“The Dhammapada says, ‘Do not speak harshly to anyone,’ ” Vathana quoted.
“ ‘Those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful; blows for blows will touch thee.’ ”
“Americans say the same thing.” Sullivan heard his voice for the first time and wondered what they were talking about. “ ‘What goes around, comes around.’ The Marines add another line. ‘Payback’s a...’ Ah...well, it’s kind of similar.” He paused, aware suddenly that at least a hundred infirm, cot-ridden refugees were staring at them. “The rain’s stopped,” he said, stepping back, pulling gently. “It was a beautiful rain this afternoon.”
“My father used to worship the rain,” Vathana murmured. “Because it renews the land. Here it only makes mud.”
“Is there someplace we can go. I...I...want to tal
