The narrator lost his arm in a car accident. When asked if he would like a plastic arm or claw, he rejected both. When asked what he would like, he calmly responded "air". Later in the story, he complained that he has to sip beer because it would be annoying if he had to set the beer down to wipe his mouth. He also received a letter from the college where he worked, stating that they hoped all was well and that he would be back to work in the fall. His only thought was that it would be difficult

After the accident, his family had their annual lawn party. He spent the entire day upstairs in his room. He refused to go downstairs to the party and socialize with his relatives. He sat there thinking about how his ex-wife was influencing his daughter's opinion of him yet showed no sorrow and dismissed it. His daughter appeared to have little to do with him and he does nothing to try to change the situation. He demonstrated this indifference throughout the story by ignoring his daughters numerous requests for him to join her downstairs with the other guests. When his brother's wife came upstairs to see him, he flirted with her and asked to kiss her feet. The only emotion he exhibits throughout the story was lust. Later in the evening, one of his students came to visit him. The student was described as a brilliant artist yet the narrator does not appreciate his talents nor does he appear to care about his troubles or addictions. He does not care to participate in any soci

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lawn Party, Ann Beattie, wife's sister, throughout story, male narrator, car accident, lawn party,
Approximate Word count = 665
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)