Reunion

By Anydinh

The weather in Hanoi had begun to turn chilly. The festive spirit of Tet had spread across the streets. Everywhere, red lanterns hung high, and the joyful chatter of people filled the air.

But in the midst of that cheer, there was one home—inside and out—where not even a hint of Tet could be found. That was Minh’s home. Because for Minh, this Tet was a lonely and sad one.

His parents were working abroad, and due to their busy schedules, they weren’t able to book flights home in time. Seeing other kids happily clinging to their parents made Minh’s eyes well up with tears.

Minh’s grandmother, already over 80 years old, was not in good health. Yet she still worked hard to make sure Minh didn’t feel he was missing out on anything. This Tet, she wrapped the traditional sticky rice cakes by hand, cleaned the house herself, and each evening told Minh stories about Tet from the old days. Though she always wore a gentle smile, Minh could see the loneliness behind her eyes. He knew she missed her son and daughter-in-law deeply.

On New Year’s Eve, Minh helped his grandmother carry offerings and light incense on the ancestral altar. He looked at the photo of their small family hung next to the altar and whispered a quiet wish in his heart:

“I wish Mom and Dad could come home for Tet with me and Grandma.”

***

Halfway across the world, Minh’s parents, Hùng and Lan, were also feeling the ache of homesickness. Looking at a photo of their family on the phone, both wore the same somber expression. Even though they called home daily to check in on Minh and Grandma, it just wasn’t the same as being there. With only a few hours left before the new year, a sense of emptiness gnawed at them.

Lan sighed, looked up at her husband, hesitated, and then said:

— Honey, what if we went home tonight? I don’t want Minh and Mom to welcome the new year alone.

Hùng looked at his wife, thought for a moment, then said:

— Okay. Let’s book the earliest flight. I just hope there’s still a seat left.

— Check now, just in case!

***

Back in their hometown…

After the New Year’s Eve ceremony, Minh quietly stepped outside. He gazed up at the fireworks blooming across the night sky. No matter how beautiful those lights were, they couldn’t chase away the ache in his heart. Suddenly, he heard a car stop at the alley gate.

Curious, he turned toward the noise, and a familiar voice called out:

— Minh! We’re home!

Minh froze. He couldn’t believe his eyes. There, standing in front of him, were his parents, smiling and holding a small suitcase. The boy ran to them in joy, throwing his arms around them, tears pouring down his face.

His grandmother, hearing the commotion, hurried to the door. Her eyes shifted from confusion to disbelief, and finally, to overwhelming emotion as she exclaimed:

— Hùng? Lan? You’re really here? Am I dreaming?

Hùng looked at his mother, his voice warm and certain:

— We’re really home, Mom. Happy New Year! Wishing you health and peace.

Her face lit up with a wide smile.

— Happy New Year! May this year bring you peace, prosperity, and good fortune!

— Thank you, Mom! — both Lan and Hùng replied in unison.

That night, the whole family gathered for a belated reunion dinner. Overjoyed by his parents’ return, Minh chirped like a little bird, telling story after story—about going to the flower market with Grandma, learning to wrap sticky rice cakes, and sharing his wishes for the new year. It had been so long since their home was filled with such warmth and laughter.

As the night wore on, Minh began to grow sleepy—staying up late was no easy feat for a child used to early bedtimes. His eyes grew heavy, his lashes fluttered, and eventually closed. Curling up in his mother’s lap, he drifted into sleep, murmuring:

— This is the best Tet ever. I wish we could always be together like this.

Lan leaned down and whispered softly:

— We will, sweetheart. We will.

Outside, fireworks once again lit up the sky—heralding a peaceful, happy new year.

***

Tet is not just a holiday for rest, but a precious time for families to come together. It’s when we pause after the long grind of life, when we lay down our burdens. And no matter how far we roam, home will always be the place we return to. Family is, and always will be, the warmest place in the world—the true source of happiness.