The 30-Day Writing Challenge
#LivingWriters #Viettothon30days
Week 1 – Day 3 – 23rd Jan 2025
Topic #7: How do TẾT* make you feel

If I reflect on this specific year, I feel lost—there’s no excitement at all.

This year will be the first time I’m not celebrating TẾT with my son. I miss him every single day. In the past, even when I traveled, I found some comfort in knowing he was safe and happy with his grandma – my mom. I would miss him, of course, but I trusted that he was okay. This year, however, not being by his side fills me with constant worry about his mental health and happiness.

I keep convincing myself that he’ll be fine and reminding myself that I can still see him on the weekends. But this TẾT, he won’t be with me, and I feel so lost and anxious. Adding to that, I have a business trip right after TẾT, which means I won’t see him in person for almost three weeks. I’m hoping the wooden doll I ordered arrives on time so I can take it with me during my trip—it will feel like I have a small piece of him with me. I keep praying for him to be happy and safe.

Even though I try to show strength on the outside—appearing positive, energetic, and excited—I know that deep down, there’s a hollow space within me.

This morning, my mom asked, “Do you remember your dream last night? You were sleep-talking.” I couldn’t remember, so she told me, “You said, ‘Nasa ơi, Nasa ơi.’ At first, I didn’t hear it clearly, but the second time, it was obvious. You miss him.”

We both know how much I miss my son. Every single day, I count down to the moment I can see him again—and to finally meeting his father at the court. I want this chapter to end as soon as possible because, right now, it’s draining me completely.

Thank you for your readings.

TẾT*: Lunar New Year