During the war, their father had protected a Vietnamese political leader—someone considered the enemy at the time. His efforts had sparked outrage back home. The people and government had labeled him a traitor, despite the fact that his actions had been for a greater cause.
Unable to endure the constant harassment, their mother had left them with their aunt and uncle. Mary’s heart sank as she heard the officer explain how their mother, tormented by the label of being a “traitor’s wife,” could no longer bear the weight of public scorn.