Summary

In Chapter 5, everyone introduces themselves before carrying Ba inside. Mai sees a boy with a shaved head petting a frog then discovers this is a girl named Ut who is actually rather pretty. Ut rolls her eyes, a movement that Mai often uses with her own mother. There is a lot of food and Mai recognizes many of the dishes. Mai is shoved onto a bench where everyone is forced to rub sweaty elbows with the people next to them. Mai wants to shout “eww,” but she cringes at the idea of disappointing Ba. Those who do not fit at the table stand around the perimeter, continuing to talk. Some tout the accomplishments of the younger people of their family. When people pile food on Mai's plate, Ba takes away what she knows Mai will dislike. Some are amazed that Mai can use...