Can you keep a secret?
-- Emily Windsnap (One paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote provides the foundation for this entire tale as Emily is about to divulge a secret that will change her life. She is a mermaid.

I'm not a freak.
-- Emily (Chapter 2 paragraph 12)

Importance: This quote is one that comes from Emily's nightmares, beginning when she discovers that immersed in water, she sprouts a mermaid's tail. It reveals the intensity of her fear of discovery, and insecurity.

I've never really been in water - properly - and then when I did, it happened and I was scared, but I'm not now and I wish I'd found out years ago.
-- Emily (Chapter 3 paragraph 25)

Importance: This quote reveals Emily's feelings about her newly discovered appendage, and hints at the degree of loss that constant memory wipes of her mother had caused.

I should have realized that if I was cured I'd have to go swimming again!
-- Emily (Chapter 4 paragraph 10)

Importance: Mary takes her daughter Emily to hypnosis to cure...