"Duy’s Journey" – The Reunion Flight

Little Duy clung to his mother, obediently queuing up. Not that he had much choice — his curiosity was completely captured by the many strange and wonderful sights around him. He had no idea what awaited him ahead. All Duy knew was that, for the past week, his mother had been smiling non-stop, happily saying: "How lucky we are, so lucky!"

Dressed in his best clothes by his mother, Duy sat wide-eyed atop suitcases larger than himself. (Photo: Collected)

Duy didn’t know, but his mother — along with hundreds of other workers on flight VN218 that day — knew exactly what this flight meant: it was their dream come true, a flight taking them home to reunite with family for Tet.
It had been many years since Duy's family of four had the chance to return to their hometown to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Both of Duy’s parents are originally from Northern Vietnam. They moved south to Binh Duong Province to work at a rubber factory. Life has been difficult — one parent lost their working ability, and the other faced rotating work schedules and reduced hours, making their income unstable and uncertain.

Duy obediently lined up with his parents. (Photo: Collected)

Many other families on this flight shared the same fate — living far from home, some for more than a decade, simply because life was a daily struggle. For them, the thought of returning home for Tet had become a distant luxury. What should be the most special time of the year had turned into a heavy burden.

When they finally held their boarding passes, and through the glass saw the grand blue aircraft waiting to welcome them aboard, Duy, his parents, and his little 2-year-old brother beamed with joy. Their hometown, their grandparents, their neighbors — all were waiting for them.

Happily enjoying the inflight meal. (Photo: Collected)

Excited with the new experiences on board. (Photo: Collected)

Right now, perhaps what stands out most for little Duy is the delicious hot noodles served on the plane, the colorful animated characters playing on the screen in front of him, or the soft seat that could lean back and forth at the touch of a button.But in time, the memories of this journey, of the Tet holiday spent surrounded by family, of love and togetherness, will grow with Duy — becoming a warm and lasting part of his heart.