"We just stood there for a few seconds… No friendship could survive with that many hyphens."
This line captures Logan's struggle to reconcile Sage's identity with his own expectations. The metaphor of "hyphens" illustrates how labeling and categorizing people can complicate relationships. It emphasizes the tension between friendship, love, and identity, revealing the lasting effects of societal norms and personal biases on human connections.
"Everyone has that one line they swear they'll never cross… Sage Hendricks was my line."
This line opens the novel with Logan reflecting on boundaries—both personal and social. Sage challenges his preconceived notions, compelling him to confront his beliefs and emotions. It also foreshadows the struggles and growth that define the story, emphasizing the difficulty of remaining true to one's principles when faced with unexpected truths.
"She baked you cookies!' he repeated as if I'd missed the importance. 'So what?' I turned to get my bag, but Tim blocked my way.' She wants to have your babies."
Tim's humorous exaggeration brings levity but also demonstrates how peers interpret relationships and gender roles. This interaction exposes Logan's awkwardness and the societal expectations he is grappling with, while highlighting the novel's balance of humor and serious emotional undertones.
"Sage would survive. I'd survive. We were better off apart. Painful and quick, just like ripping off a Band-Aid… But the concept was the same."
The intense imagery conveys emotional pain, illustrating teenage heartbreak and the challenge of accepting reality. The metaphor underscores the trauma of confronting difficult truths while highlighting his growing empathy toward Sage, reflecting the novel's focus on resilience and understanding.
