Havana, Cuba, May 14, 1999

Macahoto Gopanee looked longingly at the ocean. All he could see was water. But if someone sailed far enough, they would get to America, the land where dreams came true, where food is everywhere, where water comes whenever you want it to come. Macahoto wanted to go to America. It was possible. He was single, 40 years old. If he could gather enough supplies, a boat, and row quickly, quietly into international waters… It was possible, yes, but is it likely? Macahoto though. If only he could escape this land! The unsanitary, poor conditions are not fit for anyone. If he could get a good, fast start, maybe he could reach America before his food and water ran out. Maybe the Cuban Armed Forces would not catch him. 

Macahoto decided to try to go to America. There would probably be another war in Cuba, and he didn’t want to stay in it anyway. The island was too poor. There was really never much food or water where he lived. The rich had more, but the poor had horrible living conditions. Maybe he could ask his friends to help me to escape. But what if the authorities found out he was gone? His friends would probably spill the beans. So, no friends shall know about my plan, thought Macahoto. His brown eyes scanned the water. A fishing boat sailed in the sea. That reminded him. What about the boat? How will I get a boat? Boats are rarely used except by fishermen, and he didn’t fish. No, Macahoto was a servant. A servant to the Katdids, he did things such as washing the dishes, doing laundry, stuff like that. They would be the first people to know that he was gone when he escaped. Well, I’ll just quit my job, he thought. That won’t be too difficult. Then, he could buy a boat with his life’s savings, pretend to fish for a while, and sail away. He would start tomorrow.

The following day, Macahoto went to Mr. Katdid and promptly announced his resignation.

“Why would you not want to work for us for this steady pay and food?” Mr. Katdid said angrily.

Macahoto said, “I’m tired of working for 20 pesos a day. It’s too little. I will find a job as a fisherman.”

“You don’t even know how to fish!” said Mr. Katdid.

“My friend, Doemeso, will teach me. You can get another servant for all I care.”