She beckoned him closer, pulled him onto her lap, and held him as if he were two instead of twelve. Papá’s strong arms encircled both of them.
-- Jaime (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote signifies Jaime's desires to be comforted by his parents due to the trauma of Miguel's death. Jaime is able to understand the dire circumstances, but he is not fully aware how serious his life has just become.

The beatings he had received had left his face distorted. No amount of makeup could change his shattered nose or the swelling over his left eye. Even with his eyes and mouth closed, no one would say he looked like he was sleeping.
-- Jaime (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote represents Jaime's pain after Miguel's death. Jaime has never been directly exposed to such violence and cruelty, and he begins to feel so guilty for the way Miguel's life has been taken away from him.

Every time he...
-- Jaime (chapter 3)