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Minh never went home.
It wasn’t because he didn’t miss his family, but because every time he called, his mother would always say, “Everything’s fine here.” His father would always add, “I’m doing well.” He knew they were both lying.
He knew the house had grown old, that his mother still saved every single coin, and that his father no longer had the strength to do heavy work.
Yet he always replied, “I’m doing fine too.”
Minh wiped his face.
He remembered the last time his father hugged him, those rough, calloused hands gently patting his back as he said, “Son, no matter how hard life gets, never bow your head.” And yet now, Minh sat with his head lowered in a tiny rented room far from home, with only a few crumpled bills left in his pocket.
He broke down in tears.
Not because he was poor, but because he feared the people who had devoted their entire lives to him would have to keep waiting.
His mother would stand beside the pot of steaming rice, placing the best piece of meat into the bowls of her two children before smiling and saying, “I don’t really like meat.” He believed her.
It wasn’t until many years later that he discovered meat was actually her favorite food.
She simply felt full whenever she saw her children eating happily.
He remembered the cold winter mornings when his father was always the first to wake up.
He would light the stove, boil water, and then wake the two children for school.
His father’s only jacket had a worn-out collar.
One day Minh asked, “Dad, aren’t you cold?” His father smiled and replied, “I’m a grown man.
I don’t get cold.” Many years later, Minh finally understood.
Adults don’t stop feeling cold.
There was once a time when Minh lost his school tuition money.
He was so frightened that he hid behind the house, too afraid to come inside.
His father found him but didn’t scold him.
He simply sat beside him and asked, “Are you hurt anywhere?” Minh shook his head.
His father let out a sigh of relief and said, “Money can always be earned again.
But seeing my son so scared that he doesn’t even dare come home…
that’s what truly breaks my heart.”
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