Summary

In Chapter 1, Mai is on a plane with Mua and Ba, her father and her paternal grandmother. She describes the heated arguments that brought her on this journey. At age 12, she has just finished sixth grade. She has been looking forward to spending all her time on the beach with her best friend Montana in the hope of getting closer to the boy she likes. She only learned about the trip the previous night, though her parents had this plan for some time. When Mai argued against the trip, her parents said Ba needs her.

Mua, a doctor, always goes to Vietnam in the summer where he provides medical care for children with severe burns and cleft palates. The children in line for his services have been anxiously awaiting his return since the previous year. Mai is to accompany Ba while Mua does...