The only thing in my head now is this burning sense of urgency. Only movement can put out those flames. But I am paralyzed because Melvil is with me. I am trapped here. Condemned to watch as the fire spreads. I want to scream, but it’s impossible. Do not wake the baby.
-- Antoine Leiris (One Night in Hell (1) paragraph 2)

Importance: This demonstrates the way Leiris's panic on the night of Hélène's death was exacerbated by his inability to leave his son. It foreshadows the fact that Leiris will become Melvil's sole caretaker.

Waiting is a feeling without a name. As I read him one last story, it brings all of them at the same time. It is distress, hope, sadness, relief, surprise, dread.
-- Antoine Leiris (Waiting (2) paragraph 2)

Importance: This passage demonstrates how Leiris and Melvil had similar emotions immediately before learning of Hélène's death, despite the fact that Melvil did not fully understand what was happening.

He struggles...
-- Antoine Leiris (The Ladybug (3) paragraph 1)