Chapter 18 — I Was Evicted From Home In The Middle Of The Night, I Rebuilt A Home For My Children

At the end of that year, something happened to Han Thanh. His company's business is in decline. This news was told to me by To Mang.

"Han Thanh's partner withdrew capital."

"During the time of being forced to execute the sentence, his account was blocked."

“Partners began to doubt his credibility and abilities.”

“There were constant arguments in the middle of the year.”

“Recently we officially separated.”

I didn't have any special reaction.

“What does it have to do with you?”

“Not directly related.”

To Mang replied.

“But you should pay attention to alimony.”

"If he uses financial difficulties as an excuse to reduce or stop paying, I have the right to sue to get it back."

There was a time when Han Thanh's pension was delayed. Normally every tenth month. The 3,000 yuan will be transferred on time. By the fifteenth day there was still no movement. Day sixteen. I sent him a message. Just four words:

“Alimony is due.”

Two minutes later. Han Thanh replied.

“I'll move in a few days.”

“It's a bit difficult to turn around capital these days.”

On the eighteenth day. Money is transferred. But this time. In the notes section there are no longer the words:

“Buy crayons for Niem Niem.”

There's only one number left. Come December. Kindergarten begins winter break. Niem Niem at home refuses to sit still. Painting every day. Assembling toys. The girl suddenly ran from the room to the living room.

“When will Dad come visit me?”

I stopped the work at hand.

“It's almost Tet.”

“Maybe dad is busy.”

Niem Niem thought for a moment.

“So will we have dinner with dad during Tet?”

I looked at the baby.

“Do you want to spend New Year's Eve with dad?”

"Not."

The child shook her head.

“I want to eat with mom and aunt.”

“But can I save a bowl for dad?”

I was speechless. Niem Niem is only five years old. But the child understood. She knows. Dad no longer lives in this house. But in my heart. Still want there to be a place for dad at the dinner table. Even if that position is vacant. I nodded slightly. New Year's Eve. To Mang and I wrapped dumplings together. Niem Niem is in charge of arranging dumplings on the tray. The girl arranged it in all sorts of contorted ways. But very seriously. On the dining table. There are four bowls. I don't explain whose fourth bowl belongs to. To Mang also did not ask. Niem Niem ate twelve dumplings in a row. Set a new record in your life.

“This year's dumplings are the best.”

“Because I wrapped it myself.”

We lit some hand-held fireworks on the balcony. The apartment complex does not allow large fireworks. I just bought a few fairy fireworks. Niem Niem held the cannon and swung it back and forth. Small rays of light draw circles in the air. Her yellow dress fluttered in the wind. The sound of fireworks from other houses crackling non-stop. To Mang stood next to me. Both hands stuffed in shirt pockets. Suddenly asked:

“Are you living well?”

“Not a formal answer.”

“It's really good.”

I watched the firecracker in Niem Niem's hand gradually burn to the end. The baby let out a cry. Then came back and asked me for a new tree. I laughed.

“It's really good.”

To Mang nodded slightly.

“So it's okay.”

Third day of Tet. Han Thanh arrived. Bring a bag of fruit. And a carton of milk.

“I came to wish you a Happy New Year.”

“Let's go home.”

He changed his shoes. Enter the living room. Stand still for a moment. The house is not big. But neat. A wall full of paintings by Niem Niem. On the tea table are several CPA textbooks I'm studying. Han Thanh looked at that pile of books.

“Are you studying for CPA?”

He didn't say anything more. Right at that moment. Niem Niem ran out of the room.

“Nem Niem.”

"Happy New Year."

“This is lucky money for you.”

Niem Niem received lucky money envelopes. Stuff it right into your pocket. Then pulled Han Thanh's hand.

“Let me show you the picture!”

She pulled him into her room. The walls are covered with paintings. On the desk is a box of colored pencils and a drawing pad. The rotating bookshelf is full of children's comics. Han Thanh stood in the middle of the room. Quietly look around. Didn't say anything for a long time.

“Nien Niem's room is so beautiful.”

“It was my mother who decorated it for me.”

“The curtains are also the color I chose myself.”

Niem Niem is in the picture book. Take out a picture and give it to Han Thanh.

“I drew this for dad.”

“Dad, look.”

“This is the sun.”

“This is dad.”

Han Thanh received it. On the paper is a huge yellow sun. Below is a simple stickman. Next to the stick figure are two crooked letters. Han Thanh holds the painting. Looked for a long time. Finally, he said softly:

“Thank you, Niem Niem.”

“Dad really likes it.”

His voice was a bit hoarse. Niem Niem immediately advised:

“Dad, you have to put it on your wall.”

“It must be stuck in the middle.”

“In the middle.”

Han Thanh smiled. When walking out of Niem Niem's room. I'm warming milk in the kitchen. He stood at the kitchen door. Don't step in.

“You teach your children very well.”