Dana didn’t know if it was mortification at being blindsided or genuine heartbreak, but in the three years since, she’d avoided the possibility of either again.
-- Narration (chapter 4)

Importance: This line of narration explains some of the misanthropy that Dana seems to display in her old age. She has had romantic relationships with several different men and women over the years, and one woman broke Dana's heart by suddenly breaking up with her. Dana has apparently hardened her heart against friendship and romance in the following years.

[Lupita was] the only one who knew how to speak Spanish or any other language besides English; and the only one who lived above a garage with her father.
-- Narration (chapter 6)

Importance: This line of narration helps to establish Lupita's unfortunate position as an outcast and an outsider. She was born in Mexico, and her family has immigrated to the United States. In a predominantly white town...