- 10 hours ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I actually lied, but because of this thing on my wrist, the Verity band. Mom was
00:05obsessed with science-based parenting, so when my twin sister Emma and I were
00:10born, she strapped these bands on us. Green light means truth, red light means
00:16you're manipulating reality. Emma's band? Always green. She could literally cut up
00:22mom's designer dress and blame the cat, and that little device would glow like a
00:26Christmas tree. Not me. She'd say, green light, believed. Me? I'd say, mom, I'm hungry, and
00:35flash, red light, instant punishment. And mom's punishment wasn't gentle. No food,
00:43locked in my room, digital blackout, no phone, no Wi-Fi, nothing. She'd say, the
00:50machine doesn't lie, Stella. Starve now, learn later. I'm doing this for your own
00:55good. After ten years of this, I started believing it, too. Maybe I really was born
01:01wrong. New Year's Eve, everything changed. My mom... New Year's Eve, everything changed.
01:10Mom was getting ready to take Emma to see the ball drop in Times Square, and that's
01:15when the pain hit, like a knife twisting in my gut. I collapsed on the floor, my
01:22skeletal frame curling into itself. Mom, please. It hurts. The band flashed red. She
01:29looked down at me, disgust in her eyes. Nice try, Stella. Faking sick to crash our
01:35night? Pathological. She grabbed Emma's hand and headed for the door. I wanted to
01:41scream, but part of me thought, maybe she's right. The band is red, so I must be lying.
01:49I must not actually be in pain. Sorry, Mom. I won't lie anymore. But the pain got
01:55worse. Way worse. New Year's Eve, the door handle turned. For one second, I thought,
02:05she's coming back. She's a doctor. She'll know something's wrong. Hurry up. The fireworks
02:11are starting. Emma's waiting. Please, something's really wrong. I feel like I'm dying. She glanced
02:19at my wrist. Red light flashing like crazy. She crouched down, grabbed my chin, forced me
02:26to look at her. Stella, how long are you going to keep this
02:28up? Can't you just be honest? Stay here and think about what you've done.
02:33Honey, should we at least leave her some food? Mom stood up. Food? She has a stash of snacks
02:40she bought with stolen money. She won't starve. Brushing off her hands like I was dirt. Lock
02:45the door. When that band turns green, we'll talk. But... But what? Soft parenting is why
02:52she's like this. Look at Emma. Her band is always green. Stella's just a compulsive liar.
02:58She needs discipline. But my closet was empty. Emma stole that money. Emma ate those snacks.
03:07I tried to defend myself once. I didn't take it either. Red light. Three days locked up
03:14with nothing but bread and water. Emma peeked through the door, made a face at me. Bessess,
03:21we're going to see the pretty fireworks. The door locked. The house went silent. Just me, alone.
03:30The pain was unbearable. But I kept thinking. Mom's right. The machine doesn't lie. The band
03:39is red, so I must be lying. I'm not in pain. I'm not in pain. I'm not in pain. I
03:49crawled to my desk.
03:50I had to write. That was the rule. If the band glowed red, I had to pen a thousand-word
03:57apology
03:57essay or Mom would never let me out. I am a liar. I opened my journal. Pages and pages of
04:06apologies
04:06I'd written over the years. But this time, I wanted to write the truth. My vision blurred.
04:13I could barely see. My hand shook as I wrote. Mom, I really love you. It really hurts. Why won't
04:23you believe me? Please believe me just once. The moment I finished the last word, the pain
04:30vanished. Just gone. I felt light. Weightless. I looked down. I was floating. And there, slumped
04:41over the desk, was my body. Motionless. The Verity band still flashing red on a dead girl's
04:48wrist. Oh. I'm dead.
04:52Emma peered. I heard laughter. Mom, Dad, Emma coming through the front door.
04:59Tonight's fireworks were amazing. Especially that smiley face one. Just like our Emma.
05:05Mom's voice was so warm. I'd never heard her sound like that when she talked about me.
05:11I wanted to help them take off their coats. That's what I always did.
05:16Mom!
05:16Mom! I reached out to hug her. My arms passed right through her body. Like wind. She shivered.
05:24Why is it so cold in here? Is the heat off? I stood there, staring at my transparent hands.
05:31Right. Dead people can't hug the living. Should we check on Stella? Dad said casually.
05:37She hasn't eaten. If she finds me dead, will she be sad? Will she regret it?
05:54Still putting on an act? Think I'll carry you to bed? Stella, you're ten years old, not five.
06:01I screamed at her, only two feet away. Mom, I'm not playing. I'm dead. Look at me. Touch me. I'm
06:10freezing.
06:12Emma squeezed past her, held up her wrist with that smug little grin.
06:17Look, my band's green. Stella's is still red. She's lying even in her dreams.
06:24Mom patted Emma's head.
06:25That's my good girl. Ignore the liar. Let her stay there. Maybe she'll learn how to be honest.
06:31Dad peeked in.
06:33Should we at least put her in bed? It's freezing.
06:36Put her in bed? The parenting expert says cold treatment is the answer.
06:40Look at that red light. She's still in full defiance mode. Come on. We have to visit grandma tomorrow.
06:47The door locked again. I floated next to my corpse, staring at that single point of red light in the
06:53darkness.
06:54Mom, if you'd just stepped closer. If you'd just touched my hand. You'd know I was ice cold. But you
07:02didn't.
07:03Still.
07:04That night, a rat crawled out of my empty closet. I used to scream whenever I saw rats.
07:09But now, I just floated by the ceiling, watching it scurry across my dead body. It bit into my toe.
07:16It's okay. You can't feel it anymore. It'll be over soon.
07:21The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window. No warmth reached my body.
07:27In the kitchen, I could hear mom making breakfast. The smell of bacon and eggs crept under my door. My
07:34favorite.
07:35But mom always said liars don't deserve meat. So I only ever got steamed broccoli. She was claying the pans
07:42extra loud on purpose.
07:44Trying to tempt me out. Trying to make me give in and apologize for things I never did. In the
07:52old days, I might have caved. But I don't need food anymore.
07:58Stella still hasn't come out?
08:00That night, a-
08:02Stella still hasn't come out?
08:03Dad asked, reading his paper.
08:05She is so stubborn. She can eat or not. I don't care.
08:10Emma walked to my door and made a big show of sniffing the air. Then she screamed dramatically.
08:17Mom! Stella's room smells gross! Did she poop in it?
08:21Mom stormed over, pounding on the door.
08:24Stella! Are you an animal? The bathroom is right there. Did you seriously go on the floor just to spite
08:31me?
08:32I remembered being six. I had food poisoning. Couldn't make it to the bathroom in time. Soiled my pants.
08:39Mom didn't help me clean up. She made me stand in the yard. Pointed at me and told the neighbors.
08:45Look at this. She's such a mess she can't even use the toilet by herself.
08:49Now she thought I was dirty again.
08:51Leave her. Mom said, waving her hand like she was swatting a fly.
08:57Let her sit in her own stink.
08:59But Dad stood up, frowning.
09:01That smells really bad. I should check. Could be a dead mouse or something.
09:07Dad, please open the door. I'm right here.
09:10I waved my transparent arms frantically. Dad's hand touched the doorknob.
09:15Stella.
09:16His phone was ringing. Dad's face went pale.
09:20What? The server crashed?
09:22Okay, okay. I'm on my way. Honey, there's an emergency at work. I'll be gone for a few days.
09:28Wait, what about Stella?
09:30He was already out the door. If that call had come one second later, I would have been found.
09:36Maybe then, I wouldn't have rotted alone.
09:40That afternoon, Mom took Emma shopping. The house was empty except for my corpse.
09:45When they came back that night, loaded down with fancy lobster and gifts, the smell had gotten worse.
09:51Mom gagged the second she walked in.
09:54Stella, are you trying to turn this place into a dump?
09:57She didn't even open my door.
09:59She grabbed duct tape and sealed the gap at the bottom.
10:02You want to be disgusting? Fine.
10:05Stew in it. Don't stink up my house.
10:08She patted her hands together, satisfied, then went to steam the lobster.
10:13I stared at that sealed door.
10:16My last shred of hope suffocated under that tape.
10:19His phone was ringing.
10:21By day three, even the duct tape couldn't contain the smell.
10:25Mom was arranging fresh flowers, trying to cover it up.
10:28But the stench of death is unmistakable.
10:32Sweet, rotten, oily.
10:35She cut a rose stem too hard.
10:37A thorn pierced her hand.
10:40She snapped.
10:41Stella!
10:42She grabbed a rolling pin from the kitchen, stormed toward my room.
10:46I'm done with you, you disgusting little brat.
10:50Time you learned what real pain feels like.
10:53Don't come in, Mom!
10:54Please!
10:55I'm decomposed!
10:57You'll be scared!
10:58Even though she never loved me, I didn't want her to see me like that.
11:03But she ripped the tape off, jammed the spare key in the lock.
11:08Bang!
11:09The door flew open.
11:12The smell hit her like a wall.
11:14She stumbled back, dry heaving.
11:17Stella, what are you doing?
11:20By day three, she saw me, still slumped over the desk, back turned, not moving.
11:27To her, this was the ultimate rebellion.
11:31I'm talking to you!
11:33She marched over, raised the rolling pin, but stopped.
11:37She wanted to see my face first.
11:40Wanted to see my defiant expression.
11:44Get up!
11:45The moment she touched me, she froze.
11:48Through the thin fabric, her hand didn't feel warm flesh.
11:52What?
11:54But momentum carried her forward.
11:56She yanked.
11:57My body, stiff as a board, toppled backward, taking the chair with it.
12:03And there was my face.
12:05On my blackened wrist, the Verity band hung lifeless.
12:10My journal slid off the desk, fell open at Mom's feet.
12:14The last page stared up at her.
12:17Mom, my stomach really hurts.
12:20The band is broken.
12:21I'm not lying.
12:23Please don't punish me.
12:26She saw me, Mom screamed.
12:28Not a human sound.
12:30A raw, guttural shriek that tore through her throat.
12:34She stumbled backward, slammed into the bookshelf.
12:37A vase shattered.
12:39But she didn't seem to feel the pain.
12:41She just stared at me, eyes wide, unblinking.
12:45No.
12:46No, no, no.
12:46This is makeup.
12:47Special effects.
12:49Stella, get up.
12:50I'm not mad anymore.
12:52Stop scaring me.
12:53Her hand reached out, trembling to touch my arm.
12:56The second her skin made contact with my corpse, she recoiled like she'd been burned.
13:02That cold was too real.
13:04Mrs. Lisa from next door called 911.
13:07I heard a scream.
13:07She'd heard the screaming.
13:09When she saw what was in my room, she collapsed in the hallway.
13:13Within minutes, sirens.
13:15Police.
13:15A medical examiner.
13:17They pulled up the crime scene tape.
13:19Cameras flashed over my body.
13:21Mom sat on the couch, a female officer's hand on her shoulder.
13:25She was babbling.
13:26She was faking.
13:28She always lies.
13:30The band was red.
13:31Machines don't lie.
13:33I was just teaching her.
13:35I was doing it for her own good.
13:36No one responded.
13:38They all looked at her like she was a monster.
13:41The medical examiner crouched next to my body.
13:44He muttered under his breath,
13:45Severe malnutrition.
13:48Organ failure.
13:49This kid was starved for at least a month.
13:52He carefully tried to remove the Verity band.
13:54But it had… fused.
13:57Damn.
13:58He cursed.
13:59He had to use tools to pry it off.
14:02Even dead, my soul flinched.
14:11A cop picked up my journal.
14:14Put on gloves.
14:15Started reading.
14:16Mom's eyes locked onto that book.
14:19Suddenly, she lunged for it.
14:21That's her confession.
14:23She admits she lied.
14:24Look, she wrote it herself.
14:26The officer pushed her back.
14:28Slid the journal into an evidence bag.
14:30We'll determine what's true.
14:32That's when Dad got home.
14:34He saw the black body bag being wheeled out on a stretcher.
14:37Saw the long zipper that sealed away my entire life.
14:42His legs gave out.
14:43He collapsed.
14:45Wet himself.
14:47Emma stood nearby, sobbing in confusion.
14:50She pointed at the blood-stained Verity band on the evidence table.
14:55Why is Stella's band black?
14:57Mine's still green, see?
14:59She held up her wrist.
15:01The green light blinked cheerfully.
15:02It was grotesque.
15:06The cops started questioning Mom in the living room.
15:09She grabbed the Verity band off the table like it was a life raft.
15:13Test it.
15:14That band proved she was lying.
15:17Red light means lie.
15:18I never abused her.
15:20The machine told me.
15:21I was just educating her.
15:23The officer looked at her like she'd lost her mind.
15:26Ma'am, the victim shows signs of extreme malnutrition.
15:31That's discipline.
15:32That's teaching her to be honest.
15:35Mom was shrieking now.
15:36Then, she did something insane.
15:39You don't believe me?
15:41Fine.
15:41I'll wear it.
15:43I'm not lying.
15:44Watch.
15:44It'll be green.
15:46She snatched the band, still stained with my blood and bits of skin, and jammed it onto
15:52her own wrist.
15:53Click.
15:55Locked.
15:55The rubber pressed against her skin.
15:58Sticky.
16:00Cold.
16:01She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.
16:04She needed to prove she was innocent.
16:07Needed to prove her parenting was right.
16:10She held up her wrist, eyes wild.
16:14Watch.
16:14I'm Rachel.
16:15I'm Stella's mother.
16:17That's a fact.
16:18Absolute truth.
16:20The red light exploded.
16:22Bright.
16:23Violent.
16:24Like a fresh wound tearing open.
16:27Mom's confident expression shattered.
16:30She slapped the band like it was a broken TV.
16:33What?
16:34No.
16:35I said the truth.
16:36I am Rachel.
16:38She started talking faster, panic rising in her voice.
16:42It's broken.
16:43The examiner broke it.
16:45Let me try again.
16:46I never abused her.
16:48I did it for her own good.
16:49I love her.
16:51The red light flashed faster.
16:53And suddenly, she remembered.
16:55Me.
16:56Ten years old.
16:58Getting the maximum punishment.
17:00Curled on the floor.
17:01Biting my lip so I wouldn't scream.
17:04Is this what it felt like?
17:06Mom lost it completely.
17:08She started screaming at the band.
17:11Spit flying.
17:12Why is it red?
17:14I'm telling the truth.
17:15Turn green, you piece of junk.
17:17You're framing me.
17:19But the red light kept flashing.
17:21Like it was mocking her.
17:24You're a liar.
17:25You're a liar.
17:27You're a liar.
17:37You're a liar.
17:40You're a liar.
17:43You're a liar.
17:43What did you do?
17:44That was your daughter.
17:46You treated her like an animal.
17:49Mom fell to the floor.
17:51Blood at the corner of her mouth.
17:53But she didn't fight back.
17:54Didn't cry.
17:55She just stared into space, muttering,
17:59Not my fault.
18:00Not my fault.
18:02Then her eyes landed on Emma, cowering in the corner.
18:05It's her.
18:06It's Emma.
18:08Emma's band was always green.
18:10Emma was the good one.
18:11If it wasn't for that green light making me trust her,
18:14I wouldn't have believed the red light so much.
18:16This is Emma's fault.
18:18All eyes turned to Emma.
18:20That little princess we'd all protected.
18:23The cop walked over.
18:25Gently removed the green Verity band from her wrist.
18:28Took out a screwdriver.
18:30Pried it open right there.
18:32Crack.
18:33The plastic shell split.
18:35Inside?
18:36No sensors.
18:38No chips.
18:39No heart rate monitor.
18:40Just two cheap LED lights and a watch battery.
18:44The circuit was hardwired.
18:46Power on.
18:47Green light.
18:48That's it.
18:49This is a $2 toy.
18:51Your younger daughter's band was factory set to always be green.
18:55No matter what she said, did, or lied about, it would glow green.
19:01Your so-called science-based parenting was a joke.
19:05A sick, biased joke.
19:08Dad couldn't take it anymore.
19:10No.
19:11Mom suddenly screamed.
19:12She clawed at the band.
19:14Get it off.
19:15Get it off.
19:15It's red.
19:16I'm not a liar.
19:17I'm not.
19:18But the clasp was jammed from her violent struggle.
19:21Wouldn't budge.
19:22I can't get it off.
19:24Stella, take it back.
19:25I'm sorry.
19:26It's all my fault.
19:28This little bit of pain, and she was breaking.
19:32Mom, I suffered for 10 years.
19:35The cops needed evidence for charges.
19:37I know you're watching this, and you better stop.
19:38So they opened my journal in front of my parents.
19:41February 14th.
19:43Sunny.
19:44Mom put celery on my plate.
19:46I'm allergic.
19:47My throat swells.
19:48I can't breathe.
19:49I said I can't eat it.
19:50But because I was scared of making her angry, my heart raced.
19:54Red light.
19:56Mom said I was picky.
19:58Lying.
19:58Made me eat the whole plate.
20:01That night, I threw up blood.
20:03My throat felt like it was on fire.
20:05Mom saw it and said I'd snuck tomato juice.
20:08That I was faking.
20:10She punished me for 10 more minutes.
20:12Mom's hand flew to her mouth.
20:14She was shaking violently.
20:16She remembered that night.
20:18The officer turned the page.
20:20June 1st.
20:21Children's Day.
20:23Emma cut up Mom's dress.
20:24Emma's heart rate is always slow.
20:27Green light.
20:28I tried to explain, but I was scared of getting beaten.
20:32So my heart raced.
20:34Red light.
20:35Dad couldn't take it anymore.
20:37This man who'd been invisible for 10 years.
20:40Who always stayed out of it.
20:42He snapped.
20:44Dad couldn't take it anymore.
20:53He lunged at Mom and slapped her across the face.
20:56You monster.
20:58What did you do?
20:59That was your daughter.
21:01You treated her like an animal.
21:04Mom fell to the floor.
21:05Blood at the corner of her mouth.
21:07But she didn't fight back.
21:09Didn't cry.
21:10She just stared into space, muttering,
21:14Not my fault.
21:15Not my fault.
21:17Then her eyes landed on Emma, cowering in the corner.
21:20It's her.
21:21It's Emma.
21:22Emma's band was always green.
21:25Emma was the good one.
21:26If it wasn't for that green light making me trust her,
21:29I wouldn't have believed the red light so much.
21:31This is Emma's fault.
21:33All eyes turned to Emma.
21:35That little princess we'd all protected.
21:38The cop walked over.
21:40Gently removed the green Verity band from her wrist.
21:43Took out a screwdriver.
21:45Pried it open right there.
21:47Crack.
21:48The plastic shell split.
21:50Inside?
21:51No sensors.
21:52No chips.
21:54No heart rate monitor.
21:55Just two cheap LED lights and a watch battery.
21:59The circuit was hardwired.
22:01Power on.
22:02Green light.
22:03That's it.
22:04This is a $2 toy.
22:06Your younger daughter's band was factory set to always be green.
22:10No matter what she said, did, or lied about, it would glow green.
22:16Your so-called science-based parenting was a joke.
22:20A sick, biased joke.
22:23Dad couldn't.
22:25I laughed.
22:26Laughed until I cried.
22:28Turns out, ghosts can cry too.
22:31The officer turned to the last page of the journal.
22:35Her voice broke.
22:36The handwriting was a mess.
22:39Clearly written while dying.
22:42Mom, if I die, will the band stop glowing red?
22:46Or if it turns green, will you hug me then?
22:50I'm not lying.
22:52My stomach hurts so much.
22:54Like knives.
22:56Next life, please don't make me wear the band.
22:59Please.
23:00Mom stared at the shattered pieces of plastic on the table.
23:04That green light she trusted without question?
23:07A cheap piece of junk.
23:11Mom started laughing.
23:13Her voice cracking with every sound.
23:16But it was the laugh of someone breaking.
23:19Worse than crying.
23:21Fake.
23:22All fake.
23:23I killed my honest daughter.
23:25And I worshipped a liar.
23:27She'd lost her mind.
23:29For real this time.
23:32I laughed.
23:34My death became front page news.
23:37Mrs. Lisa, the neighborhood gossip, posted everything online.
23:42Title, Girls Starved to Death by Fake Science Band.
23:45She described my corpse in detail.
23:49The band fused to rotting flesh.
23:52The internet exploded.
23:55Monster.
23:56Murderer.
23:57She doesn't deserve to be a mother.
23:59Comments poured in like an avalanche.
24:03Someone doxxed mom.
24:04Our address got leaked.
24:06People threw red paint on our door.
24:09Wrote death in huge letters.
24:12Dad got arrested too.
24:15Neglect.
24:15Failure to protect.
24:17He wasn't there when I died.
24:19So he got off light.
24:20But his company fired him immediately to avoid the PR nightmare.
24:25Our family went bankrupt.
24:27Sold the house.
24:29The car.
24:30Everything.
24:31To pay legal fees.
24:33Dad couldn't stand living with that psycho anymore.
24:36He took what little money was left.
24:39And Emma.
24:40And disappeared.
24:41Emma was a bad seed.
24:43Sure.
24:44But she was still his blood.
24:46Before they left.
24:47Emma tried to take her green band.
24:50Dad stomped on it.
24:51Why the hell would you want that piece of trash?
24:54Emma cried as he dragged her away.
24:57Mom got out on bail.
24:59The psych eval said she had severe PTSD and psychosis.
25:04They left her alone in that rental apartment.
25:07The one that still smelled like death.
25:10Her mental state deteriorated fast.
25:12She started talking to me like I was still there.
25:15And she refused to take off the red light band.
25:18To punish herself, she'd added a shock device to it.
25:22One that delivered a jolt the second the light flashed red.
25:26She said the small shocks were the only thing that eased her guilt.
25:30She'd cook a whole table of food.
25:33Then talk to the empty air.
25:35She'd pick up a piece of meat.
25:37Her hands shook.
25:39The band flashed red.
25:41She was anxious.
25:42She smiled, but her eyes were empty.
25:45Mom's heart is racing.
25:47Mom's lying.
25:49Liars don't deserve food.
25:51Picked up a remote.
25:53One she'd rewired to trigger the shock on her wristband.
25:56It hurts.
25:57And shocked herself.
25:59It hurts.
26:00It hurts.
26:01It hurts.
26:01Is this what Stella felt?
26:04I'm sorry.
26:05Mom got out on bail.
26:06Mom started reenacting my diary entries.
26:09I couldn't eat celery because of my allergy.
26:12So she forced herself to eat spoiled food until she vomited blood,
26:17then swallowed it back down.
26:19I was locked in isolation.
26:21So she locked herself in my old room, lights off,
26:25and bowed to my photo until her forehead bled.
26:28Over and over.
26:31Blood on the floor.
26:33Late at night, she'd see the red glow of the band reflected on the wall.
26:37To her, it looked like my bloody eyes watching.
26:42She scribbled in red pen on the back of my journal.
26:45I'm sorry.
26:46I was wrong.
26:48Red light means pain.
26:50Red light means love.
26:51Please come back and say it hurts one more time.
26:55I'll save you.
26:56I promise.
26:58Too bad I'm dead.
26:59Dead people can't cry for help.
27:02Eventually, the state intervened.
27:05Mom's self-harm got so extreme, she nearly killed herself, that they committed her.
27:11She ended up in a psychiatric facility.
27:14She was the strangest patient there.
27:18She'd found a red plastic ring somewhere and wore it around her neck like a collar.
27:22Her homemade band.
27:25If anyone tried to remove it, she'd bite them like a rabid dog.
27:30Don't touch my light.
27:32Stella's watching.
27:33She'll be mad if you take it.
27:35She developed a Pavlovian response.
27:38Rachel, time to eat.
27:40Mom would touch her neck, then start convulsing, screaming.
27:44Red light.
27:45Red light.
27:46Don't punish me.
27:47I'll eat.
27:47I'll eat.
27:48Even if the food was scalding hot, she'd gulp it down, burning her esophagus.
27:53Wouldn't spit it out.
27:56She was reenacting my final moments.
27:59Living my hell on repeat.
28:02Mom started reenacting my diet.
28:04Years later, Emma grew up.
28:06Without proper guidance and with a trail of infamy behind her, she ended up at the bottom of society.
28:12When she ran out of money, she remembered.
28:15Mom's still in that facility.
28:17She showed up one day.
28:19Not for love.
28:20For cash.
28:29Hey, crazy lady.
28:30Dad's dead.
28:32Give me your hidden stash.
28:34Disgusting.
28:35Just like your dead daughter.
28:37If you don't give me money, I'll pull your tubes and send you to join her.
28:42For a moment, Mom's cloudy eyes cleared.
28:44She looked at Emma and suddenly remembered.
28:49That band.
28:50That always green toy.
28:52That decade of deception.
28:55It was you.
28:57Mom's voice was gravel.
28:59You lied.
29:00You're the fake green light.
29:02You killed Stella.
29:05Give her back.
29:06Give.
29:06Her.
29:07Back.
29:07The last shred of maternal love twisted into vengeance.
29:12Mom lunged.
29:14Grabbed Emma by the throat.
29:15Die.
29:16You should have died.
29:18Not her.
29:19You.
29:20Help!
29:21Emma thrashed, but couldn't break free from a mad woman's grip.
29:25Orderlies rushed in.
29:27Sedated Mom.
29:28Pulled her off.
29:29Emma stumbled out of the room.
29:31Terrified.
29:32They're all insane.
29:35She bolted for the exit.
29:38A truck plowed into her.
29:40She survived.
29:42Barely.
29:43Both legs shattered beyond repair.
29:46Wheelchair for life.
29:47A total wreck.
29:49Meanwhile, Mom was strapped to a bed, staring at the ceiling.
29:53Tears streaming.
29:55In her dreams, she finally saw me.
29:58I was ten again.
30:00No band.
30:01White dress.
30:02Smiling.
30:04Mom!
30:04Mom!
30:05She reached for me, crying with joy.
30:08Stella!
30:09But her hands sparked with electricity.
30:12The second she touched me, I burst into flames.
30:16Turned to ash.
30:17No!
30:18She woke up screaming.
30:20Heart rate through the roof.
30:22If she'd been wearing that band, it would have been blood red.
30:26Eternal torment.
30:29Years later, I stood in the void, watching it all.
30:33Mom in the facility.
30:35Emma in a wheelchair, begging on the streets.
30:39Dad, drunk and dead in some gutter.
30:42I felt...
30:44Nothing.
30:45No satisfaction.
30:47Just a flat, dead calm.
30:50Next to me was an old dog.
30:52Buddy.
30:53My childhood pet.
30:55Mom threw him out years ago.
30:57He'd been waiting for me at the boundary.
30:59Buddy nuzzled my leg.
31:01Barked twice.
31:02As if to say,
31:04Let's go.
31:05Don't look back.
31:07Yeah.
31:09Time to leave.
31:10This life was too bitter.
31:12Nothing worth holding on to.
31:15I floated to Mom's hospital room one final time.
31:19She looked ancient.
31:21Hair completely white.
31:23Frail as paper.
31:25She sensed something.
31:28Her cloudy eyes focused on a point in the air.
31:31Right where I stood.
31:33Stella?
31:34Is that you?
31:34Her trembling hand reached into the emptiness.
31:38Mom destroyed the band.
31:40I don't believe in it anymore.
31:42Come back, please.
31:43I'll cook for you.
31:44No celery.
31:45I'll buy you new dresses.
31:47Not Emma.
31:48Tears rolled down her face.
31:50I looked at the red marks on her neck from the homemade band.
31:55I sighed.
31:56Reached out.
31:58My cold, ghostly finger touched her forehead.
32:02Sleep, Mom.
32:03In sleep, there's no pain.
32:06A breeze blew through the room.
32:08The old journal on her nightstand flipped open.
32:11The last page, my dying words, stared up at the ceiling.
32:16But below it, in shaky handwriting, were new lines.
32:21Written by Mom during a lucid moment.
32:23Next life, let me wear the band.
32:26Let me be the liar.
32:28Punish me however you want.
32:30Just don't leave me.
32:32I stared at those words.
32:34Felt nothing.
32:36Too late.
32:38Repentance means nothing to the dead.
32:41Mom, I don't hate you anymore.
32:44But I don't love you either.
32:47Let's not meet again.
32:49I turned away.
32:51Buddy wagged his tail.
32:53In the distance, a door of light appeared.
32:56The gateway to the next cycle.
32:59I looked at my wrist.
33:02The Phantom Verity band.
33:04Still there.
33:05Even in spirit form.
33:07I grabbed it.
33:09It shattered into stardust.
33:11I felt weightless.
33:13Free.
33:14No red light.
33:16No hunger.
33:17No lies.
33:19Just freedom.
33:22Morning came.
33:23A nurse pushed open the door.
33:25Rachel, time for your meds.
33:27No response.
33:28She walked closer.
33:29Rachel's hand clutched the torn journal.
33:32A single tear crystallized at the corner of her eye.
33:35On the heart monitor, the wavy line had gone flat.
33:39Passing through the light wasn't violent.
33:42No spinning.
33:43No chaos.
33:44Just warmth.
33:45Like sinking into a spring stream.
33:48Even the lingering ache in my soul, the phantom pains, started to fade.
33:52Buddy pressed into my palm.
33:54His fur wasn't translucent anymore.
33:57It was soft.
33:58Warm.
33:59Real.
34:00This was the living, breathing connection I'd craved as a kid.
34:04Come on, boy.
34:05I held his paw and walked toward the brightness.
34:07Behind me, the old life faded like a worn photograph.
34:11Mom's final tear.
34:12The red glow of the band.
34:14Blood on the diary pages.
34:16All of it blurred.
34:18Dissolved.
34:18I didn't look back.
34:20That 10 year nightmare was finally, truly, over.
34:24Passing.
34:25When I opened my eyes again, I was tiny.
34:29Wrapped in soft blankets.
34:31Someone was humming.
34:33A woman's voice.
34:34Gentle, off-key, but full of love.
34:38Her fingers brushed my cheek.
34:40The scent of gardenias.
34:42Not the sterile hospital smell of my old mom.
34:44Not the cold, clinical distance.
34:48I blinked up at her.
34:49She had kind eyes.
34:51A soft smile.
34:53She cradled me like I was made of glass.
34:56Grace is awake.
34:57She murmured.
34:59Honey!
34:59Come quick!
35:00Our daughter just blinked!
35:01A man appeared.
35:03Tall.
35:04A little awkward.
35:05But his face lit up when he saw me.
35:07He touched my tiny hand with one finger.
35:10His voice was deep.
35:12Warm.
35:14Hey Grace.
35:15I'm your dad.
35:16Grace.
35:17Not Stella.
35:18No weight.
35:19No chains.
35:20No lies.
35:21Just Grace Sterling.
35:23A name that meant something light.
35:25Something cherished.
35:28When I opened my house.
35:29This house was small.
35:31But clean.
35:33Cozy.
35:34Cartoon stickers on the walls.
35:36Plants on the balcony.
35:38Sunlight pouring through the windows.
35:40Warm on the floor.
35:41I realized fast.
35:43This family was nothing like the last one.
35:47They never forced me to do anything.
35:49There were no Verity bands.
35:52I grew.
35:53Learned to crawl.
35:55To talk.
35:55Mama.
35:56And when I was three.
35:58Mom made sautéed celery.
36:00The green stalks on the plate triggered me.
36:03I flashed back to choking.
36:05Throat swelling.
36:06Vomiting blood.
36:08I stumbled backward.
36:09Shaking.
36:11Tears came without permission.
36:13Mom immediately put down the spatula.
36:16Crouched.
36:17Pulled me into a hug.
36:18Grace.
36:19What's wrong?
36:20You don't like celery?
36:21I couldn't speak.
36:23Just shook my head.
36:25Sobbing.
36:26Dad knelt too.
36:28Rubbed my back.
36:30Hey.
36:30It's okay.
36:31You don't have to eat it.
36:34Can you tell us why?
36:35Their eyes were patient.
36:37Gentle.
36:38Finally, I choked out.
36:40It hurts my throat.
36:42Makes me bleed.
36:44They didn't say, the machine doesn't lie.
36:47They didn't accuse me of faking.
36:50They took me to the doctor immediately.
36:52Turns out, I really do have a celery allergy.
36:56Mild, but it can flare up with stress.
36:58After that, celery never appeared in the house again.
37:03Mom even added it to her phone notes.
37:05Grace's allergies.
37:07Celery.
37:07Mango.
37:08She checked every time she shopped.
37:11I lay in her arms that night, smelling gardenias, and realized, this is what it feels like to be believed.
37:18Love isn't measured by a machine.
37:20It's listening, even when the story sounds impossible.
37:25This house was small.
37:26When I was four, preschool had a health screening.
37:29Blood draw.
37:30I saw the needle and lost it.
37:33Flashes of the band burning my wrist.
37:35Flashes of starvation.
37:37I screamed, clung to Dad's leg.
37:40The teacher sighed.
37:42Grace, it's just a little poke.
37:44All the other kids were brave.
37:46I couldn't stop shaking.
37:48Don't punish me.
37:50I'm not lying.
37:51Dad immediately scooped me up, shielding me from the nurse.
37:56Sorry.
37:57He said firmly.
37:58She's got trauma.
38:00We'll skip this for now and take her to a pediatric psychologist.
38:04On the drive home, Dad didn't scold me for being weak.
38:08He just asked gently.
38:11Grace, did someone hurt you before?
38:13I buried my face in his shoulder, tears soaking his shirt.
38:19Mom!
38:20Band!
38:21Red light!
38:23I couldn't explain it clearly.
38:25But he listened.
38:27Nodded.
38:28You've been through hell, haven't you?
38:31It's okay.
38:32Dad's here now.
38:34No one's ever hurting you again.
38:37From then on, they took me to a child therapist regularly.
38:41Severe PTSD, the doctor said.
38:45My parents never complained.
38:47Never made me feel like a burden.
38:49They played honesty games with me.
38:51Where I could say anything, true or false, and they'd just listen.
38:56Guide me gently toward the truth.
38:58They bought me colorful bracelets, but never forced me to wear them.
39:03These are just accessories, Grace.
39:05Wear them if you want.
39:06Take them off if you don't.
39:08We'll love you either way.
39:10Slowly, I started to heal.
39:12I could say, I don't like this, without fear.
39:16I could say, I'm scared.
39:18Am I staying scared?
39:19I could say, I want that.
39:21I didn't have to worry about my heart racing being evidence of a lie.
39:27I started sharing my preschool stories with them.
39:30I cried when I didn't get a toy.
39:32I laughed when I got praise.
39:34I was finally just a kid.
39:37A normal, loved kid.
39:40When I was four, when I turned seven, I started elementary school.
39:45There was a girl in my class, Annie Sullivan.
39:47She looked exactly like Emma.
39:51Same eyes, but her hair was shorter.
39:54And she was timid.
39:57Scared.
39:58The first time I saw her, my heart clenched.
40:02Flashbacks.
40:03Emma's smug grin.
40:05The green light mocking me.
40:07I stepped back instinctively.
40:09Annie noticed.
40:10She looked down, voice barely a whisper.
40:14I'm Annie.
40:16Do you want to be friends?
40:18Her tone was so careful.
40:20So desperate to please.
40:22Just like I used to be.
40:24I glanced at her wrist.
40:26She wore a cheap green cartoon bracelet.
40:29My stomach turned.
40:31Later, I found out, Annie's mom was strict too.
40:34Demanded honesty.
40:36Locked her in her room without food when she made mistakes.
40:40One day, Annie accidentally broke the teacher's mug.
40:43She was trembling, too scared to admit it.
40:46I saw her face.
40:48Red rimmed eyes.
40:49Barely holding back tears.
40:51I remembered myself at that desk, writing,
40:55I'm a liar.
40:56A thousand times.
40:58I walked over.
40:59Took her hand.
41:01Annie, it's okay.
41:02Accidents happen.
41:04Let's tell the teacher together.
41:05She won't be mad.
41:07Annie looked at me, shocked.
41:09But mom says liars are bad kids.
41:13Being honest isn't about never making mistakes.
41:16It's about owning up when you do.
41:18And even if you tell the truth, you shouldn't be punished for it.
41:22If the teacher yells, I'll protect you.
41:24If your mom yells, come to my house.
41:27My parents will help.
41:29I gave her the courage I never had.
41:32She confessed.
41:33The teacher forgave her.
41:35Told her to be more careful next time.
41:37From that day on, we were best friends.
41:40When I told her, I brought Annie home to meet my parents.
41:44She saw how warm they were.
41:46How they didn't yell.
41:48Didn't punish over little things.
41:51I told her,
41:52You don't have to make everyone happy.
41:55You're allowed to feel things.
41:58Say things.
42:00One day, Annie's mom came to pick her up from school.
42:04She saw us together and her face twisted.
42:07She grabbed Annie's hand.
42:10Did you mess up again?
42:11Is Grace covering for you?
42:13Annie immediately looked down.
42:16I stepped in front of her.
42:18Ma'am, Annie didn't do anything wrong.
42:22She's a good kid.
42:24You shouldn't always assume the worst.
42:27She's scared of you.
42:28The mom froze.
42:31Looked at me.
42:32Then at Annie's tear-filled eyes.
42:36Her expression softened.
42:39That night, she called my mom.
42:42Thanked her.
42:43You're welcome.
42:43Said I'd opened her eyes.
42:46Over time, Annie's mom got gentler.
42:50Started listening instead of yelling.
42:53And Annie?
42:54She blossomed.
42:55We had a great day at school.
42:56Confident.
42:57We learned about that.
42:58Happy.
42:58Maybe.
42:59I watched her laugh freely one day.
43:02And felt this warmth in my chest.
43:05I didn't get saved in my last life.
43:08I suffered alone in the dark.
43:11But this time, I could save someone else.
43:15I could stop another Stella from happening.
43:18Maybe that's the gift my past life gave me.
43:22The ability to see pain.
43:25And to heal it.
43:29When I was ten, my parents took me to visit grandma in the countryside.
43:33There was an old tree in her yard.
43:35Just like the one at my old grandma's house.
43:38I sat under it, watching sunlight filter through the leaves.
43:42Buddy dozed next to me.
43:44Then I saw her.
43:46An old woman.
43:48White hair.
43:49Hunched over a cane.
43:51Wearing a faded blue shirt.
43:52The second I saw her face, I froze.
43:56She looked exactly like Rachel.
43:59My old mom.
44:01Grandma noticed me too.
44:03Walked over slowly.
44:04Her eyes were hazy.
44:06But there was something familiar in them.
44:09What's your name, child?
44:10Grace Sterling.
44:12She repeated it softly.
44:14Grace.
44:15That's a beautiful name.
44:16She reached out like she wanted to touch my hair.
44:19Then hesitated.
44:21Pulled back.
44:22Like she was afraid of disturbing something sacred.
44:25My mom came over.
44:26Studied her.
44:28Mom, this is our daughter.
44:30Grace.
44:31So she was my grandma in this life.
44:34Over the next few days, grandma watched me constantly.
44:37Her expression unreadable.
44:40One day, she brought me a bowl of steak burger.
44:43Grace, eat up.
44:45This used to be your favorite.
44:46I stared at the bowl.
44:48In my last life, I wrote in my dying breath.
44:51I want to eat mom's steak burger.
44:54And here was grandma, saying those exact words.
44:58Tears blurred my vision.
45:01This wasn't some distant wish anymore.
45:03It was real.
45:04Right in front of me.
45:07I picked up a piece.
45:08Bit into it.
45:10Tender.
45:11Sweet.
45:12Perfect.
45:13Grandma smiled.
45:15A tired, guilty smile.
45:17That night, lying in bed with Buddy curled at my feet,
45:21I thought about Rachel's last words.
45:23Next life, let me be the one punished.
45:27Just don't leave me.
45:28I thought about her final tear.
45:31The torn journal.
45:32Honestly, I didn't hate her anymore.
45:36Hating someone is like locking yourself in the past.
45:39Chewing on pain forever.
45:42This life's happiness had already washed away the bitterness.
45:45I just felt sad.
45:49Grandma stayed for a month.
45:51Then went back home.
45:52Before she left, she held my hand.
45:54Grace, live well.
45:57Be happy.
45:59Her voice was soft, but heavy with meaning.
46:02I nodded.
46:03You too, Grandma.
46:05I watched her walk away.
46:07And I felt... nothing.
46:10No anger.
46:11No grief.
46:13No anger.
46:13The grudges of my past life were like fallen leaves.
46:16Blown away by the wind.
46:17I wasn't Stella anymore.
46:19The girl trapped by a red light.
46:22I was Grace Sterling.
46:24Surrounded by love.
46:26Free.
46:27Grandma.
46:28At 13, I graduated elementary school.
46:31Got into the best middle school in the city.
46:34My parents took me to the beach to celebrate.
46:36I stood at the edge of the ocean, wind in my hair, salt on my lips.
46:41I stretched out my arms, feeling the freedom.
46:45For a moment, I saw her.
46:47My ghost self.
46:49Floating.
46:50Desperate to hug someone, but passing right through.
46:53Grace, what are you thinking?
46:56Dad handed me a soda.
46:58I smiled.
47:00Just... I'm grateful.
47:02To be alive.
47:04To be with you guys.
47:05Mom hugged me.
47:07Silly girl.
47:09We're the lucky ones.
47:10Buddy chased the waves, barking joyfully.
47:13I looked at my parents.
47:15My dog.
47:16My future.
47:17I finally understood.
47:20The suffering of my past life taught me to treasure.
47:23This one.
47:24The pain taught me what love really means.
47:27I didn't need to prove I wasn't a liar anymore.
47:30I didn't need to fear red lights.
47:33I could laugh.
47:34Cry.
47:35Speak freely.
47:37I had parents who loved me.
47:39A best friend.
47:41A healthy body.
47:42A bright future.
47:44This was the life I died wishing for.
47:47At 13...
47:48That night, I wrote in my journal.
47:50Not the bloodstained confessions of my old life.
47:53This one was full of happiness.
47:56Growth.
47:58Love.
47:59I wrote...
48:01Today, I saw the ocean.
48:03It's huge.
48:05Blue.
48:07Free.
48:08I thought about my past self.
48:10That little girl locked in a room.
48:13Desperate to be loved.
48:14She'd never believed that I could be this happy.
48:18Mom and Dad love me.
48:20They taught me honesty and bravery.
48:24Annie is my best friend now.
48:26She's confident and bright.
48:29Grandma's healthy.
48:30She calls me often.
48:32Buddy's still a goofball.
48:34Always nudging my hand.
48:36I don't hate anyone anymore.
48:38I don't cling to the past.
48:41Those painful memories are like footprints in the sand.
48:45Washed away by waves.
48:47But they taught me to cherish every step forward.
48:51I know my old mom, sister, and dad got what they deserved.
48:55And I finally broke free.
48:58I found real freedom.
49:00I don't want to see them again.
49:02I don't want to relive that life.
49:06I just want to be Grace Sterling.
49:09Simple.
49:10Happy.
49:12Loved.
49:13That night, the ocean was beautiful.
49:16Life was beautiful.
49:19I closed my journal.
49:21Looked out the hotel window.
49:23Moonlight shimmered on the water like a thousand stars.
49:27Buddy's breathing was soft and steady beside me.
49:30I smiled.
49:33This life, I finally became who I wanted to be.
49:37No red lights.
49:39No starvation.
49:41No lies.
49:42Just love.
49:44Freedom.
49:45Happiness.
49:47And those scars from my past?
49:50They became badges of survival.
49:53Reminders that no matter how much darkness you face,
49:56if you don't give up on the light,
49:58you'll find your way to warmth, to freedom.
50:02The road ahead is long.
50:05But I'll walk it with courage, with joy,
50:09towards something even brighter.
50:13The ocean.
50:14The ocean.
Comments
1