The Rent Collector

Sang explains that in Cambodia, it is traditional for adult children to take care of their elderly parents. It is a source of shame to Sang that she cannot care for her mother, Lena. However, Lena likes the dump, telling Sang that “[i]t’s an adventure” because “[y]ou never know what you will find” (47). Lena also likes the people who work there and “builds some of the best day shelters Stung Meanchey has ever seen” (48). Lena watches Nisay for Sang while she has her lessons.

Sang’s second lesson is more difficult because Sopeap is intoxicated again. She snaps at Sang and finally leaves, but not before vomiting, and Sang is concerned to see blood mixed in with the vomit.

Ki is annoyed that Sang is spending so much time studying, revealing that he is afraid that if Sang learns to read, she won’t need him anymore. In fact, he is worried that he does not make her happy. Sang is unsure how to respond and wonders “[h]ow […] a woman raising her child in a place choking with trash” could answer Ki “and have her reply make any sense” (51).