1) Paper
Quote : "You're a show off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool?"
(Pg 3)
Reason : Mother thinks it's not necessary whereas Tay Soon and Yee Lian wants it.

2) The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote : Artless, gentle flow of conversation.
(Pg 11)
Reason : It shows that Helena is not commited to the conversation.

3) Sundowner
Quote : "No doctor, tuan, but the bidan says Tijah is all right."
(Pg 23)
Reason : It shows that Aman has traditional thinking, as said, bidan.

4) Tanjong Rhu
Quote : "Things you can buy, I do not need."
(Pg 30)
Reason : It shows that Mr Li's mother is satisfied with what she has, such as basic needs.

5) Evening Under Frangipani
Quote : "He paused, not sure what to say."
(Pg 59)
Reason : It shows that Elaine's mother had shot him with questions that Prakash did not know how to answer and made him embarrass.

6) Lee
Quote : "Then you can shove it!"
(Pg 98)
Reason : It shows that Lee is rude, she shouts at her father.

7) A History of Tea
Quote : "Uncle Raja was the oily man."
Reason : It shows that Beverly's grandmother dislikes Uncle Raja.

8) A Dream of China
Quote : "China lay heavy on my father's conscience."
(Pg 125)
Reason : It shows how much China meant to the author's father.

9) Release
Quote : "Everynight for a month she had been trying to catch whatever sleep."
(Pg 143)
Reason : It shows how desperate Elieen is to get some sleep.

10) An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
Quote : "I didn't make it a point to be her niece."
(Pg 149)
It shows that the author is not close to her aunt at all.

11) Corridor
Quote : "There's nothing that I want."
(Pg 164)
Reason : It shows that Mak just wanted to be home, not going out to Jarkata.

12) Mid-Autumn
Quote : "I couldn't do the job I love."
(Pg 180)
Reason : This shows that the narrator is a loving and dedicated mother.

13) Hamid and the Hand of fate
Quote : "Felt like fleeing when anyone of them warmed up."
(Pg 197)
Reason : It shows that Hamid is shy and has lack of confidence.

14) The Move
Quote : "Ma ! You are not taking those footstools!", "I've sat on them since I was a baby!"
(Pg 204)
Reason : It shows that Tommy does not really treasure the old things.

15) Past Time
Quote : "The system is too intricate."
Reason : It shows that Singapore's system is very strict.