ABSTRACT
A quiet morning in spring an unusual drama unfolded in Ba Chinh's yard. Loud voices suddenly pierced the air, interrupting the stream of ordinary morning sounds of squealing pigs, rattling pots, and shouting children. I went downstairs and out into the yard to encounter a sight I shall never forget. Ki~u was standing there with her bike, wearing her wide summer hat and dark sunglasses, apparently ready to leave for work. Opposite her was Ba Chinh, with her long black hair - which she normally held tied and rolled in a tight ribbon - hanging loose over her back. In her hand Ba held a long stick with which she lightly slapped Ki~u's arm as she spoke, scolding her for being an insolent, lazy, and good-fornothing daughter-in-law.
