Angel in the Full Moon by Don Easton

will be happy here,” said Pops.
    Hang beamed. Words were not necessary.
    â€œYour English is very good, but in a few days we will start you on home-schooling. Right now, I bet you are exhausted.”

    Hang smiled and said, “Yes. I am very tired.”
    â€œIf you’ve had enough to eat, go to your room and take a nap. I’ll wake you in a couple of hours and then you can call your dad.”
    Hang went to her room and climbed into bed. She had never slept in a bed so big. Or on a mattress and pillow that was so soft. Too soft for what she had become used to. She elected instead to lie on the floor and cover herself with a blanket. She fell asleep immediately and slept soundly until she was awakened a few hours later by a gentle knock on her door.
    A few minutes later, she sat at the kitchen table with Pops, who picked up a cellphone on the table.
    â€œDo not say anything on the phone about the ship or the name of who smuggled you into the States,” he cautioned. “It is risky for you to call home now, because the American police monitor calls to foreign countries. Especially a communist country like Vietnam.”
    â€œI understand,” said Hang.
    â€œTell your dad how excited you were to see the American border sign when you arrived. That would be good. If the police are listening, they would think you drove across the border as people are supposed to.”
    â€œOkay,” said Hang.
    â€œDo you think your sister will be happy here? I understand the next ship leaves in three days.”
    â€œIt would be an honour for her to be in your house, Mister Pops.”
    â€œI think it would be better for you if she was here. There is another girl that wants to come. It must be decided now. I can only have two girls and I think it better that you have your sister. Don’t you?”
    Hang was startled to learn that there was a possibility thatanother girl may be selected. “Yes, I want my sister,” she said quickly. “She is kind and polite. She will be no trouble for you.”
    â€œYour dad must miss you. Won’t it be nice when he can come and live here, too?”
    â€œYou think he can?” asked Hang.
    â€œNot right away. But think about it. You are free to become anything you want in this country. You could become a lawyer if you want. Then you could draw up the papers yourself to allow your father to immigrate here.”
    â€œHe really wants to come to America.”
    â€œGood. I think we can risk one call right now. In a couple of weeks, when certain papers are in order, you can use the regular phone in the house and call home whenever you like.”
    Hang gave Pops the number and he dialled. “It is ringing,” he said, while passing her the phone.
    Hang’s call was an excited combination of tears and laughter as she spoke of her new surroundings and her dreams for the future. Pops was generous with the time she could talk and when she was finished, she had spoken at length with her father, Linh, and even her grandmother.
    As soon as she hung up, she felt sorrow. She had never been completely away from her family before. Occasionally, in the past, before her father had become a tourist guide, he had to go away for a couple of weeks to work on farms. Even then, Hang still had Linh, who helped her look after Grandmother.
    â€œYou look sad,” commented Pops. “Is everything okay?”
    Hang nodded and said, “I am okay. I am only sad because I miss them.”
    â€œThat is why I wish your sister had come with you. It would make it easier. Your father was told that.”
    Hang’s face brightened and she said, “She will come now. You do not need that other girl. She will start the voyage in three days.”

    â€œThat’s great,” said Pops, sounding relieved. “Oh, there is one thing I forgot to show you. It is in case the police should ever come before your papers are in order. I have built a secret