Lae Choo and her two-year-old son, who she calls "Little One," are on a steamer about to be reunited with Hom Hing, Lae Choo’s husband. Lae Choo had been living in San Francisco when “she dreamed of a green tree with spreading branches and one beautiful red flower growing thereon” (93). Her husband took the dream as a sign Lae Choo was pregnant and sent her back to China so that their son could be born in their country. After the birth of Little One, Lae Choo cared for Hom Hing’s ailing parents. Once they had both passed away, they decided it was time for the family to reunite in San Francisco. Hom Hing tells the customs officers this when they prevent the family from leaving the ship. One of the officers tells Hom Hing: “Seeing that the boy has no certificate entitling him to admission to this country you will have to leave him with us” (93). When Lae Choo realizes that the officers want to take her son, she resists. The officers tell Hom Hing their son will be returned the next day, once they get orders from the government. Hom Hing convinces Lae Choo to let the officers take their son, promising her that it will only be for one night.