Scattered WNYC Studios

Chris’s dad was a classy guy. Whenever he met one of his son’s girlfriends, he’d extend his hand, give her a firm handshake and say, “Soy Andrés, a tus pies.” Which means, “I’m Andres, I serve at your feet.” 
Andres carried his wife’s purse when they went out, taught Chris to throw a knuckle ball by age eight, and loved a good joke at Fidel Castro’s expense. But behind it all was a dark past that Chris was too scared to ask about. 

When Andres asked the Cuban government for permission to leave the country in 1969, he got a letter with a set of instructions.

Was it torture, or treatment? 

Andres catches a break. Mr. Bible-Jesus is born. And an American dog drinks café con leche.

Chris confronts the box in his closet.
Follow @ScatteredPodcast for updates on the show, old photos of the fam back in Cuba, and more.
Our theme song is "Please Won't Please" from This is How You Smile by Helado Negro.

Ana puts on her hot pink visor, Chris gets heatstroke, and the Garcias say goodbye.
Follow @ScatteredPodcast for updates on the show, old photos of the fam back in Cuba, and more.
Our theme song is "Please Won't Please" from This is How You Smile by Helado Negro.
Additional song: "Cuando Salí de Cuba" performed by Celia Cruz. Courtesy of Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc. Written by Luis Aguilé. 
Special thanks to Lillian Guerra, Rachel Hynson, Emily Botein, Celia Muller, Janna Freed, Tobin Low, the entire Death Sex and Money team, Mark Szuchman, and Carrie Kahn. Ernesto Chavez, Suzie Lechtenberg, Julia Longoria, Katie Bishop, Megan Cunnane, Soren Wheeler, Raymond Guillemette, Edward Lattimer, and Carmen Cusido.