's mother] had said she was dog-tired of Norah’s disrespect, her ingratitude, her filthy language.
-- Narration (N/A)

Importance: This line of narration appears near the beginning of the story and helps to establish the strained relationship between Norah and her parents. Norah is disrespectful and disobedient. However, her long ordeal at the facility is a far greater punishment than the severity of Norah’s misbehavior.

Now I am your mother. But not like your other mother. Two things different. One: I don’t love you. Two: when I tell you what to do, you do it.
-- Mama Strong (N/A)

Importance: Mama Strong makes these statements to Norah when Norah first arrives at the facility. This exchange helps to foreshadow Mama Strong’s cruelty and her authoritarian methods. Mama Strong is positioned as the clear antagonist of the story because of her brutal cruelty and lack of empathy.

The only way out…is to be someone else...
-- Mama Strong (N/A)