Throughout Vietgone, many characters struggle with forced separation from their families and loved ones due to the war. As the Viet Cong closes in on Saigon, Tong and Quang contend with how to save as many of their loved ones as possible despite their limited resources and connections. Tong obtains two tickets of escape from the embassy and begs her brother to join her, though Khue ultimately refuses: “No, Khue, I’m not going to leave you here. I’m not I’m not I’m not! You’re going to go, do you hear me? You’re going to come with me to America and we’re going to become American and eat greasy foods and listen to Elvis!” (31). As the older sibling, Tong feels a strong duty to protect her brother and urges him to join her in building a new life in the US. She understands that the journey toward assimilation will be difficult and wants Khue with her. After he refuses, she struggles in the US because she worries for him and uses their separation to harden herself against becoming emotionally attached to Quang.

Although Khue is Tong’s first choice to come with her to the US, her mother,