Summary

Back in 1975, Đạt finishes telling his war story to Hương. Đạt tells Hương that if his girlfriend Nhung comes to the house, Hương should pretend she is not there. The next day, Hương’s mother comes to visit Đạt. She hints to Hương that she needs alone time with Đạt to discuss her experiences in the war. Hương eavesdrops anyways: Ngọc continues to hint that she did a “very bad thing” and that she does not deserve her mother or Hương (202). Đạt begs Ngọc to come back home. Over a week later, Ngọc comes back home and is still emotionally distanced from her family. Hương fantasizes about escaping the house but stays anyways to help motivate Đạt, who cannot find a job, and her mother.

Hương walks in on her...