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Today is tet first day of new year, " we eat sugary lotus sees and gluttonous rice cakes."(p.1)
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The Vietnam war is coming closer to saigon, " The war is coming closer to home."(p.4)
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Wealthy families are fleeing Vung Tau on cruise ships, "
Heading to Vung Tau, where rich flee on cruise ships."(p.10) -
There are threats in Vietnam affecting Ha's life. Prices are getting higher, communist are getting closer, "But when we keep talking about how close communist have gotten to saigon..."(p.18)
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A spy for the communists bombed the presidential palace, “A pilot for South Vietnam bombed the presidential palace…” (p.24)
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Economy is going down, Ha cannot afford the same birthday treats, “This year mother manages only banana tapioca and my favorite black sesame candy” (p.26)
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President Thieu held a ceremony to comfort war wives, “Every spring president Thieu holds a long, long, long ceremony to comfort war wives.”(p.32)
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Ha’s school closes one month early because the war is too close, “school I should now closed...”(p.38)
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Uncle Son is helping Ha’s family evacuate on Navy ships, along with other Navy families, “This door bypasses the Navy checkpoint and leads straight to the port” (p.42)
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President Thieu of South Vietnam resigns, “Ican no longer be your president, but I will never leave my people or our country”(p.42)
