The thing is, the most selfish part of me is happy about this disease. Because I know until they cure it, you won't leave me."
-- Charlie Keene (chapter 1985)

Importance: In this quote, Charlie admits what he sees as a shameful opinion: his constant jealousy makes him find a sinister delight in the HIV/AIDS crisis. He seems to suggest that so long as sleeping with other men is a significant risk, Yale will not leave him. This quote is an example of how each of the characters, given their own personalities, belief systems and values, project onto the disease their own insecurities.

Maybe it's genetic. I mean why did you and your brother run away?"
-- Damian (chapter 2015)

Importance: Damian, Fiona's ex-husband, suggests this to Fiona after Claire runs away from home. Although Fiona is resistant to the idea that her daughter is simply repeating Fiona's own choices as a young adult, there seems to be some truth...