Bài Hát Miễn Phí

=== '''Summary: Mai missed Vietnam. After fleeing from war-torn Vietnam to China at age 13, her family stayed in China for 4 years. That was in 1887. Later she returns to Vietnam for unknown reasons in 1891. Read on to follow Mai on her journey of love, life, and loss.''' ===

Chapter 1: Trở Về Nhà
I look out on the city of Móng Cái. Look at the home that has been taken from me. My mother would be horrified if she had been able to see what the beautiful city had become under French rule.

Những người lính Pháp, the French soldiers patrol the streets. They spread fear and hate wherever their polished black boots touch the ground. They are constantly on the watch for so much as a whisper of rebellion. I can never pass them without feeling as if I have been stripped down to skin and bone.

My city used to be lovely in fall. The falling rain blanketed những ngôi nhà, the houses. Now, in early Tháng Chín, September, the rain will end soon. I have not been home since my family went across the 中國 China/Việt Nam border to 东兴市, Dongxing in February, 1887. At the time I was 13. Today it is September 11, 1891. On December 21st, Ngày 21 tháng 12, I turn 18. Then I will be legally allowed to leave Vietnam and travel somewhere where the French, người Pháp cannot close their iron fist around me. Then, and only then, will I be free of French rule.



''“Mai, Mai!” My older sister called after me, “Slow down! You’ll wake Ba and Má up!”''

''“I’m being careful Lien!” I called back as I scaled the ocean walls by our home in Móng Cái. Lien shook her head and gracefully scaled the wall beside me. At 15 years old she was two years my senior. We peered over the wall. ''

''“Lính,” Lien breathed. Soldiers. Marching with their flags of blue, red and white. We watched in awe and fear. Then a shout came from below us.''

''“Lien! Mai! Get down from there. It’s time to leave.” Má called. Lien and I exchanged a look. By leave, she meant cross the border. Flee to 中國 China. Across the border to the house that we already arranged to live in. Lien and I clambered down the rocks.''