Dust Child

Dan visits “Kim”/Trang at the Hollywood Bar. He brings a dictionary and a map of Việt Nam so that he can practice his language skills and she can learn more English. The two continue to enjoy one another’s company, although Trang is upset to learn that Dan is a helicopter pilot. She remembers all too well the way that helicopter pilots indiscriminately killed civilians in the countryside near her home. Some days after this, the two take a trip to the zoo. They both love seeing the animals and are happy together. Trang finds Dan easy to talk to and tells him about her family. However, she wonders if he has a girlfriend back home.

Over time, their relationship deepens. They begin to have sex, and Trang tells the madam that she no longer wants to accompany other men into the back room. Dan rents them an apartment, although he does not want Quỳnh to be there when he is in town. Quỳnh is warier in her assessment of Dan, and she advises her sister not to get pregnant. She tells Trang to get as much money as possible out of Dan, and Quỳnh reminds Trang that Dan will return to the United States at the end of his tour.