How does Bernard MacLaverty use imagery in Grace Notes?

Imagery:

"There was the baby she had carried inside her head and there was the baby she had carried in her body. They were not the same. The one in front of her was better by far."

"She knew he intended to come back to her, having dried out, saying he had reformed, but she would not be here to meet him. The bird would have flown. Her life had changed - would change."