Pham Thanh Thao, 21, a university student in An Giang, dedicates herself to caring for her boyfriend, Tran Nguyen Quoc Huy, 22, who lies motionless in a vegetative state after suffering a critical brain hemorrhage in June. Despite doctors being unable to predict a full recovery, Thao remains hopeful, believing her love is strong enough to awaken him.

On the bed, Huy lay with intravenous lines around him. Hearing Thao's soft words, he gently blinked. Thao massages his hands and body while recounting stories from school. She believes that as long as she speaks, Huy will listen and one day respond.

Thao cares for and talks to her boyfriend in his hospital bed, 11/2025. Photo courtesy of subject

Thao and Huy, affectionately known as "Rabbit" and "Turtle" respectively, met four years ago in high school. Their relationship progressed with a promise to build a home together after Thao graduated. Huy, a gentle and hardworking sales person, diligently saved for their future. Thao recalled, "He immediately told his older sister that his first month's salary was to care for 'Rabbit'."

Tragedy struck one June afternoon when Huy suddenly had seizures, vomited, and fell into a coma. An ambulance rushed him from An Giang to Can Tho International General Hospital (SIS). Doctors diagnosed a critical brain hemorrhage, requiring urgent surgery. The operation saved Huy's life, but left him in a vegetative state, with a recovery journey expected to span many years.

Huy's family, whose income relied solely on his father's casual labor and his mother's homemaking, quickly became depleted. Debts incurred for his treatment have reached nearly 400 million VND. Unwilling to see her boyfriend lie there without proper medication, Thao decided to start livestreaming sales, in addition to her studies and staying by his hospital bed.

Each evening, after attending to Huy's hygiene and meals, Thao sits before her phone screen until midnight, showcasing various snacks and cosmetics. Some nights, she sells one or two orders, while other nights bring more than ten. "Many days I'm exhausted, but remembering how he was patient and protected me for four years, staying by my mother's side when she was seriously ill, I don't allow myself to give up," Thao said.

Her motivation stems from Huy's daily progress. Now, each time he hears Thao's voice, Huy tries to blink in response. Thao recounted, "Every time he eats, he tends to cough or choke, but when I remind him, he tries to hold it back." The tragedy of their love story has garnered widespread sympathy on social media. Many supporters have helped Thao establish a steady customer base. She and Huy's brothers are working to build a more stable sales channel to sustain long-term treatment costs.

Thao and her boyfriend when he was healthy, early 2025. Photo courtesy of subject

Tran Thi Hanh, 48, Huy's mother, stated she was not surprised by Thao's affection for her son. "She's so young but understands things. Seeing her balancing school with caring for him and earning every penny to help the family, I feel both love and pity," she said. Thao's family also understands, only advising their daughter to take care of her health for the long haul.

Five months have passed, and while doctors cannot yet predict when Huy will fully regain consciousness, positive signs have emerged. "Even if he doesn't fully recover as before, I will still be by his side. I believe my love is strong enough to awaken 'Turtle'," the 21-year-old said, clutching her boyfriend's thin hand.

Pham Nga