“But the girls were also afraid of her. Ali knew more about them than anyone else did, including the bad stuff they wanted to bury—just like a body.”

Alison DeLaurentis’s influence was dominating and intimidating. That her death also brought relief demonstrates the kind of presence she had with her friends. This passage frames Alison and provides context to why her memory continues to cause anxiety for the girls.

“But something felt the same, as if Alison’s presence was still floating here.”

Emily is especially haunted by Alison, as she wished Ali was more than a friend. Emily’s feeling that Ali’s old room still feels the same, even with Maya as its new occupant, points to Emily’s grief and adds suspense and doubt to the narrative, and brings to light questions about whether Alison really died.

“But now, every Rosewood sight outside the car window reminded her of the past she wanted to forget.”

Returning to Rosewood is a dreadful experience for Aria, who found her years abroad freeing and filled with new experiences. That she wants to forget the past she left in Rosewood provides background into her character and relationship with the small town.