*Forty Years Ago*
"Where are you filming today, Mom?" I call from the shared bathroom between our two tiny hotel rooms.
"Xichong. In the Longgang District of Shenzhen City," my mother replies from her bedroom. "Oh, dammit. Now where did I put my—?"
"Here." Opening the bathroom door, I extend the packet of costume designs she'd been working on for another job and left in my room last night, then return to braiding my long, recalcitrant hair. "Will you be gone for a few days this time too?"
"Yes. Three. Provided the weather cooperates. It may be longer." I hear the heavy zipper close on her suitcase, then the door creaks open and she's standing behind me. "Oh, Sandy," she chuckles disappointedly, collecting all my hair over my shoulders. "Let me."
She runs her fingers through the thick tresses, freeing it from the sloppy braid I'd been making. "There's rumors among the locals supporting the film that you've been hiking out in some moderately remote areas by yourself—."
