Summary

In “The Airport Road,” May and Earl went to Cracker Barrel instead of El Puerto. May learned that Janine had taken Earl there several times before. Earl also said Janine had helped him bury a dead bird they had found.

“A few days later,” May and Janine pulled out of their driveways at the same time (174). May followed her to the hospital, where she learned Janine volunteered. May thanked her for helping Earl “bury the bird” (176). Janine made a remark about the elderly needing “to feel useful” (177). May reminded her of her father’s name was Earl. That night, she took him to Cracker Barrel again.

In “Mock Orange,” May remembered visiting Fort Lauderdale for her cousin’s christening. Her maternal grandmother was harsh. May noticed how her mother acted around her. On their way home, Earl told his wife...