Writing is an extreme privilege but it's also a gift. It's a gift to yourself and it's a gift of giving a story to someone. - Amy Tan

On the third day after someone dies, the soul comes back to settle scores. In my mother's case, this would be the first day of the lunar new year. And because it is the new year, all debts must be paid, or disaster and misfortune will follow.

I, not anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel if by yourself. It is not far. It is within reach. Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know. Perhaps it is everywhere — on water and land.

Even though I was young, I could see the pain of the flesh and the worth of the pain.