Selena

Act 1: Family

Chapter 1: Dad

A couple of days ago, when I was guiding a group of tourists to Da Lat, I met a family that made me reflect deeply. They were a family of three: a father, a mother, and a little girl. They seemed like a very happy family. All three of them radiated joy and love in even the smallest actions. The little girl seemed to be deeply loved, and that was something I greatly admired.

The little girl was very well-behaved, always smiling brightly, with clear, joyful eyes. Every time she looked up at her parents, her eyes sparkled as if the world only existed for them, and she was the center of their love. I remember one time, when the little girl was playing with her parents, she ran near a small stone corner and tripped over a rock. At that moment, it felt as if time stopped. She fell to the ground, and her expression showed pain. But immediately, her father rushed over, without hesitation, gently and lovingly lifting her up. "Are you okay, my dear?" he asked with concern. His voice was so gentle that it made me stop and stare at the scene. The people around continued talking, but I couldn't take my eyes off that family.

Her father didn't just ask once and move on. He kept looking at his daughter with a worried gaze, checking if she was hurt anywhere. The little girl smiled and shook her head, saying she was fine, and continued playing as if nothing had happened. But her father still didn't take his eyes off her, always watching every step she took, like an invisible protector, wanting to shield her from any harm, even the slightest. At lunch, I witnessed another heartwarming moment. When the food was laid out on the table, the father was always the one to serve his daughter first, then her mother. He didn't just serve his child; he picked out the best dishes, the ones he thought she would like. He gently asked her, "Do you want to eat this? This is your mother's favorite dish." The little girl nodded, and he continued serving her the best pieces. Then he looked at his wife and smiled, saying, "You eat too, you need to enjoy good food too." That scene truly moved me. Although I was just a tour guide with no relation to this family, I felt an unusual warmth spreading in my heart.

Looking at that scene, I couldn't help but admire this small family. They had a bond, an unconditional love that I had never experienced. Even though I was doing my job as a tour guide, dealing with many customers and hearing countless stories, this was the first time I truly felt the warmth and love of a family, and it made me reflect on my own family.

I grew up without a father. My parents divorced when I was young. Although my father and paternal family kept in touch with me, I never felt the warmth of a family from them, always sensing an invisible distance between us. When I was in 9th grade, my father made a request. He said, "Come live with me so I can better guide your future and career. If you stay with your mother and grandmother, I won't support you or visit you." At that moment, I was in a silence I had never felt before. I couldn't understand why he didn't take care of me when I was younger, but now that I was older, he wanted me to live with him, even though he already had a new family. I was living happily with my mother and grandmother, so why would he make a request like this, threatening to destroy my relationship with him? And so, I disagreed with him. I said, "I have grown up with the love and care of my mother and grandmother. I can't leave them now." Since then, I have never experienced the feeling of being protected or cared for by my father. My mother is the only one who has always been there for me, loving and taking care of me, but I still always lacked the presence of a father. During school, seeing my friends happy with their parents, I felt a quiet sadness in my heart. I wished I could have a complete family, a father who would care for, teach, and love me.

But that has never happened. I grew up without the love of a father. I don't have the same memories of my father like other children. I didn't have a father to teach me to ride a bike, or to protect me when I faced difficulties. When I fell, only my mother and grandmother were there to lift me up, while my father remained distant, never appearing.

Looking at that family, I couldn't help but think about my own father. Did he ever think of me? Did he ever regret not staying with my mother and me? I don't know the answer, but I know one thing: I still can't stop dreaming of a complete family, a family with my father, mother, and me. Moments like this, though they make me happy to witness the love of a family, also remind me of what I lack in my own life.

Nevertheless, I've also learned that, even without a father, I can still live happily with the love and care of my mother and grandmother. They are the ones who have always been by my side, always a solid support when I need them. But sometimes, my heart still silently wishes for a father, like every other child, a father I never had.

Act 2: Career

Chapter 2: The journey of change

As I mentioned at the beginning, I am both a tourism student and a weekend tour guide. I started this job two months ago. I took it on not only to earn money but also to gain experience and learn more, so that I could have solid skills after graduation. I saw many of my classmates working part-time in various places, such as cafés, tutoring students, or doing jobs completely unrelated to their field of study.

I was luckier than them in a way because I found a job that directly aligned with my major. However, life is never as smooth as we imagine—it is never easy or straightforward. When I first started, I struggled to adapt and familiarize myself with the work, just like anyone stepping into a new job. But after about a month, I began to get used to it. I thought to myself, "Oh, this isn't so hard for me."

But as time passed, the job started to feel routine, and then the real problem arose. My clients didn't seem to like me. They felt that I didn't have the right energy to be their tour guide. After their trips, they gave feedback to the company. One customer said, "The young tour guide for my Da Nang trip wasn't very funny. She seemed really tired and lacked the enthusiasm needed to lead a group." Another commented, "My tour guide wasn't friendly and didn't have strong local knowledge." There were many similar reviews after their trips.

I was extremely upset when I read those comments. At first, I only felt sad—just sad and nothing else. But after a week, I sat down to reflect on the problem and analyze where I had gone wrong. Once I calmed down and thought about everything, I realized I had made a huge mistake when I first started this job.

I had taken on the role while still being a student, constantly busy with my university courses. Working while studying wasn't the problem—the real issue was that I had failed to manage my time properly. I attended classes on weekdays and worked on weekends. When it was time to work, I just went without preparing myself. I didn't pay attention to who my clients were, what type of group I would be leading, what they needed, or any details about the trip. I never made a plan for my tours. I simply went through the motions, doing everything carelessly, forgetting that I should be dedicating myself to this job because it was my dream.

I started asking myself countless questions:

"This is the job I've always dreamed of. So why, now that I have it, am I not giving it my all?"

"Is this really the job I love?"

"Am I even suited for this career?"

I still don't have answers to those questions—they continue to linger in my mind.

One Week Later

Today is Thursday, and this weekend, I will be leading a tour for high school students traveling to Hội An. For this trip, I am determined to change the way I work.

First, I carefully research the clients, the trip itinerary, the destination, and the unique aspects of Hội An.

Next, I look up tips and insights from famous professionals in my industry to learn what makes a great tour guide.

Then, I start planning exactly what I will do.

Planning is difficult, but I want to dedicate myself fully to the career I have chosen. Things may not go perfectly, but I believe this trip will be an improvement.

Since this is a two-day, one-night trip on Saturday and Sunday, our tour group will depart late Friday night.

We board the bus and begin our journey. I follow my plan—starting with checking the number of people and getting to know the travelers a little. On this trip, I am working alongside a senior female and male colleague. They are both very skilled, so I decide to observe and learn from them.

10 PM, Friday

We board the bus and begin our journey. I follow my plan—starting with checking the number of people and getting to know the travelers a little. On this trip, I am working alongside a senior female and male colleague. They are both very skilled, so I decide to observe and learn from them.

At first, I feel a little nervous. The last time I led a tour, I lacked confidence and energy, which led to negative feedback from my clients. But this time, I am determined to do better. I take a deep breath and put on my best smile as I greet the students.

After making sure everyone is present, I start by introducing myself in a friendly and energetic manner. "Hello, everyone! My name is Selena, and I'll be one of your tour guides for this trip. I know traveling overnight can be tiring, but I promise we'll make this journey fun and memorable. Let's make some great memories together in Hội An!"

Some students respond enthusiastically, while others seem tired and uninterested. I remind myself not to take it personally. Instead, I continue engaging them by introducing some interesting facts about Hội An.

11 PM – On the Bus

Since it's late, my colleagues and I decide to keep things light with a few simple games. One of my colleagues, Anh Minh, takes the microphone and starts a small icebreaker game, asking the students random trivia questions. "Alright, who here knows the most famous specialty food of Hội An?"

One student quickly responds, "Cao lầu!"

"Correct! And do you know why it's special?" Anh Minh asks.

I take the opportunity to add some information. "Cao lầu is special because it's made with water from a specific ancient well in Hội An, giving the noodles a unique texture and taste. You'll get to try it tomorrow!"

Some students look interested, while others are too sleepy to care. Still, I feel a small sense of accomplishment for being able to contribute.

Before long, most of the students start dozing off. The bus grows quiet, except for the soft hum of the engine. I glance at my colleagues, who seem completely at ease. I admire how natural and confident they are in their roles.

Feeling a little restless, I pull out my notebook and review my plans for the next day. I remind myself of the key points I want to highlight, the activities planned, and how I should interact with the group.

4 AM – Arrival in Hội An

We finally arrive in Hội An just as the sky starts to brighten. The fresh morning air is cool and refreshing. The students slowly wake up, stretching and rubbing their eyes.

I take the microphone and speak cheerfully. "Good morning, everyone! We've arrived in Hội An. I hope you all got some rest because we have an exciting day ahead!"

After a quick restroom break, we head straight to a local breakfast spot. The students are still a little sleepy, but the delicious smell of food wakes them up. I sit with my two colleagues and observe how they interact with the group. They make casual conversation with the students, asking them about their expectations for the trip.

I decide to follow their lead and approach a group of students sitting nearby. "So, is this your first time in Hội An?" I ask.

One girl nods. "Yeah, I've always wanted to visit. I saw so many beautiful photos online."

"That's great! Hội An is even more beautiful in person, especially in the evening when the lanterns light up the streets. Do you have any specific places you want to visit?"

"I really want to see the Japanese Covered Bridge!" she replies.

I smile. "It's one of the most iconic spots here. I'll make sure we spend enough time there so you can take lots of photos."

As we continue chatting, I realize that making an effort to connect with the students makes a huge difference. They seem more comfortable around me, and I start to feel more at ease in my role.

9 AM – Exploring Hội An

After breakfast, we begin our tour of the ancient town. I take the lead, introducing each location with enthusiasm. We visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the historic old houses, and the colorful lantern-lit streets.

At first, I am a little nervous, but as I talk more, I gain confidence. The students respond well, asking questions and showing interest. I make sure to keep my energy up, using what I learned from my research to make my explanations more engaging.

When we stop at a famous street food stall, I see some students hesitating. "Don't be afraid to try something new!" I encourage them. "Bánh mì from Hội An is considered one of the best in Vietnam!"

A few students laugh and decide to buy some. Seeing their excitement makes me feel proud. I realize that being a good tour guide isn't just about providing information—it's about creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Evening – Lantern Festival

The highlight of the trip is the famous Hội An Lantern Festival. As the sun sets, the entire town comes alive with glowing lanterns reflecting on the river. The students are mesmerized by the breathtaking view.

I encourage them to participate by lighting their own lanterns and making wishes. "This is a special tradition in Hội An," I explain. "People believe that if you make a wish while releasing a lantern into the river, it will come true."

One student asks, "Did you ever make a wish here before?"

I pause for a moment before answering. "Not yet," I admit. "But maybe I will tonight."

As I watch the students laugh, take photos, and enjoy the magical atmosphere, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment.

Reflection – After the Trip

On the way back home, I reflect on everything that happened. This trip was different from my previous ones. I put in the effort, I prepared well, and I engaged with the group. Most importantly, I enjoyed myself.

During the trip, I also observe and learn a lot from my two colleagues. I know that not every tour will go as smoothly as this one, but after days of struggling, feeling down, and losing confidence, I have finally recognized my mistakes and learned how to fix them.

Although I haven't achieved any major success yet, I will continue developing the habit of planning my work, being more dedicated, and avoiding the careless mistakes I made before. There is still a lot for me to learn, but I believe I can do it.

Act 3: Connections

Chapter 1: The beginning of change

I was still in the process of learning and gaining experience for my job. I felt that I had improved a lot compared to when I first started.

Today, I received a new task from my supervisor. Our team had to create a perfect plan for a special tour group traveling to Hanoi. It wasn't really a big deal because, as an intern, my job was mostly to complete assigned tasks and occasionally suggest ideas to the team. Plus, our team was used to handling tasks like this, so we had some experience. It wouldn't be easy, but as long as everyone put in the effort, we could do it.

However, I encountered a big challenge—my colleague, who was also an intern like me. We were assigned the same task: researching the customer group and compiling customer information.

Chapter 2: A Fading Friendship

The truth was, this colleague was actually my childhood friend from middle school. When we entered university, we coincidentally developed the same passion for tourism, so we ended up studying together from middle school until now. Her name was Emma. She was quite beautiful, academically competent, and used to be responsible in her work—but that was in the past.

Lately, I didn't understand why she had been neglecting her studies and failing to complete her tasks at work. At first, I noticed she wasn't doing her assignments and was skipping a lot of classes. So, one day at school, I asked her:

Selena: "Is something wrong with you lately? Why have you been skipping so many classes?"

Emma: "I've been busy with a lot of things, so I couldn't attend."

Selena: "Don't miss too many classes, or you'll be banned from taking exams, Emma."

Emma: "I know."

On the days she was absent, I had to complete her part of the group assignments that needed to be done in class. And now, for our take-home group projects, I had reminded her multiple times, but she was still slow in finishing them. The deadline was today, yet she still hadn't completed her part.

So, I texted her:

Selena: "Have you finished the assignment? If you have, submit it now. The deadline is at 11 PM tonight."

Emma: "Oh, I forgot! But I won't be able to finish it in time anyway. I'll do it tomorrow."

Her response made me furious. I couldn't understand why she was so irresponsible about a group project. She was affecting everyone in the team. I sent her another message:

Selena: "You have to finish it tonight because once the deadline passes, we won't be able to submit it anymore."

Emma: "I'm really exhausted right now. I just got back from work. I can't do it tonight."

I felt completely helpless hearing that. The assignment was extensive, and there was no way to finish it in just a few hours. I had spent three days completing my part. So, I decided to submit only what I had done. I knew our score would be lower because we didn't meet the full requirements, but it was better to receive a low grade than no grade at all.

Four days later, Emma finally submitted her part, but the professor deducted 20% of our group's score due to the late submission. In the following days, she continued to come to class late or leave early. I frequently saw her posting photos of herself going out on social media, so I was sure she wasn't dealing with any serious personal issues.

Chapter 3: Responsibilities at work

Back to Work

Emma and I sat down together to divide our task of researching customer information. After 30 minutes of discussion, we agreed that I would handle information for customers A, B, and C, while Emma would take care of customers D, E, and F. We had four days to gather the necessary details before reviewing everything together and submitting it to our team leader.

Four Days Later

I had finished my part of the task, so I texted Emma.

Selena: "I'm done. Have you finished? We need to submit everything to the leader this afternoon."

But Emma didn't reply. She wasn't active on social media either. Two hours passed, and she still hadn't responded, so I called her. No answer.

When the submission deadline arrived, I was missing her part of the information. As a result, our leader reprimanded both of us in the team chat. While I took full responsibility and acknowledged the mistake, Emma didn't say anything.

I felt really awkward because, in a team environment, if the group fails to complete a task for any reason, everyone has to accept the criticism. We can't just point fingers at one person. No matter whose fault it was, I still held some responsibility.

That's why I ended up taking all the frustration from the leader. I felt really upset because I had completed my assigned task, yet I was still getting reprimanded. Emma was the one who had made the mistake, but she didn't say a word, leaving me to bear it alone. 

What disappointed me even more was when I saw her posting pictures of herself on a camping trip. Then, she finally replied to my messages.

Emma: Sorry, I was on a camping trip since yesterday, so I had no signal to reply to you. I just got back. I'm very sorry.

When I read Emma's message, I didn't know how to react because I was so angry. How could she be that irresponsible? That led to an argument between us.

Selena: Do you think an apology can fix this? I had to take the blame from the leader alone, even though it wasn't my fault. It was your mistake, yet you were out having fun at that moment.

Emma: I had planned this trip beforehand, so I couldn't cancel. I just forgot to submit the information, that's all. I'll submit it now. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?

Selena: You're becoming more and more irresponsible. You should reflect on yourself.

I couldn't hold back my emotions anymore, so I sent that last message and decided to end the argument.

Chapter 4 : A line crossed

One week later

Emma and I started drifting apart because of that fight. However, we still talked to each other when it came to schoolwork and work-related matters.

A Sudden Realization

One day, I discovered that Emma was the third party in a relationship. She had gotten involved with one of our colleagues at work—Billy. The problem was, Billy already had a girlfriend, yet he and Emma acted intimately with each other. Then, one day, Emma confided in me.

Emma: I'm in a relationship with Billy. He's about to break up with his girlfriend. Do you think it's because of me?

Selena: Why would you do that? You knew he already had a girlfriend.

Emma: He likes me, and I like him. What's the problem?

Selena: That's not right. You should know better than to get involved with someone who's already in a relationship.

Emma: But he doesn't love her anymore. Are you blaming me for their breakup? He's leaving her because she's too controlling, not because of me.

Selena: I don't even know what to say to you anymore. Put yourself in his girlfriend's shoes. Imagine how painful this must be for her.

Emma: Their relationship was already falling apart. That's on them, not me. I haven't done anything wrong.

The argument ended there because I didn't want to say anything more. Emma had changed.

Chapter 5: The breaking point

Two Weeks Later

We didn't talk much anymore, but we still exchanged necessary information for school and work. Meanwhile, I spent time hanging out and taking photos with other friends. I loved taking pictures and sharing them on social media.

I remember wearing a sweater and a skirt that day. I thought the outfit was cute, and I really liked it, so I posted the pictures on Facebook. Shortly after, Emma responded to my story.

Emma: Why are you wearing such ugly clothes?

That one comment made me think a lot. I admit that I'm a sensitive person, and hearing such criticism from a friend really got to me. Questions started filling my head: Am I really that ugly? Was my outfit that bad?

Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes. I felt deeply disrespected by Emma. More than sadness, I felt disappointed—disappointed that someone who used to be so close to me would say something so hurtful.

Emma and I had once been inseparable. We shared our daily lives, helped each other through hardships, and supported each other no matter what. But now, it seemed like our friendship had reached its breaking point.

Three Days Later

The more I thought about it, the more I believed everyone has their own style and there's just no point to comparing. If I liked my pictures, I deserved to post them. If people didn't like them, I couldn't make them. However hard I tried to put it aside, Emma's words had stuck.

What disappointed me most was not simply the comment itself — it was that it came from her. An outsider, someone who had once been my closest friend. Someone who used to love and understand me, and my happiness. Except for that message, I hadn't responded to her at all. Not because I was angry, but because I didn't know what to say."

Perhaps it was hope that somehow the two of us would return to exactly how we were before. That someday we would talk again, laugh like these days seemed so normal, and the distance between us would disappear. But in that moment I finally realized — that was never going to happen.

Emma and I weren't the people we used to be. Our thoughts, our values, our aims — they all had shifted. The friendship that once seemed unbreakable had quietly torched itself over a period of time not through one blow-out argument but rather because we accelerated toward diverging paths in life. The space for us to repair all that had been broken burned away.

And so, I chose to accept it. Some friendships are for a lifetime, and some are meant to be a part of a specific chapter in your life. This didn't mean that our time together had meant nothing, but it also didn't mean we needed to keep trying to make something work that no longer was.

By this point, we were mere acquaintances. We would only speak when needed, and outside of that, there was nothing more to say.

They say that as you grow older, you lose more friends. I used to think I was different—that the people who mattered would always stay. But now, I know the truth. And maybe that's okay.

Act 4: Convergence

Years went by and life led me in another path entirely. I headed out to study and upon completion, focused on building my career in tourism - gaining experience and developing my skills. Those failures, working as an intern and losing touch with old friends — everything made me learn something that got me here today.

As of now, I find myself in the United States, traveling to explore new places and cultures, engulfed by a new culture, new faces, and

This wasn't just a trip for fun — it was a personal achievement, a reflection of how far I had come. As I once dreamed of traveling the world, I would, and now, I was living it.

On the streets, with their lively sights and sounds, I walked, looking backwards. I no longer had bitterness about what had happened with Emma or the challenges I had faced. Life went on, and so did I. Some friendships are lost, but others take root. For some paths close, but new journeys open.

I looked up at the lording skyline and smiled. This was only the beginning of a new story. My journey was far from over.