Sprinklers

The sprinklers that Daphne observes on the lawns in Coral Gables are a symbol of the excess and luxury that the neighborhood (and Daphne) have grown used to living with because of their immense wealth. Although Florida is notoriously rainy, and the observation of these sprinklers occurs mere days before an enormous storm system is set to sweep in, the neighborhood continues to use the precious resource of fresh water on making their lawns look greener and more appealing. As such, the sprinklers serve as a metaphor for the misplaced priorities of the American upper crust in advance of the coming climate crisis.

Darby Wilkins

Darby Wilkins, a character who dies very shortly after being introduced, is a symbol of the impossible decision-making that Rain is regularly tasked with making in her position as a FEMA employee. When Rain meets Darby, he is trapped under the...