In Letters from Cuba, the letters between Luis and his sister Francisquita symbolize the physical distance between them, representing how the absence of a person can affect someone’s life. Luis uses these letters to show how deeply he misses her and how her absence leaves him feeling incomplete. Through imagery and storytelling, the author conveys how Luis’s everyday life feels lacking without her presence. For example, when Luis writes, “Enrique Ferrara was born December 20th. Five and a half pounds and a little less than a month early. I must tell you he is the laziest baby in the world” (pg. 13), he not only shares a family milestone but also expresses how Francisquita is missing out on important moments in his life. Even though the climate in Cuba is unbearable for Luis, he struggles to leave, much like how my own family in Puerto Rico, despite complaining about the island’s heat, would never consider moving to New York City. Luis describes the harsh climate in Cuba, saying, “It is 8 A.M., and already the heat is intense. We were told this summer would be unbearable. It is not even the afternoon siesta has protected us from the midday heat. At this hour, we usually feel a breeze, but nothing moves,“ revealing how oppressive the heat is and yet how hard it is for him to leave Cuba.  This desire for connection revisits themes of dreams and spirituality, as seen throughout the semester, the characters’ longing for each other reveals the deep aspirations we have for a better life or to reunite with loved ones, even if it’s only through daydreams or letters.