- Mom, I wish you had a vintage Vespa! I’d draw a purple Princess Elsa flying on it like a superhero. Would you be embarrassed if people called you a “fairy tale mom” when they saw Elsa and Anna painted all over your car as well?
- Embarrassed? Never! As long as my daughter likes it, I’m all in! Want the whole Frozen Kingdom on there? Let’s go! Let people laugh – who cares? I think it’s cool. That Vespa will be such a showstopper, people will stop traffic just to take a selfie with it. Our ride will be so unique, others will politely pull over just to admire us. And hey, I love purple too – it means loyalty! Sure, it may guzzle gas like a teenager drinks bubble tea, but as long as my girl’s happy, it’s worth every drop! I’ll drive you past rivers and leafy roads, wind in your hair, looking like the star of a shampoo commercial.
- Just make sure you hold onto my waist tightly, don’t fall asleep and flop around like a fish, and keep your legs neatly tucked in, okay?
- I’ll hug you so tight like a teddy bear.
- I can already feel that squeeze. My heart would melt like butter left out at noon – or feel like I just won the jackpot. Your tiny arms around me, your head resting on my back, chirping like a little bird, while I’m trying to dodge potholes. Even if I can’t hear everything, just keep talking – I live for that sweet, silly chatter. your voice is the purest melody of my life.
- Where do you want me to take you? My girl?
- Nguyễn Huệ Street in the evening, to watch the pigeons do their dramatic flying. Then Hải An bookstore to paint statues, to the zoo to visit my long-necked friend the giraffe, and to Bạch Đằng Wharf to admire fancy yachts. But don’t get any ideas – I’m not buying you one!
- Mom, when I’m all grown up, where would you love me to take you?
- For me, it’s not about where, it’s about who. If I’m with you, its amazing! I’d go anywhere – even to the moon on a GrabBike. I just hope I’ll still be able to climb stairs and not wheeze halfway. Fingers crossed for strong knees, a good heart, and…our wallets are full.
- I wanna go everywhere! I wish you could take me around the world. I want to climb mountains, zoom around twisty roads, gaze at forests, and scream “WOOOOW!” at every waterfall. And I love the beach! I could sit there for hours watching the waves slap the shore like they owe it money. You and I – we’ll be adventurers. I’ll dress up in sun-protective gear, giant sunglasses, looking like a ninja tourist.
- It’s a deal, Mom!
- Mommy, where will you be when you get old?
- Probably not with you, because by then you’ll have your own family. I’ll be Grandma to some adorable little monsters. I can go to parent-teacher meetings for you, and maybe teach them TikTok dances. But don’t expect me to chase them around with a spoon, okay?
- But I’m scared of giving birth. I heard it hurts so much.
- It does. But it’s the good kind of pain – like leg day. Being a mom is the ultimate level-up for women. If you’ve never been one, life feels a bit… bland. Like bubble tea with no pearls – something’s missing. After giving birth, you feel like a superhero. It’s hard, but it’s the most badass title a woman can earn. You’ll understand one day. Grandma was right.
- I want to live somewhere where I can wake up to the sunrise peeking through the curtains, hear ducks and birds doing their morning gossip. Maybe with a river in front, and a university across the way. I like the sound of students laughing – it makes me feel young again.
- And maybe… I’ll live with a sweet “motorbike guy.” Someone who loves both you and me with all his heart – gentle and patient, someone who’s been through life’s ups and downs. He’ll pick us up and drop us off forever, no ride-hailing app needed! If anyone asks, I’ll say: “Oh, we ride with our private chauffeur – VIP, all-inclusive love package!”
(Min already dozed off in Mom’s arms. The moon’s still shining bright ahead – round and pale like an unsteamed dumpling. And just like that… Mom stop dreaming too.)
THE WISH
Excerpt: Mom – Min – CVS HK
Ho Chi Minh City, 2025
