Hope sat there, clutching Thomas as if he were her last life – line.

The tears soaked through her dusty cheeks, ran down her neck and into her heavy outfit. They made strands of hair stick together as she cried her heart out in the middle of the remains of what had been their shelter.

The raucous sobs continued to penetrate her as she poured out her anguish.

I wish I had never come to this place! she yelled inside of herself.

I wish I hadn’t been so stupid!

She stilled for a while, and hugged Thomas tightly.

I wish I’d never come to Vietnam.