Mama, Papa, have you noticed more ships in the harbor lately?
-- Celeste (Part 1, Celeste Like the Sky paragraph 19)

Importance: The first sign that anything is truly amiss in Valparaiso is the presence of more ships than usual in the harbor. At first, Celeste’s family does not want to talk about the ships, but later confirms to her that they are not just any kind of ships, but warships in specific. Their presence is an omen for dangerous times ahead.

I always leave the window open, even when its raining, because Valparaiso is full of life.
-- Celeste (Part 1, The Rain Gives paragraph 1)

Importance: Early in the novel, Celeste delights in how the city of Valparaiso is always constantly in motion, and is replete with beauty. It is among the things she loves most about the city. However, this serves as a harbinger for reversal in the future. Valparaiso will never be the same again once the General assumes power in future chapters. Everything that Celeste...