Robert. My father. Nearing the end.
-- Narrator (Summons)

Importance: When Carlisle receives the call from James informing her that her father Robert is dying, her narrative style breaks down. She starts to use fragmented sentence structures, which convey her emotional experience. Because she has been estranged from Robert and James for 19 years, she struggles to reconcile with what is happening and how she should feel. The moment marks the novel's inciting incident and establishes Carlisle's narrative tone for the chapters to come.

Yuto is their baby and I feel he has made them a family.
-- Narrator (Baptism)

Importance: As the narrative shifts increasingly into the past, the author reveals new information about Carlisle's familial history. Although Carlisle has relationships with Isabel's and Robert's families, she cannot help feeling excluded from both of these spheres. In this moment, she is describing her isolation within the context of Isabel, Ben, and Yuto's family life. The line contributes to...