Summary

The last third of the Second Movement starts from Teera’s perspective as she walks with Dr. Narunn among the markets. Teera notices how compassionate Dr. Narunn is; how he engages with everyone. People call Teera his wife, and he does not correct them. He explains that with a life in turmoil, Cambodians grasp at whatever happiness they can, even if impermanent. Teera has no plans to return to the U.S. yet, but knows it is an eventuality. In their language - “songsa ‘lover’ - is a word that prefigures heartbreak, separation” (195). She sees the flags of France, Japan, China, Vietnam, Russia, the United Nations, and the U.S. - the symbol of the “chronicle of power” in this country (197). She and Dr. Narunn talk about the United States and what is has done to Cambodia.

The perspective changes...