The promise and the harshness

The euphoria of being in love was followed by the harsh realities of life. With the wedding and the reconciliation of the families, happiness seemed complete, sealed by the threads of tradition and the blessing of the parents. But reality doesn't ask for happiness.

Despite his diploma, the coveted job eluded him. The proud certificate hung on the wall of a simple hut, while the rice pot often remained empty. When his first son was born, the dream transformed into a struggle for survival. This chapter illustrates the contrast between the romance of young marriage and the brutal responsibility of a father forced to temporarily betray his ideals and don a foreign uniform, simply to provide for his family.