When he had given them to her, his mother had told him that she had everything she needs. However, she had been excited to think that she could see her husband’s old shipyard with the binoculars. Mr. Li had reminded her that it had been torn down years ago. But she tells him that she can always see Tanjung Rhu ‘behind my eyes.’ He invites her to his office so that she can see Tanjung Rhu from there. It was their home when they were not rich; a place where there was the smell of delicious food and the comfort of holding someone’s hand.

The next morning, Li’s mother tells Li that if something is to be done, it must be done right and carefully she follows the rituals at the altar while the granddaughter comments that ‘she always has to do just what she wants.’ Mr. Li tells his daughter to be more respectful of his mother. 

At the office, Li’s mother sees the ships with the binoculars but remembers moments when she walked with a little boy who counted the ships. Mr. Li tries to communicate with her but it is too late. She is very ill. He wonders about those times and is sad that he never took the time to listen to her. His daughter seems to understand his mother better. After his mother’s death, Mr. Li follows the same rituals at the altar as his mother did. He feels at peace.

MR. LI’S MOTHER 

People should be respectful of their elders. Mr. Li reminds Ying to show respect to his mother. He himself does things to please her.

Respect to the ancestors must be shown for they will bless the living.

Mr. Li remembers  his mother holding his hand when he was a child while catching crabs.
He wishes he had asked her more about that time. He follows her rituals is his way of showing respect, love and consideration to her.