How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
'She's giving you a little warning,' August said. 'When they bump your forehead, they're saying, I've got my eye on you, so you be careful. Send them love and everything will be fine.' ' I love you, I love you, I said in my head. I LOVE YOU. I tried to say it thirty-two ways' (8.106).
Lily is starting to get a little tweaky about being around all the bees, and August reiterates that feeling love is the solution to stabilizing things and shaking off fear. Seems like there's a larger message here that goes beyond bee management . . .
Quote #5
Maybe my mother had cooed over me after all. Made embarrassing baby talk. Twirled my newborn hair like the top of an ice cream cone. Done it up with pink bows. Just because she didn't plan on having me didn't mean she hadn't loved me (12.175).
Lily thinks this immediately after learning that her mother got pregnant with her by accident. Because she has been so desperate for love since the beginning of the novel, this "evidence" (in her eyes) that she might not have been wanted is devastating, and she is trying to reassure herself.
Quote #6
I looked down at the picture, then closed my eyes. I figured May must've made it to heaven and explained to my mother about the sign I wanted. The one that would let me know I was loved (13.143).
Later, August brings Lily a box of her mother's things, which contains a picture of the two of them together. In it, her mother is staring adoringly at her. Lily feels that she has finally gotten the sign she always wanted that she was loved.