The author's parents were afraid to discuss murders or events in the Dominican Republic.
Explanation:
The author's parents clearly did not want to discuss anything that had to do with the Dominican Republic. They went out of their way to ensure that the author did not find out about any of the events on the island even though he / she wanted to know.
The parents most likely thought it would be wiser not to discuss cruel and bloody happenings with the children who should instead be focusing on life in the new country.
