Okay Rohan says as he leaps onto the couch You were Trưng Trắc last time I’m the leader I move to stand in front of him I’m at the front of the elephant You’re my sister Trưng Nhị My Grandma Nội used to babysit me and Rohan My grandma used to tell us the story of Hai Bà Trưng two brave sisters who lived a long time ago Th ey were warriors great fi ghters and fought for freedom Th ey were Vietnamese like I am Th e invaders are coming I shout and pull out my imaginary sword Rohan pulls out his imaginary sword too We jump from our elephant to fi ght the bad guys I get my short hair stuck on one of my pearl 2
earrings when I do a spin kick move Th e pearl earrings were a gift from Grandma Nội My sister got our grandma’s jade bangle And my brother got her painted fan My gift is the coolest I look over at Grandma Nội’s picture on her altar in our dining room She died over a year ago now Dad and Mom say we Vietnamese believe the spirits of our family our ancestors stay with us aft er they pass away Th ey hear our prayers Th ey watch out for us I hope she’s happy I’m wearing her earrings Th e other fi ghters are too strong To the river Rohan says just like we’ve played so many times He runs to the window I jab and duck and fi ght my way over to him 4
We are back-to-back as we swing our invisible swords around I throw cushions and pillows everywhere Me and Rohan lie on the fl oor aft er the battle Th at’s how my older sister Miss Perfect Anne fi nds me Dad and Mom are always busy with her and my younger brother Th e Baby Jacob I get lost in the middle most of the time 5
