In the story, North and South Vietnam have been at war for several years. How does this historical event affect the plot of the story?
Hà’s brothers begin learning self-defense to be prepared to protect the family in case of attack from the North. Hà’s father is captured while serving on a navy mission, leaving the family struggling to care for themselves. Hà’s mother becomes depressed, forcing Hà and her brothers to quit school and find work to support the family. Hà’s parents meet when the war forces them to leave their homes in the North to find safety in the South
