From Cambodia to Vietnam I wrap my hands around Meng’s waist, trying to stay stable with the two of us on his tiny bike. I wiped away the remaining tears on my face, trying to remind myself that I would see Chou and the others again. The bike lurched forward, bringing me back to the present. I looked up and saw what was left of Phnom Penh, it brought a new wave of tears to my eyes. The place where I grew up, the place where I always felt safe, was in ruins. I saw the old ice cream shop, where papa would take me. I always got chocolate. He always got vanilla. Empty street carts littered the roads. Lingering fires sputtered in forgotten bakeries. Meng swerved around a corner and I heard a whisper of a shout. The voice cried out again, louder. “Meng.” I tugged on his coat. “Stop!”. The cycle …show more content…
“They took mommy. They said she was just going to cook them dinner, but she never came back.” I felt my heart throb, remembering that that was what they did when they took my father. “It’s alright. I’m just going to help these men with their broken cart.” I remember it like it was yesterday, and how Ma would wait on the porch every night, waiting for papa to come home. I quickly wiped away the brimming tears in my eyes, hoping Samphy and Meng didn’t see. Meng and I shared a look, wondering what to do now. I could hear papa’s voice in my mind, telling me to help the girl, and be the better person. While I processed what taking in the girl meant for Meng and I, I realized that I couldn’t be the person papa wanted me to be. I couldn’t be the better person. “Meng we have to leave.” I said abruptly. The confused look in his eyes settled once he realized what I meant. His expression was pained as he looked at Samphy, knowing that we would have to leave her behind. I dug into the knapsack, taking out the last of the rice and some of the salted fish and gave it to