You’ll get your chance, Anna.
-- Anna’s mother (Chapter 7)

Importance: These remembered words from Anna’s mother echo through her deliberation over the Wilders’ offer. They tie her present choices to her mother’s deferred dreams, shaping the weight of opportunity and reminding Anna that time is not limitless. The quote embodies both hope and grief, functioning as a refrain that drives her to consider seizing risky chances abroad.

Different zoo, same animals, right?
-- Callum (Chapter 12)

Importance: Callum says this during the gathering at the Pan Deï Palais hotel, when Anna is trying to blend into Faye’s glamorous circle of friends. Callum delivers it in front of the group, undercutting her enjoyment and likening their social scene to a zoo exhibit. The quip reveals his cynicism and his ability to wound Anna with public sarcasm, exposing the gulf between her tentative belonging and his jaded familiarity.

As a teenager, I’d read jealously about the parties...
-- Anna (Chapter 14)