Seventh Story: Trials and Tribulations

Chapter 7

5 February 2022

Numerous clouds. Grey sky. Grey buildings. Grey cars. Hanoi is where I was born. Hanoi is where I grew up and made fond memories with many people. Hanoi is where I never hesitate to call home. I've travelled to quite a few places around the world, but I only feel a special attachment to this immortal city. It is constantly changing while remaining true to itself. Vietnamese and French influences meet and mix to create this wonderful masterpiece.

Today I say my farewells to you, my beloved city. I am going to spread my wings and discover the world on my own, learn new things and make new memories with new friends while still keeping in touch with my old friends. Perhaps I might even fall in love in a distant country. But I will definitely come back and visit you from time to time.

At the same time, I am excited about my future: how will the campus and the student dormitory look like? What kind of people will I meet? Will I survive my freshman year there? These questions dominate my thoughts, even if I wanted to calm myself down.

I'm sitting in Mom's car, gazing at the scenery outside. The view suddenly changes from one of the old streets to that of the large rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. A few houses can still be seen at a distance; those are where smaller communes are situated. We're now in the suburbs of Hanoi, and the airport is about ten more kilometres from our current position.

The trip to Nội Bài Airport is much shorter than I expected; I suppose time flows much faster when you're lost in thought... or asleep. As soon as we reach the terminal, we get down to business and execute the usual procedure for any seasoned traveller: look for my flight, check-in and prepare to go through security and customs.

However, just as I finished checking-in and got my boarding pass, I hear a familiar voice calling out to me from behind. I turn around to see Hạnh, Hồng and my homeroom teacher. My feet are already moving on their own and I'm embracing both my friends.

"You guys came to see me off? I'm so happy! But you needn't do that since you had to wake up so early in the morning."

"Well, Teach gave us a ride when we told her about your departure. Apparently, she had the same idea as well."

"We can't just let you go without giving you any gifts, Tâm," my teacher acknowledges. "I've talked to the school about your circumstances and they've agreed to allow you to graduate early without taking the final examinations. Here's your graduation diploma. We wish you all the best in your new life and your studies in Japan."

"Thank you so much," I receive my diploma from her. "I'll miss all the time I spent at 'A' High School..."

"You're always welcome to visit us when you come back to Hanoi."

"Don't forget about us!" Hạnh chimes in. "Hồng and I got something for you too."

"Mung bean cakes [5]... and peanut candy? They're my favourites! How did you know?"

"We're friends, dummy. Of course, we'd know!" Hạnh banters. "Don't forget to contact us often while you're in Tokyo, got it? I won't forgive you if you neglect us!"

"Tâm, we've been friends only for a very short while," Hồng adds. "But the last few weeks changed my life and I learnt a lot of things about you and Hạnh. Once more, let me express my gratitude to you and wish you a lovely time in Japan."

"I won't forget about you guys, don't worry! And Hồng, please don't be so formal around me! I feel embarrassed."

An announcement interrupts our tearful goodbyes, bringing us back to reality. Reluctantly, I have to say my final words to everyone, and no one seems to want to part with me. Same sentiments on my side, but I have to move forward. Just before I enter the security check zone, my parents give me a box of xôi [6] and some more snacks for my journey.