The Refugees

Story 1

Reading Check

1. So she would not be captured and raped by the pirates (Story 1)

2. “‘You died too,’ he said. ‘You just don’t know it.’” (Story 1)

Short Answer

1. The speaker believes her job as a ghostwriter is ironic because she grew up with so many ghost stories. In particular, she is still haunted by the ghost of her brother, because she has not dealt with the trauma of her journey from Vietnam. (Story 1)

2. According to the narrator’s mother, a “good death” is one where the person is able to die with their family and receive a proper burial. A “bad death” is one where there is no burial and the person is “far from home.” Aunt Six had a “good death,” while the speaker’s brother had a “bad death.” (Story 1)

Story 2

Reading Check

1. GIs/American soldiers (Story 2)

2. When Marcus says that “The best way to help [your family] now is to help yourself” (Story 2)

Short Answer

1. Marcus and Parrish are Liem’s new sponsors in San Francisco. When they pick up Liem from the airport, they tell him that they are a “romantic” couple, which makes the “small hairs on his arms and on the back of his neck stiffen[]” in interest and curiosity.