A Worn Path

The entire story was very symbolic. Even the main character's name: Phoenix, is representative of her power and persistence to come back again and again, just a the mythological bird would be reborn from its ashes. Even her clothing is reminiscent of the bird, with all of the reds and yellows. Also, I don't know if I am reading to far into the story, but does it seem that its possible her grandson has already died and her trip are just the result of dementia? Dunno.