Summary

It is now 1975 in Hà Nội. Hương is feeding her pigs when Auntie Duyen, her father’s sister, visits. At dinner, Hương’s mother erupts angrily at Dieu Lan, accusing Diệu Lan of abandoning her when she was young.

Auntie Duyen explains to Hương that her mother needs time to heal from her trauma; as a war doctor, she had to operate on soldiers in immense pain. Auntie Duyen says that her mother is going to stay with her for a little bit to heal, which hurts Hương’s feelings.

Hương continues to feel bitter toward both her mother and grandmother. On April 30th, 1975, the Northern Army took over Sài Gòn, marking the end of the Resistance War against America and the civil war. Hương and Diệu Lan do not celebrate...