Hazel wasn’t shiny, she knew that. But Flora was as glittery as a six-pence, as a diamond—a treasure. Her blond hair and button nose and wide eyes drew in everyone. Hazel didn’t measure up.
-- Narrator (chapter 9)

Importance: These thoughts come up for Hazel as she and Flora wait to be chosen by their future foster family at the Binsey town hall. Hazel’s glorification of Flora highlights her fear that she is unlovable. Hazel feels she must compensate for her inferior cuteness by playing the role of dutiful elder sister which helps explain her occasional resentment of Flora.

Telling stories is one of the greatest powers that we possess. It's like a dream you can fill with what you want. And the knight doesn't always have to save the princess; sometimes she saves herself.
-- Bridie (chapter 29)

Importance: Bridie says this to Hazel when Hazel confesses that she heard the nurses badmouthing Bridie’s...