‘Soon Tan.  Very soon, ‘ his Grandmother told him.

‘When is soon?'

‘You know that she had to go far away over the sea to Vietnam. To bring your little cousin Lan home to live with us! And to see someone she loves very much. My darling sister, your great Aunt Kim!'

‘Does she love me too?'

‘Oh yes, very much!'

‘Then when will Mum be home?' Tan asked again.

‘Soon I'm sure, Tan.  But come over here now. I want to show you something very, very special.'