Those who could swim proper went to life. But I couldn't fucking swim, so I always soaked in death.
-- Narrator (Pages 165 - 170)

Importance: At the start of the short story, Sirena describes the two beaches where she and the children at the home spend time. She explains that because she is unable to swim, she only spends time on the death beach. This moment not only reveals Sirena's fears, but illustrates her reluctance to talking about the reason for them. Indeed, her fear of water and swimming stems from her family's recent drownings. This passage also develops the author's thematic interests in exploring life, death, and survival.

Besides braiding my hair, no one had taken this kind of care with me; no one had even held my fucking hand in years.
-- Narrator (Pages 165 - 170)

Importance: Almost immediately after Martin arrives at the Vega Baja home, he shows Sirena special attention and affection. Sirena is moved by Martin's behavior...