Bryanna, puppylike, follows Jazmin almost everywhere. Although Bryanna says she misses Isabel, her Aunt Titi, all the time, lately she has other, happier preoccupations. Her father's new wife is expecting a baby girl in October. Bryanna keeps a journal and writes letters to her new sister.
"I feel like I am close to her already. I can't wait to see her, I bought her something and I am going to buy her more and more. I love you sister!!!"
One afternoon, after etching ISABEL in the sand with a stick, Bryanna stands back to admire her work. Within seconds, people walking along the beach trudge across the letters.
Bryanna scowls. "No respect!" she says, shaking her head. "No respect."
Somber visit
In late afternoon, Pat and the girls get a ride to Isabel's grave. The sun hammers down as they walk through coarse, dry grass to the grave, which is smothered in so many plastic flower arrangements that all you can read on the headstone is "Isab."
Pat crosses herself, praying, "En el nombre de el Padre," and tears up. Bryanna sits on the slab, stroking the smooth, hot stone.
Jazmin puts her arm around her grandmother and rests her head on her shoulder. Heading back to the car, she says, "I don't know what to feel anymore. I'm going through a lot. If anything, I'm, like, blank."
Contact staff writer Melissa Dribben at 215-854-2590 or mdribben@phillynews.com.
