No one dared speak. We watched silently as fought in Niang's arms. Finally, Niang forced her child dows on the sofa beside her and hit her hard across the face. Susan only cried louder. Out of control, Niang began to cruelly beat ber daughter on her little face, ears and head Everyone in the I could not understand this. I found Niang's behaviour horrible. Why did Father, Ye Ye or Aunt Baba not stop here knew I should keep silent, but I could not. Finally, cried out in shaky voice, Don't beat her! She's only 2 baby!" Nang turned round and stared at me. For 2 moment, 1 thought she was going to come 2fter me. Aunt Baba gave me a warning look to say nothing more. Even Susan was almost silent now. Niang had turned her terrible anger from her to me. In those few moments, we children saw 2nd understood everything not only about Niang, but also about Father 2nd Tre Ve and Aunt Baba. We had seen another side of Niang's character. After Grandmother's death, she was in total control