The conversation revolves around a young girl named Tam, who is 18 and has a best friend named Trang. Tam feels like an outsider and has a strong personality. She introduces her new stepmother, Trinh, who promises to take care of Tam and her father. However, the family dynamics are strained, with Trinh and Tam arguing frequently. Tam's father is often away, and when he returns, he brings a gangster friend who bullies Tam and her stepmother.
Trinh, who is also new to the family, tries to change the household's decor, including replacing a photo of Tam's mother. This causes tension and conflict within the family, especially when Trinh replaces the photo of Tam's mother with a picture of her own.
Despite their differences, Tam and Trinh form a bond, with Trinh promising to take care of Tam as if she were her own child. Trinh also reveals that she's planning to sell their house, a decision that upsets Tam.
Meanwhile, Tam's father has a gangster friend who constantly picks on her. Tam writes in a diary about her experiences and feelings, which eventually leads to an argument with her stepmother.
In the end, Trinh decides to leave with Tam, stating that she can't stand the current situation and that she's leaving with or without Tam's consent.
1. The speaker's name is Tam and she is 18 years old.
2. Trang is Tam's best friend, described as outgoing and following her instincts.
3. Tam is introverted but has a strong character and is quite stubborn.
4. Tam loves writing and often thinks differently from others.
5. Tam often feels like an outsider.
6. The conversation seems to be taking place at a cafe, with the speaker expressing surprise at a friend's focus on their own activities.
7. The speaker is talking to a friend who is referring to someone as their "bae" (boyfriend), and the speaker is surprised by this.
8. The conversation then involves a third party, who is introduced as an idol of the speaker.
9. The speaker expresses regret for missing their mom and wishes they could have spent more time with her.
10. The speaker's family has recently welcomed new members, but the speaker does not feel happy.
11. The speaker's father is worried about their mom's belongings in their home becoming outdated.
12. The speaker is upset about the replacement of a photo of their mom in their home, feeling scared and misunderstood by their family.
13. The speaker is frustrated with their stepmother, accusing her of being uneducated and causing conflict in the house.
14. The speaker's father is working night shifts and the speaker is worried about their safety, especially after a friend's accusation that they slept out all night.
15. The speaker's father is angry at the speaker for locking the door and for accidentally reading their diary.
16. The speaker's father is concerned about the speaker's behavior and the state of their diary entries.
17. The speaker's father is planning to sell their family's house, a decision that the speaker strongly objects to.
18. The speaker's father is drunk and confrontational, causing a scene at their home.
19. The speaker and their father have a heated argument about their father's plan to move to Saigon, with the speaker accusing their father of abandoning them.
20. The speaker and their father eventually agree to move to Saigon, with the speaker expressing relief and a desire to start a new life.