A Northern Light Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Title.Paragraph)

Quote #10

The conductor sees me. "Come on, missy!" he yells. "Her bark's worse than her bite!" He reaches down for me. I look around myself wildly, my heart bursting with grief and fear and joy. I am leaving, but I will take this place and its stories with me wherever I go. (49.63)

Mattie's physically leaving home and family, but thinks she'll take them with her. How can one take a place and its stories on a physical journey, and why might this idea give Mattie the comfort and courage she needs to leave Eagle Bay?