This scene is based on a true story. It demonstrates the cultural difference between Chinese & American grief. I’m from Taiwan but I have a son who is half Chinese and is raised in America. In my culture it is proper not to trouble your family with heartache if it will be to the detriment of family members. Having said that, I’m dealing with my American husband’s ailing parents and am seeing first hand the cultural differences. I’m trying very hard to merge these two ideals and my main character Ming-Ling is doing the same as honestly as a teenager would.