It’s always a relief when the missing words come. She knows that all too soon they won’t.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: Gwendy recognizes how quickly her early-onset Alzheimer’s will progress to the point that she will no longer be able to recall words. At this point, Gwendy is able to eventually remember the words she wants to use.

It sounds melodramatic, but Gwendy Peterson knows it’s true: the fate of the world depends on what’s inside that box.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: Gwendy struggles to keep the other members of the crew from noticing that she is having memory problems because she has to complete the spacewalk and dispose of the button box. She takes special care to keep the box safe because she knows the button box can be used to destroy the world if it falls into the wrong hands.

I would give a great deal to know what’s in...
-- Winston (Chapter 3)