"Lão Hạc" is a short story written by Vietnamese author Nam Cao. It tells the tale of an elderly man, Lão Hạc, who lives a simple life in a rural village. He is a poor farmer, struggling to make ends meet, and is deeply attached to his only companion, a dog named Vàng. The story explores themes of poverty, loneliness, and the bond between humans and animals. As Lão Hạc faces difficult choices due to his financial struggles, his love for Vàng highlights the emotional depth of his character and the harsh realities of rural life in Vietnam.