Please let this plan work.
-- Tess (Chapter 1)

Importance: Here, Tess and Libby head down to the ferry to meet Dad and Aaron as they come across from the mainland. Tess finds a piece of blue sea glass, which reminds her of the saying about touching something blue for wishes to come true. Tess here specifically hopes that the plan the islanders have to save the school by taking in foster children will work. Tess touches the blue sea glass she has found for good measure.

Welcome home.
-- Tess (Chapter 3)

Importance: When Aaron comes to his new house, he asks if he will be living there. Wanting Aaron to feel at home and welcome, Tess warmly welcomes him home as if the place also belongs to Aaron. Tess does this not only because she wants Aaron to feel at home and stay, but because he is such an important part of the plan.

And I don’t...
-- Tess (Chapter 4)