Content Warning: This section of the novel contains descriptions of domestic violence and murder.

The narrative shifts back to 1991. After Hương and baby Ann returned home from the Banyan House, Hương and Vinh’s relationship continued to devolve. Vinh often left for days on end, and he continued to physically abuse Hương. Hương planned to leave Vinh once she saved enough money. One night, Vinh picked up Ann as she was sleeping and began to throw her up into the air. Hương pleaded with Vinh to leave Ann alone while Ann screamed and cried. Vinh told Hương to leave, so Hương packed a bag and brought Ann back to the Banyan House. 

A week later, Vinh came to find them. He knocked on the door, and when Hương would not let him in, he broke a window and crawled inside while Minh was out grocery shopping. Vinh demanded that Hương and Ann come home. Hương refused, and Vinh tried to strangle her. Minh returned home and, seeing Vinh strangling her daughter, killed him with Xuân’s knife. In shock, Hương told her mother that Vinh was a bad man and would have killed her eventually.