What metaphors are used in Anywhere but Here by Mona Simpson?

Adele keeps no food in their shabby apartments and the two eat out almost every night. They also go out for ice cream almost every night, even though it is far more expensive. This symbolizes all of Adele's self-inflicted emotional and financial problems. Adele is spending money she cannot afford, which produces an endless cycle of debt and borrowing from family. Ice cream also symbolizes Adele's strategy in life, to pursue momentary pleasures over long-term responsibilities, in the hope that something will miraculously improve tomorrow.