Pa

Pa is Loung's father and the patriarch of the Ung family, of Chinese-Cambodian descent. He was a monk when he met Ma, Loung's mother, and then left that life behind him in order to marry her, though it was against her family's wishes. Pa worked for the Lon Nol government until the Khmer Rouge took over, installing their own government, the Angkar. Under the Angkar, Pa and all civil servants perceived to have 'supported' the previous government were targets of persecution and murder, resulting in Pa having to hide his identity from the moment the Khmer Rouge invaded Phnom Penh.

In his family circle, Pa is regarded highly by all, and everyone thinks they are Pa's favorite. "If Ma is known for her beauty," Loung says, "Pa is loved for his generous heart" (4). Pa's kindness endears him to all of his children, and Loung especially loves him...