Summary

Back in 1972, Hương and Diệu Lan are cleaning up their destroyed house after a bombing when Hương’s Auntie Hạnh arrives at their house. To Hương’s excitement and Diệu Lan’s annoyance, Auntie Hạnh brings them little gifts. She stays for a few days and helps build a new shelter for them.

After Auntie Hạnh leaves, a pair of Vietnamese soldiers arrive at Hương and Diệu Lan’s shack to relay the news that Diệu Lan’s fourth child had been ambushed and killed in the war. Hương and Diệu Lan prepare an altar for him, and they both grieve his passing and reminisce about his life.

Soon after his death, Diệu Lan confides in Hương that she intends...