Orbiting
In the story called "Orbiting" the main character Renata is having a difficult time forgetting about her old boyfriend who left her very suddenly to explore world outside from New Jersey. Orbiting is used as a metaphor for her still holding on to the past and constantly being reminded of him. Her thoughts are moving in circles-orbiting around the same person and the memories left by that person.
History as a net
In the story "The Tenant" the main character called Maya is struggling to find sense in her life, she has a difficult time to connect with people and has gone through a lot of disappointment. In one of her thoughts she pictures history as a net, a safety net that trapeze artists from her childhood used as a protection.
Firecrackers simile
In the story "The Management of Grief" Shaila is visiting an old Indian couple who lost their sons in the plane crash. Miss Templeton brought her there to try and convince the old couple to sign the papers that will provide them with the care of the government. Shaila knows that she won't be able to do it because the old couple refuses to accept their sons' deaths. Shaila describes Miss Templeton's cordovan briefcase go of as firecrackers in the quiet apartment. Just like her briefcase disturbs the quietness her attempt to make these people accept what happened and move on disturbs their grieving.
