In the years after Saigon fell in April 1975, harsh government restrictions defined daily life in south Vietnam. Meals of soy sauce and oatmeal. Electricity limited to two days per week. The constant threat of being placed in re-education camps or relocated to New Economic Zones in the remote highlands.
Out of options, Dinh and Hongyen sought the advice of a coi boi, or fortune teller. He was named Mr. Seven and revered by the locals. Dinh and Hongyen asked the only question on their minds: Should we attempt an escape?
Mr. Seven rolled up a piece of thread until it twined into a ball and told them in Vietnamese, If it floats, you go. If it sinks, you stay. The ball of thread dropped. Then splashed. Then bobbed atop the water. Mr. Seven nodded.
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