Summary

Part I: Saigon (continued) – Ha’s family puts essential possessions into their brown sacks, such as clothing. Ha includes her doll, scarred by rat bites. The family burns everything else so that if their father comes back when they are gone, he will not be hurt by evidence of the life he left behind. Ha’s papaya tree is also cut down. Word of the navy ships planning to abandon the country with families has leaked out, and the port is chaotic with people seeking to flee the Communists. The ships are crowded, and Saigon itself comes under attack from the Communists. As Ha’s ship leaves port, word comes that Saigon has fallen. It is April 30.

Part II: At Sea – Food and water is scarce on board the ship. Uncle Son and his family, and Ha’s family, stay together. The ship...