How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"My mother told me about a woman named Damiana who looked after me when I was born. Was that you?"
"Yes. I'm the one. I've known you since you first opened your eyes." (17.14-15)
Juan is going back into his mother's past, but also his own. Even though he doesn't remember it, he too has a past in Comala… and a pretty unpleasant future.
Quote #8
My memories began to fade with the light of dawn. (30.1)
As he lays dying, Juan loses his own memories and starts to be filled up with all the ghosts' memories instead. It sounds horrible… because it pretty much is. Be careful what you wish for, kids.
Quote #9
"My mother lived her childhood and her best years in this town, but couldn't even come here to die. And so she sent me in her place." (38.1)
In a way Juan is replacing his mother, going back in time for her to relive her past. That's a sweet thing for a son to do, although we're pretty sure that Juan's mom didn't think she was condemning her son to eternity sharing a coffin with a sad-sack named Dolorea.