To my parents, Kimphuong and Dungchi, who journeyed from Vietnam and gave us a future: thank you for helping me become the writer I am. And to my sister, Milla, who has always had my back no matter what, even when my head is in the clouds and I forget to pack pants on our trips together.

And for Jeremy, without whom this book would not have been written; whose endless love and support carries me constantly to new horizons; and who is always ready for the next adventure.