But then the bad thing had happened.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: On the evening of her anniversary with Nigel, Winnie stands in the kitchen watching her husband from behind. As she observes him, she remembers how happy they once were. Then she realizes that it was her mistake that changed their dynamic. Instead of explicitly thinking about her crime, however, Winnie merely alludes to it, even in the secret of her own mind. By omitting the nature of Winnie's crime from this early passage in the novel, the author instills the narrative with a sense of tension and mystery. She also illustrates how unwilling Winnie is to regard her past.

The memories would often come with a strong mixture of revulsion and nostalgia.
-- Narrator (chapter 6)

Importance: Not unlike Winnie, Juno is reluctant to meditate too long on her past life. However, her time in the closet, either lying immobile or listening to the Crouches' often induces flashback...