The two-story house in Viet Tri mountain town (Phu Tho) once experienced a strangely quiet week. No arguments, no words exchanged, but a heavy atmosphere enveloped every meal, every time they met.
The cause started from a conflict between two sisters-in-law in Mr. Nguyen Van Hung's family (62 years old).
Oldest sister-in-law Tran Thu Ha (36 years old) and sister-in-law Nguyen Thuy Nga (32 years old) did not talk to each other for many days, after disagreements related to taking care of her sick father-in-law and sharing housework.
Mrs. Hoa (Mr. Hung's wife) shared: "There's nothing wrong with it, it's just very small matters in the family, but neither of us sisters opened our mouths first, so everyone chose to remain silent.
Two small families live together. Ms. Ha is the person who manages many things, from cooking to medicine for her father-in-law. Ms. Nga works as a saleswoman, often comes home late, sometimes considered to be lacking in sharing.
I don't think I'm irresponsible, but I don't want to explain further. Saying it then only makes things more tense," Ms. Nga recounted.
And Ms. Ha chose to remain silent, thinking that time would pass. That silence lasted for almost a week.
Family meals are still full, but there is a lack of conversation. The men in the house all know, but do not dare to stand up to judge, afraid that clumsy words will deepen the conflict," Ms. Hoa said.
At 10:30 pm on January 16, 2026, the AFC U23 Championship quarter-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 UAE began. Mr. Hung turned on the TV early. His two sons sat in front of the screen.
Ms. Ha intended to go to the bedroom as usual every night. Ms. Nga also stood up as usual. But when the music signal sounded, both hesitated.
Okay, watch a little and then go to sleep," Ms. Ha said, with a steady voice. Ms. Nga also pulled the chair down to sit opposite.
That was the first time in many days that the two sisters-in-law sat in the same space without avoiding each other's eyes.
The match was tense. Sometimes U23 Vietnam was equalized, sometimes the opponent pressed. The guest room was repeatedly silent.
In a dangerous situation, Ms. Nga blurted out: "Too dangerous".
Ms. Ha reflexively replied: "Yes, the defense is open.
When U23 Vietnam scored the decisive goal in extra time, Mr. Hoa hit his hand on the table, breathing a sigh of relief. Ms. Ha stood up. Ms. Nga applauded along.
Two eyes touching each other in an instant, no smiles, no words, but the tense atmosphere seems easier to breathe.
After the match, the clock was almost 1 am. Everyone was still sitting.
Who will take Dad to the doctor tomorrow?", Mr. Hung asked.
I got it in the morning," Ms. Ha said.
In the afternoon, I asked to take a break early," Ms. Nga continued.
No one mentioned the old story again. But the heavy silence was replaced by short sentences, enough to continue living like a family.
The next morning, I realized that my two daughters-in-law had talked again. Not yet harmonizing immediately, but no longer avoiding each other," Ms. Hoa recounted.
This afternoon, during an early meal, Mr. Hoa reminded: "Tonight our team will continue playing.
Tonight, U23 Vietnam will meet U23 China in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, after the two teams successively defeated U23 UAE and U23 Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals.
Without anyone telling anyone, Ms. Ha turned to her sister-in-law: "Will you watch again tonight?".
Ms. Nga nodded: "Look.
Not an apology. Not a long conversation. Just a very small promise, but enough for the whole family to sit down together again.
