Summary

When Sirena was young, she lived in Vega Baja "for only a few years" (165). The home for orphaned children was located near the ocean. There was "a thin band of sand" that separated two beaches (165). One was the "beach of death" and the other was the "living beach" (165). The former had calm waters, and the latter had wild waters. Every Sunday after Mass, the orphaned children went to the beach. Sirena was the only one who swam in the death. She was afraid of the water and could not swim.

Children at the home "went and came" (165). One day, Martin arrived from San Juan. Martin was the only child who was not really orphaned.

The "island was American," but Spanish was the primary language (165). Everyone learned to speak both languages. When Sirena learned that Martin's mother was alive but did not want him...