Electric Scooter
The narrator uses the imagery of a bright red electric mobility scooter to portray Ms. Eunice, an elderly resident of the Oasis. The scooter is described as being "trim," indicating that it is relatively small and lightweight, and thus well-suited for Ms. Eunice's purposes. The "basket on the handlebar stuffed with papers and plastic bags" further reinforces the idea of Ms. Eunice being a hard-working and caring individual. Additionally, the sound of her scooter knocking against the aluminum of her cane as she rides over the potholes and cracks of the road gives a vivid auditory image that demonstrates Ms. Eunice's daily routine. Furthermore, the color of the scooter, which is brightly red, suggests a sense of happiness, energy, and vibrancy that is often associated with the elderly. Thus, the image of the scooter illustrates the vitality and resilience of the elderly residents of the Oasis.
Humble Abode
The imagery of the "worn cream-colored leather sofa, a chipped glass coffee table, bookshelves with dusty glass geometric objects, and four framed black-and-white photos" describes the interior of Steve and Terri’s trailer. The worn leather sofa evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity in the home. The chipped glass coffee table indicates that the family has lived there for a while and has experienced a degree of wear and tear within their living space. The bookshelves with objects and photos add a layer of nostalgia to the image, as these objects are reminders of the family’s more successful life. The two photos of Brody as a baby depict joy and innocence, while the photo of the family with the ocean in the background and the wedding photo of Steve and Terri suggests a time of contentment, before their current struggles. These images all come together to create a vivid picture of the home, which is not what one might expect from a trailer in a trailer park.
Crystal
Crystal is described as having "dark acne scars mixed in with fresh red bumps along her high cheekbones" and "straighter and blacker than [the protagonist has] ever seen hair be." These details create a mental image of Crystal's physical appearance, giving the reader a sense of her character. The description of her JanSport backpack as "old, dirty light-blue" adds to the image of her as a character who is not quite fitting in with her peers. The imagery continues with the description of Crystal's smell of "cooked food, garlic and peppers," which provides a sense of her home life, as well as the physical closeness of the two, with Lara placing her sweatshirt between them. All of these details come together to create a picture of the setting and the characters, as well as their relationship.
Nostalgia
Imagery is used to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and love for Yevgenia. The narrator describes Yevgenia as being "in profile, how the light from the table lamp next to the armrest warms her skin, making it slightly golden". This description creates a warm and comforting atmosphere, signifying that Yevgenia is still a source of security and warmth even in her old age. Furthermore, the narrator describes her scent under the "dimming astringent of alcohol" as "salty air, an empty beach at dawn". This imagery conjures up an image of a peaceful beach scene, creating a sense of serenity and peace. Finally, Yevgenia remembers when Yuri almost got hit by "two boys on a Vespa". This imagery creates a feeling of youth and freedom demonstrating that Yevgenia took a risk following Yuri and her actions resulted in a life of new possibilities.
