In the story presented in "Barefoot to Avalon: A Brother's Story," the narrator reflects on a seemingly ideal past where life was filled with happiness and privilege. The family is characterized by their youth, attractiveness, and the promise of great futures, similar to their parents'. This idyllic life is abruptly disrupted when their ship tragically strikes an iceberg in Boston, leading to chaos and a desperate scramble for survival.

As they escape the sinking ship, the journey to safety feels prolonged and harrowing. Upon reaching the shore, a somber realization hits the group; one member is unaccounted for, emphasizing the stark contrast between their former bliss and the current grim reality. The missing individual symbolizes lost potential and the irreversible changes caused by unexpected tragedy.