Chapter 19 — Directions to Cloud Valley

Three weeks after Dang Khoi left Ta Chai, Mr. Long's health gradually stabilized with newly arranged professional care, but the changes in Dang Khoi's life lasted longer than expected. He realized that, to ensure his father received the best care, he needed to spend more time in the city to monitor and adjust the care plan in the early stages.

Meanwhile, in Ta Chai, Thao Vy continues her work coordinating the expansion project, although she cannot deny the growing loneliness and anxiety when the distance between her and Dang Khoi lasts longer than expected.

"Did he say when he'll be back?" I asked one afternoon when I saw that Thao Vy seemed more thoughtful than usual.

"He's not sure either," Thao Vy replied, trying to keep her voice calm even though her heart was inevitably worried. "His father's health remains uncertain."

"Are you worried about this affecting your plans?" Ask frankly, recognizing the underlying tension in the situation.

Thao Vy pondered before answering. “I try not to think negatively,” she said. "But I also understand, this is a real test for our relationship — whether we can maintain our bond even when distance and difficult circumstances test us."

***

One evening, during a rare video call when they both had free time, Thao Vy noticed obvious fatigue on Dang Khoi's face, a sign of long, stressful days taking care of her father and handling family chores.

"You look so tired," she said, her voice filled with worry. "Are you taking care of yourself?"

"I'm fine," Dang Khoi replied, although his voice couldn't hide the exhaustion. "There's just so much to worry about — arranging a care schedule for dad, supporting mom emotionally, and still trying to maintain part of her job at the hospital."

"You don't have to shoulder everything alone," Thao Vy said. "I can go to the city to support you, at least during this difficult period."

"I don't want you to have to leave important work unfinished in Ta Chai," Dang Khoi replied, although in his heart he could not deny the desire to have her by his side during this difficult period. "The expansion project needs your presence."

"Family is equally important," Thao Vy affirmed. "And I think, Sinh is mature enough to temporarily take on some coordination responsibilities during my absence."

That conversation marked an important decision — Thao Vy would arrange to go to the city to support Dang Khoi during this difficult period, a testament to her commitment to the relationship, her willingness to put the needs of her lover first when necessary.

***

When Thao Vy arrived in the city a week later, she clearly realized the burden that Dang Khoi was suffering — not only physically due to lack of sleep and prolonged stress, but also mentally as she witnessed her father's health condition gradually decline.

"You don't have to be strong alone," she said when she saw him trying to suppress his emotions while talking about his recent difficulties. "I'm here, and I want you to share every burden with me, not just the joys."

Dang Khoi, in the end, could not hold back his long-suppressed emotions, letting tears fall into Thao Vy's comforting arms. "I'm scared," he admitted, his voice choked up. "I'm afraid of seeing my father gradually lose himself, and I'm afraid that this burden will affect what we're building."

"We will get through it together," Thao Vy said firmly, hugging him tightly. "This is the meaning of love and marriage — not only sharing joy, but also shouldering difficulties and suffering together. I'm not going anywhere, Dang Khoi. I'm here, for you, and for your whole family."

Those words, along with Thao Vy's steady presence during this difficult period, helped Dang Khoi find the mental strength necessary to continue to face the challenges ahead, while also strengthening his belief in the sustainability of the relationship that the two have rebuilt together from the fragments of the past.

***

During Thao Vy's two-week stay in the city, she not only provided emotional support to Dang Khoi, but also actively participated in Mr. Long's practical care, taking advantage of the tact and patience she had learned through many years of working with the highland community.

"You know, my future daughter-in-law is very special," Mrs. Hanh said to her neighbors when she saw Thao Vy gently helping Mr. Long eat and drink, patiently comforting him when he seemed uncomfortable because of his body's limitations. "Not everyone can treat the sick with such tenderness and respect."

Thao Vy gradually built a special bond with Mr. Long, even though he was no longer able to communicate clearly. She often sat next to him, telling him about life in Ta Chai, about the projects she was working on, as if he could still understand and care about those stories.

"You know, I'm helping build another medical station in another village," she told him one afternoon, when there were only two people in the room. "I think you will be proud of what Dang Khoi has done, of how he turned his family's pain into motivation to help thousands of others."

Although unable to respond verbally, Mr. Long's eyes seemed to shine with something close to understanding, making Thao Vy feel that her efforts were not meaningless.

Dang Khoi, witnessing how Thao Vy took care of her father with all the devotion and love, felt his love for her grow even deeper. "You don't have to do all this," he said one evening, when he saw her tired after a long day of taking care of Mr. Long and his mother.

"I want to do it," Thao Vy replied sincerely. "Your father will also be my father in the future. Taking care of him is something I do out of love, not out of obligation."

Those words made Dang Khoi unable to contain his emotions. He hugged her tightly, silently thanking fate for giving him a second chance with this wonderful woman. "I love you," he whispered, "more than I ever dared to imagine."

Before Thao Vy had to return to Ta Chai to continue her project coordination work, the whole family organized a small meal to thank her for her support during the recent difficult period. Although Mr. Long's situation still has many challenges ahead, the atmosphere in the family has become much lighter thanks to the companionship and sharing of burdens together.

"Thank you for being here," Mrs. Hanh said to Thao Vy before she got in the car to return to the highlands. "You have shown my whole family the true power of love and sharing."

"I just do what my heart tells me, aunty," Thao Vy replied, hugging her future mother-in-law with sincere feelings that had been cultivated through the past difficult days.

Before leaving, Thao Vy went into the room to say goodbye to Mr. Long one last time. "I'll be back soon, uncle," she said, gently holding his hand. "And next time, I will bring pictures of the new medical station to tell you about."

Dang Khoi saw her off at the bus station, and the two stood quietly together for a few minutes before the bus departed. "Thank you for everything," he said, squeezing her hand. "I don't know how I would get through this without you."

"I'll be fine," Thao Vy replied, smiling reassuringly. "And I'll always be here, whether by phone or in person, whenever you need me."

"I will try to arrange to return to Ta Chai as soon as possible, when father's situation is more stable," Dang Khoi promised, although they both understood that there was no certainty about how long that period would last.

As the car began to roll, Thao Vy looked back at the city that was gradually disappearing, her heart filled with a mixture of sadness at separation and pride in the strength that their relationship had shown through this ordeal. She knows that there are still many difficulties ahead to overcome, but she also firmly believes that the love and commitment they have both built is strong enough to face any challenge.

During the long way back to the highlands, she texted Dang Khoi one last time before losing signal on remote mountain roads: "No matter what happens, we will get through it together. I believe in us." That message, although brief, contained a solid promise for both of their journeys ahead.