Mika bypassed the pillow and went to the wine section. Her pocketbook was lighter, but a five-dollar bottle of wine was a necessity.”
-- Narrator (1 )

Importance: Mika is in Target looking around after being fired. Despite the fact that she has no income and virtually no money, she buys a bottle of wine. This is a symbol of her tendency toward being irresponsible.

I love art, and … and I'm looking into gallery space, hoping to find some artists to represent and start my own business.”
-- Mika (4 )

Importance: This is one of the first lies that Mika tells Penny in an effort to make her life seem more in control than it actually is. Mika never expects to meet Penny, meaning she does not expect Penny to ever know the truth.

It's who I want to be. Who I thought I could be … before.”
-- Mika (6 )

Importance: Mika is explaining to Hana why she lied to Penny. This is...