In these recent days, the stilt house in the middle of a field in Tan My commune, Dong Thap province, where Thien Hong lives, is buffeted by strong winds. Floodwaters are starting to rise, lapping at the dirt road in front of her home. Two years ago, during similar rainy seasons and floods, Thien Hong’s father was often away for treatment for rectal cancer. Back then, she would sit on the stairs, waiting for him to return.

Then one day, relatives took Hong to a relative's house, telling her to play there. A few days later, when the child was brought home, she learned her father had passed away. Fearing she would be sad, the family did not let her see him one last time.

Since then, Hong has become more attached to her mother, especially as her mother also suffers from a severe illness. The complications of diabetes led to the amputation of one of her legs, requiring assistance to move around or the use of crutches.

These last days of August mark the start of the second-grade school year for Hong. As soon as she returns home, she eagerly chatters by her mother’s bedside. She tells her mother about her friends, her new homeroom teacher, and the new notebooks and books she has bought.

Thien Hong with her mother and an award from the previous school year. Photo: Ngoc Han

Since having one leg amputated, Hong’s mother has been sad and withdrawn. Seeing this, the girl wants to stay by her mother’s side even more, telling her everything she learns and experiences, hoping to cheer her up. She also takes on chores like washing dishes and sweeping the house, and often massages her mother’s legs.

Hong is also very self-disciplined in her studies, not needing supervision or reminders. Last year, she was recognized and received an end-of-year award for her academic performance as an outstanding student. "I want to study well to make my mother happy," she said.

Seeing her understanding child, Tran Thi Be Chinh, 49, felt both affection and heartache, eager to return to work to help with the family’s finances. Previously, though the family was not wealthy, they were debt-free. Her husband sold lottery tickets, and she collected scrap. Their income was modest, but careful spending was enough to raise their three children. Hong's older brother and sister also graduated and found jobs, helping the family.

Two years ago, Ms. Chinh's husband was diagnosed with cancer, depleting years of savings. To continue treatment, the family was forced to sell three cong of land. By the time he passed away, the family had accumulated a debt of nearly 100 million dong.

After her husband’s death, Ms. Chinh collapsed, and diabetes rapidly advanced, causing complications within a few short months. Late last year, one of her legs was amputated, and the other frequently aches. Her mobility is severely limited, preventing her from working. "I feel like a burden to my children now," Ms. Chinh said.

The second-grade student often takes on dishwashing and cleaning to help her mother, who has difficulty moving. Photo: Ngoc Han

Having cared for both his father and then his mother through their illnesses, Pham Hung, Ms. Chinh’s 30-year-old son, also lost his job. Seeing their mother’s condition, Ms. Chinh’s married daughter still visits regularly to care for her and contributes to medicine costs. Hung, for his part, is trying his hand at online sales to earn some income.

Currently, in addition to an outstanding debt of over 100 million dong, his mother’s monthly medication costs about 2 million dong. Hung plans to find a job once his mother’s health improves, to provide for his family and ensure his youngest sister, Hong, can continue her education.

"When my father passed away, he was still worried that Hong was too young. He urged us to take care of her," Hung recalled.

In the solitary stilt house facing the flood season, the young student continues to go to school every day, then eagerly chats by her one-legged mother’s side. She does not fully understand the debts, medical expenses, or the hardships her family endures. She only knows to study hard, help her mother with small tasks, and wishes for her mother to always be healthy.

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Program name: Ten cua ban - Mat troi hy vong

Program ID: 22966

Ngoc Tai