Summary

In "Dust to Dust," the narrator and her friend, Johnny, idolized Johnny's brother, Michael Templeton. As a "much-decorated bombardier," Michael "was a hero" in the community (57). He was a skilled "rugby and cricket player," and a champion motorcycle racer (57).

The narrator and Johnny attended one of his races. Michael's parents did not go. They disliked Michael's dare-devil nature. During the race, Michael's bike burst into flames, and he died. The event "was exciting" and terrible (58).

On the day of Michael’s funeral, his parents were in good spirits. The day was fun and exciting. At the cemetery, Johnny threw Michael's helmet into the grave, though it was expensive. In a fit of impulsive grief, Michael's fellow racers threw their helmets in, too.

In "Itinerary," the narrator's "first plane trip" was her journey from Chile...