In Anita’s mind, freedom is tied up closely with Papi and Tío Toni. It seems like she shouldn’t have the opportunity to be free herself if her father and uncle can’t join her and be free too. This illustrates how important family is to Anita—as she grows up, she comes to see that her parents were right to do everything they could to support and protect their family. And again, hearing from Chucha shows Anita that there will always be someone in the Dominican Republic who loves her and will look out for her. Her family is bigger than she thinks it is. It’s also significant that Chucha, throughout the novel, seems to be the adult most willing to clue Anita into what’s going on, even if she does so in riddles or code. Chucha sends only one message here, so she must find this one important, and it’s a message meant to prepare Anita for what is to come. Clearly, she sees value in informing Anita of coming change, rather than keeping her in the dark.