Chapter 6 — Ten Years Waiting for a Taste

08

Van Lam's high-pressure policy first caused Tieu Tiep to protest. It's getting quieter and quieter. Also began to use his own way to protest silently. Van Lam forced him to eat a nutritious menu. It hid the broccoli under the plate. Sneak cod meat under the table, pretending to feed it to an imaginary cat. Van Lam forced him to practice piano. It deliberately hits the same wrong note over and over again. Until Van Lam lost patience and left. She also forced him to draw pictures. Painting is the only "creative" recreational activity that Tieu Tiep is allowed to do. The teacher taught him how to draw apples and vase flowers. Draw things that are still and safe. It draws very beautifully. Van Lam often frames his paintings and hangs them on the wall. See them as works that prove your "successful educational methods". That day, Van Lam asked him to draw a picture again.

“Tieu Tiep, today we draw sunflowers.”

“Like Van Gogh, full of enthusiasm.”

She spread out drawing paper for Tieu Tiep and finished mixing the colors. Then go upstairs to practice yoga. I cleaned the kitchen and then passed by Tieu Tiep's drawing room. I see it doesn't depict sunflowers. The small body crawled in front of the easel. Extremely attentive. It uses a lot of blue. Dark green, light green, grass green. On paper is a lush green lawn. Next to the lawn there is a gray wall. Under the corner of the wall is a woman wearing an apron and her hair tied in a ponytail. Squatting on the ground. In his hand he held a small shovel. Next to her is a red plastic bag. The inside is filled with green things. That was the scene of me digging up Thai vegetables in the yard that day. It drew me into the picture. My heart felt hot. Can't describe what that feeling is. I don't dare bother the boy. Quietly retreat out. An hour later. Van Lam finished yoga and went downstairs. She is in a very good mood. Walk gently.

“Honey, have you finished drawing yet?”

“Let me see your masterpiece.”

She went into the drawing room. Then the footsteps suddenly stopped. What followed was dead silence. My heart sank, I had a bad feeling. I quickly ran over. Seeing Van Lam standing in front of the easel. Her face darkened.

“What is this?”

She asked. His voice became high-pitched because he was trying to control himself. Tieu Tiep did not speak. It bit its lip.

“Mom asked me, what picture is this?!”

“It's Mrs. Truong... digging vegetables.”

Tieu Tiep said in a low voice.

“Mrs. Truong?”

Van Lam smiled coldly.

“How many times have I told you!”

"She's a maid! Not your grandmother!"

“Also, who gave you permission to draw these random things?”

“This is trash!”

As she spoke, she raised her hand. Vigorously yank the painting off the easel.

“Don't!”

Tieu Tiep shouted. It wanted to rush in and steal it back. But it was too late. Van Lam crumpled the painting into a lump. Then it tore it apart right in front of Tieu Tiep. The green of the grass, the gray wall, the red plastic bag. The same silhouette of a person squatting. It all turned into pieces of trash that couldn't be put together in her hands. She threw the pieces of paper onto the ground. Just like when you throw away dumplings.

“From now on, you won't be allowed to draw things like that anymore!”

“Do you hear me clearly?”

Tieu Tiep looked at the pieces of paper on the floor. It didn't say a word. Turn around and run back to the room.

"Bang" and locked the door.

Van Lam stood still in place. The chest rose and fell violently. It seems she also realized I had lost control. She looked at me. His eyes were filled with warnings and resentment.

“Are you satisfied now?”

“A maid also wants to be the king in this house?”

“I tell you, Truong Que Phan.”

“As long as I'm here for one day.”

“Don't you dare!”

This was the first time she called me by my full name. I looked at her. Look again at the pieces of paper on the ground. Suddenly felt. What she tore up was more than just a painting. But also the last bit of warmth in this house.

09

Three days later, Mr. Co returned from his business trip. It was Friday afternoon. He bought Tieu Tiep the latest version of the Transformers toy. He thought his son would be very happy. But when I pushed Tieu Tiep's room door open. He saw the boy sitting on the ground. In front of him is a pile of scrap paper. It's using clear tape, carefully joining each piece together.

“Tieu Tiep, what's going on?”

He put the toy down. Sit next to your son. Tieu Tiep did not speak. Just stubbornly continue the work at hand. Mr. Co picked up a piece of paper. Above is a blue streak. He realized. That's Tieu Tiep's painting.

“Who did it?”

His voice was cold as ice. Tieu Tiep still didn't speak. Mr. Co walked out of the room. He saw me.

“Miss Truong, what happened?”

I told him everything that happened that day. Do not add salt and fish sauce. Only present the truth. I can see. Mr. Co's face gradually darkened. Hands clenched into fists. Blue veins are clearly visible on the back of the hand. After listening, he didn't say anything. Just go back to Tieu Tiep's room. Close the door. I don't know what he said to the boy inside.