It wouldn't just be for him, you know.
-- Asher (chapter 1)

Importance: A few months following their mother Helen's death, Greta's brother Asher urges her to take Helen's place on their parents' upcoming anniversary cruise to Alaska. Greta is fundamentally opposed to the idea because she does not get along with their father Conrad. She also insists that the trip will be bad for her emotional state. In this moment, however, Asher tries to get Greta to see the trip as beneficial to her well being as well as Conrad's. The moment foreshadows the ways in which the cruise will grant perspective on Greta's life. At the same time, the moment conveys the ways in which Greta's state of mind is precluding her ability to understand the importance of healing hers and her father's relationship.

It's called the Escape, which is the only thing so far today that's made her want to laugh.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: Despite...