Chapter 78: Homesickness
The next day at the library, Kieu Ly went to Dang Bang Anh's usual spot. He always sat alone, quiet like a deserted island, which made Kieu Ly feel a little sorry for him.
She sat down gently, placed her backpack on the table, then turned to him and said:
"Congratulations on being honored as an outstanding individual. When the image of the Vietnamese flag appeared, I felt so proud."
Seeing Kieu Ly, Dang Bang Anh's face brightened. He stopped what he was doing and took the opportunity to chat with her:
"Thank you. While everyone was having the buffet, I went looking for you, but you weren't there, so I just left."
"Oh? How did you know I was at the event too?"
"Not many people wore green."
"Actually, I also went looking for you to congratulate you, but I couldn't find you either. I thought you had already left."
Hearing that, Dang Bang Anh looked both surprised and a bit regretful:
"So we were both looking for each other, but didn't meet."
Kieu Ly opened her backpack and took out her books, smiling casually:
"Looks like we're not fated to meet."
Dang Bang Anh didn't smile, but looked at her seriously:
"Fate is made by people. Next time, I'll make sure to find you."
After several months in London, Kieu Ly missed home deeply. Here, only Thuy Linh and Dang Bang Anh helped ease that homesickness—just eased it, not erased it.
There were still nights when she couldn't hold back her tears, soaking her pillow.
It was now winter, bitterly cold. She couldn't go out much, which only made her feel more on the verge of depression.
Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed silently out the window and murmured:
"Tết (Lunar New Year) is coming."
"You miss home?"
"Yes."
When he first arrived in London, Dang Bang Anh also missed home terribly. But back then, he buried himself in studies and part-time work to earn money, which helped. He understood, at least somewhat, what Kieu Ly was going through.
He smiled gently to comfort her:
"Tết here is still warm—we have a small party. And you're only here for one year. Try to enjoy the experiences you're having. Later, even if you want to, you may not have this chance again."
"You're amazing."
"Amazing? Well, everyone knows that." – Dang Bang Anh smiled, hiding a warm joy behind his joking tone.
"No, I mean… you live here, among Europeans, and you don't even need friends around to keep you company, yet you never seem sad."
"I do feel sad. But sadness is a luxury I can't afford. I always have to turn it into strength."
After a moment of silence, Dang Bang Anh turned to Kieu Ly and said:
"But every time I see you, I feel happy. You've been my rare source of joy these past few years."
Kieu Ly didn't say anything. She remembered how Do Hoang Anh once called her boring and dull. And in truth, she had always felt that way herself.
In contrast, she thought Hương Trà was full of energy and joy.
Yet somehow, she had become a source of happiness for Dang Bang Anh?
Kieu Ly nodded with a soft smile:
"That's wonderful. I do want to have a positive influence on those around me."