- 1 day ago
My Savage Farmer Step-Dad
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00:00Sold my mom to the old farmer next door.
00:02My dad said that before he left for the army.
00:05The old farmer had a bad leg, but he was a savage man.
00:08People said he even killed his first wife.
00:11He was strong enough to knock out a bull with one punch.
00:15For my mom, marrying him was a death sentence.
00:18Three years later, the news came that my dad was dead.
00:21Right away, my grandma sold my mom to the monster for $2,000.
00:26The day we heard the news of dad's death, it was December.
00:30Right after a blizzard.
00:31My mom was feeding the cattle barefoot.
00:33Grandmother never allowed her to wear shoes.
00:36She said a bitch like her didn't deserve them.
00:38I often went to the woods to gather branches for warmth.
00:42But my uncle would always snatch them away for his fireplace.
00:45No matter how we begged, it was useless.
00:48Grandmother would beat us and curse us for days.
00:51I felt sorry for mom and tried to help her feed the cows.
00:54Baby, go play over there.
00:56The sun is out, it's warmer there.
00:58My shoes were torn and falling apart.
01:01The sun was our only source of heat.
01:03After feeding the cows, we went back to the cabin.
01:06Grandmother was already waiting, fuming with rage.
01:09What took you so long?
01:11Were you out looking for other men again?
01:13She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
01:16The army sent word.
01:17Jason is dead.
01:19Ever since he married you, my son was cursed by your bad luck.
01:22She didn't look sad about her son's death at all.
01:25There had to be a secret behind this.
01:27Now that he's gone, get out of this house.
01:30Don't stay here and ruin the Hudson family name.
01:33She looked at us with disgust and kept grumbling.
01:36Luckily, my son sold you to Rick before he left.
01:39Otherwise, we would have lost so much money feeding you two.
01:42My mom didn't fight back.
01:44She just picked up her coat and held my hand tight.
01:47Mom, at least let me take the child with me.
01:50Grandmother looked me up and down.
01:52She had a wicked look in her eyes.
01:54That depends on if that old farmer pays more.
01:59A girl her age could fetch $2,000 at the town.
02:05She's worth much more than you.
02:07My mom gripped my hand even harder.
02:10We both knew the truth.
02:12As soon as she marries Rick, grandmother will sell me away.
02:15It was the day we were driven to Rick's ranch.
02:18The legendary monster was there, chopping wood.
02:21Each swing of his axe was terrifying.
02:24One of his legs was broken and propped on a wooden stool.
02:27He looked strange and menacing.
02:29A huge scar ran from his left eye down to his mouth.
02:32It looked like his face was split in two.
02:34I hid behind my mom, trembling.
02:37Rick looked at us coldly.
02:38You're forcing this woman on me for $500?
02:42Now you want $2,000 more?
02:44He clearly didn't want my mom.
02:45And he definitely didn't want a burden like me.
02:48My son Jason saved your life in that blizzard.
02:51Now that he's gone, you should be grateful to take her.
02:53This girl will be your daughter.
02:55It's a blessing.
02:56$2,000 is a bargain for you.
02:58$2,000 was a lot of money.
03:00It could buy so many seeds.
03:02I knew I wasn't worth that much.
03:04Rick glanced at grandmother but said nothing.
03:07People said he was a man of few words, but one look from him could scare anyone to death.
03:12Grandmother shoved my mom forward.
03:14My mom's thin body almost hit the ground.
03:17She pulled me along and knelt down instantly.
03:19Rick, my child eats very little.
03:21She can feed the cows and collect firewood.
03:24Please, give us a way to live.
03:26His eyes were sharp, judging me.
03:29Call him Dad.
03:31I looked at Rick and that terrifying scar.
03:35Dad.
03:36Rick froze.
03:37His scar looked even more twisted.
03:38Grandmother kicked me hard in the back.
03:41Your father just died and you're already calling him Dad.
03:45Just like your mother, a traitor to the family.
03:48She kept kicking me over and over.
03:50I lay on the ground, motionless.
03:52I didn't fight back or scream.
03:54I knew if she had her fun, she would eventually stop.
03:57Mom crawled over to save me.
03:59But grandmother slapped her across the face.
04:01This was life in the Hudson house.
04:04Mom couldn't save me and she couldn't save herself.
04:08Suddenly, Rick threw a roll of cash at grandmother's feet.
04:11And enough!
04:13This girl belongs to my family now.
04:15Grandmother took the money and tried to leave.
04:17But Rick stopped her.
04:18He demanded she sign the guardianship transfer agreement.
04:22Grandmother refused.
04:23Rick snatched the money back instantly.
04:25No signature, no money.
04:27In the end, she gave in for the cash.
04:29Mom and I officially became part of Rick's family.
04:32Mom folded our two ragged coats by the cow shed.
04:35She started working right away.
04:37She wanted to be useful.
04:39She thought hard work would keep us from being beaten.
04:42Rick's cabin was simple.
04:43Three rooms and a living area.
04:45Only one bedroom had a bed.
04:47The other rooms were empty.
04:49Mom took me to the cow shed.
04:51It was kept very clean.
04:52Mom found some wooden boards to make me a bed.
04:55I will sleep here tonight.
04:57Don't be afraid, baby.
04:59I spread hay over the boards.
05:02I'm not scared, Mom.
05:03It was the same back at the Hudson Ranch.
05:05When Dad was home, he said I was in the way.
05:08He always kicked me out to the cow shed.
05:10The Hudson's shed was much filthier.
05:12There were rats and snakes everywhere.
05:14Freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
05:17I survived all those years.
05:19Mom hugged me tightly.
05:23It's my fault I couldn't keep your father's heart.
05:26Dad was always talking to Mom.
05:28I knew there was a secret behind all this.
05:31Mom, why did Dad want you to marry Rick?
05:33Before, Dad never let her leave the ranch.
05:35He never let her look at anyone in the eye.
05:38Grandmother always cursed her for flirting with outsiders.
05:41Why the sudden rush to marry her off?
05:44Mom's bitter laugh was muffled in her chest.
05:47Her voice was barely a whisper.
05:49Because only Rick had this much money.
05:52She didn't finish the sentence, but I knew.
05:55Dad sent Mom here to die.
05:57Dad decided to sell Mom for money before he even left.
06:00He wasn't coming back, and he didn't want Mom to survive.
06:03He wanted to cut off her every means of escape.
06:05Even as a child, I could see their plot.
06:08It was so obvious that all the neighbors were talking about it.
06:11A moment later, Rick came back.
06:13He ignored us.
06:14He carried a pile of wooden boards into the house.
06:16The sound of his heavy hammering echoed, hitting our hearts.
06:20Mom stood outside, hesitant.
06:22She wanted to ask where the flour and beef were so she could cook, but she didn't dare.
06:26After a while, Rick came out.
06:28He saw us standing there like statues and frowned.
06:30Something wrong?
06:31His voice was gruff.
06:33I wanted to shrink back.
06:34But it was just me and Mom.
06:36If I backed down, she would be all alone.
06:39I stood my ground and held her hand tight.
06:41Rick noticed my move and his brow twitched.
06:44Mom asked hesitantly.
06:46I wanted to ask about dinner.
06:49Please give me the ingredients so I can cook.
06:54Rick frowned again, looking at us with confusion.
06:57He pointed toward the kitchen.
06:58In there.
07:01And the key?
07:03Rick's frown deepened.
07:04He walked over and kicked the door open.
07:06Then he looked back at us.
07:07I felt like he was asking if we were stupid.
07:10There was no lock, so why would there be a key?
07:12But things were different at the Hudson Ranch.
07:14The Hudson kitchen was always locked.
07:16Even the flour, beef, and butter were kept in locked cabinets.
07:19Mom cooked every meal, but grandmother decided every gram of food.
07:23She would put the exact amount on the counter and watch Mom cook.
07:26If a single grain of flour was dropped, she would scream for hours.
07:30She called Mom a money waster and called us starving ghosts.
07:33All you do is eat!
07:36You're useless!
07:37She was afraid we would steal food.
07:39Mom led me into the kitchen.
07:41Seeing the flour, beef, and butter sitting there made her hesitate.
07:44She looked at Rick, but he had already gone back outside.
07:47Mom didn't dare touch the food.
07:48She was afraid that if she messed up, Rick would beat her.
07:51Just like grandmother did.
07:52She was afraid of being accused of stealing.
07:54Mom made dinner with trembling hands.
07:56She put the food on the table.
07:58But we stood in the yard, not daring to move.
08:02Rick came back carrying two large wooden crates.
08:04He put them into the empty, unused room.
08:07He saw the food, and then saw us standing outside.
08:11His frown deepened.
08:12He sat down at the table and called us inside in a gravelly voice.
08:16While he ate, he grunted,
08:17Not enough. Make more tomorrow.
08:19He ate quickly, finishing half and leaving the rest for us.
08:22Then he stood there, chopping wood while watching us eat.
08:26We didn't dare to eat much, but I soon noticed something strange.
08:30When I took big bites, he focused on his work.
08:33The moment I put down my fork, he would stare at me and frown.
08:37Did he want us to eat more?
08:38We finished the meal in fear, waiting for the beatings to start.
08:42But Rick didn't yell or hit us.
08:44He just put away his axe and spoke.
08:49Wash up and go to sleep. It's been a long day.
08:52After Rick finished, Mom took me to wash up.
08:54We hadn't used hot water in three years.
08:57She kept muttering as she washed, her face full of nerves.
09:00I must get clean. Then he won't hate me.
09:03The hot water hit my back, and I felt warm instantly.
09:07I never knew a bath could feel this good.
09:09At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine.
09:13After the bath, I headed to the cow shed to sleep.
09:15Mom pulled me aside.
09:17Cover your ears.
09:18No matter what you hear, don't come out.
09:21Just pretend you're asleep.
09:23Okay?
09:24I nodded hard. I understood.
09:26Back then, Dad would come home drunk and beat me in the shed.
09:29He called me a waste of money and a curse.
09:31He blamed me for his gambling losses.
09:34One time, he almost killed me.
09:36Mom had to grab an axe to fight him off just to save me.
09:38Now, looking at Rick, he was much stronger than Dad.
09:41He could probably kill me with one kick.
09:43But he wasn't drunk, and he wasn't angry.
09:46He picked me up like a little chick and carried me into the empty room.
09:49Mom was already waiting there.
09:51The room wasn't empty anymore.
09:52There was a wide wooden bed inside.
09:54It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets of warm clothes.
09:59Rick set me down and turned to leave.
10:00He went back to his own room and closed the door.
10:03Soon, I heard him snoring.
10:05I never thought I'd get to sleep inside a house again.
10:08That night, we slept restlessly, but it was so warm.
10:11I curled up in my quilt and whispered,
10:14Mom, it's so warm.
10:15I had never felt this warm in winter before.
10:18My stomach was full, and my heart felt safe.
10:21For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive.
10:24Mom stroked my hair.
10:25Baby, you called him dad today.
10:29Call him that tomorrow, and every day after.
10:32I nodded.
10:33Okay.
10:34Rick was already much better to me than my real father.
10:37After that, Mom slowly started making more food.
10:40She was careful, adding just a little more each time.
10:43It took days for her to figure out Rick's temper and appetite.
10:46He ate a lot, as much as Mom and me combined.
10:49But he never told us we couldn't eat.
10:51In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown.
10:53He went hunting in the mountains around the ranch.
10:55He sold the big one in town.
10:57But sometimes, he brought back rabbits or pheasants for Mom to stew.
11:00He only ate half and left the rest for us.
11:03In my whole life, I had only tasted meat three times.
11:06This was the fourth.
11:07The meat tasted so good.
11:08No wonder Grandmother and my uncle loved it so much.
11:11Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra.
11:14I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain until midnight.
11:16I was rolling on the bed in agony.
11:18Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked.
11:21She gave me hot water, but I threw it up instantly.
11:24I felt like I was dying.
11:26Rick burst into the room.
11:27He wrapped me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder.
11:30He started running.
11:31Mom stumbled along behind him, too scared to say a word.
11:35He ran all the way to the town doctor's house.
11:37He took the door open.
11:38The doctor's family was terrified.
11:41They started to complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced them.
11:44The doctor checked me with a stethoscope.
11:46He asked what I had eaten.
11:48It's indigestion.
11:49She ate too much.
11:50She's been malnourished for years.
11:53Her body can't handle this much meat all at once.
11:56I'll give her something to throw it up.
11:57He poured something into my mouth.
11:59I vomited everything out.
12:01The room smelled awful.
12:02The doctor's wife grumbled in the corner.
12:04Clearly she's never had anything good in her life.
12:07She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food.
12:09Rick looked up and gave her a death stare.
12:11She scurried back into her room, terrified.
12:14I felt so ashamed.
12:16I got sick just from eating meat.
12:18Maybe grandmother was right.
12:19Maybe I was just a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything.
12:23Rick carried me back home.
12:25On the way, he asked in a low voice.
12:27Have you never had meat before?
12:28I thought he was judging me.
12:30This was only my fourth time before I only ever had a bite.
12:36At the Hudson's, they wouldn't even give us the leftover broth.
12:38I truly had never had anything good.
12:40He gave a low grunt.
12:42You'll get used to it if you eat it more often.
12:45I was sick and could only eat rice porridge for a few days.
12:49Rick bought some supplements from town.
12:51Those were expensive things I had never seen before.
12:54I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal.
12:57It was even better than what my mom ate when I was born.
13:00Rick watched me eat every day.
13:03Once my face looked healthy again, he stopped worrying.
13:06He went to fix the doctor's fence.
13:08Then he dragged the doctor back to check my heartbeat.
13:10Only after the doctor said I was fine did he let him go.
13:13He said he was going deep into the mountains to hunt.
13:16He wanted to catch something big.
13:18He would be gone for days and asked mom to pack some food.
13:21Mom mixed butter and brown sugar into the dough.
13:23The flatbread smelled delicious as she baked it.
13:26She also gave him thick insoles and a winter hat she had made.
13:31Rick took the food and looked at the gifts.
13:33He looked at her and his eyes softened.
13:36Christmas is coming soon.
13:38I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game.
13:41Think about what you want.
13:42Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off.
13:44Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help but shout,
13:47Dad, come back soon!
13:49Rick's body stiffened for a second.
13:51He didn't look back, but he waved his hand.
13:53Go inside. It's cold out here.
13:56We waited for five days, but he didn't come back.
14:00That night, the weather turned even colder.
14:04On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky.
14:07Mom looked at the darkening sky, then at me.
14:10She pointed to the food in the kitchen.
14:13She told me to take care of myself and fix something to eat if I got hungry.
14:18I'm going to find him.
14:20I'll be back soon.
14:22She put on thick clothes, strapped a dagger to herself, and took a flashlight.
14:28I was too worried to stay, so I hid a small curved knife on myself.
14:32I followed closely behind her.
14:35Where you go, I go, Mom.
14:36We're going to bring Dad home.
14:37In my heart, Rick was my father.
14:40He was a thousand times better than my real father.
14:44Mom sighed.
14:45If something really happened to him, you wouldn't survive alone.
14:47Let's go. Together.
14:49We held hands and walked deep into the mountains.
14:53Before, we only gathered firewood at the edge of the woods.
14:56People said there were wolves, wild boars, and man-eating black bears deep inside.
15:02But, as long as I was with Mom, and thinking that Dad was waiting for us, I wasn't scared at
15:08all.
15:09Heavy snow fell from the sky.
15:11It was only afternoon, but it was already completely dark.
15:15The path through the woods was extremely hard to walk.
15:19I stepped deep and shallow, sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves.
15:24Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check the path ahead.
15:28Before long, heavy footsteps came from ahead.
15:32Mom pulled out her dagger, and I gripped my curved knife tightly.
15:37We stared ahead, terrified and alert.
15:40In that moment, I thought, even if I die, I want to die with Mom.
15:45The footsteps grew closer.
15:47A tall, limping figure appeared.
15:49He was dragging a huge black bear, walking with difficulty with every step.
15:55We both froze.
15:57Dad!
15:58I let go of Mom's hand and rushed over suddenly.
16:01I hugged his leg tightly and looked up at him.
16:03The black bear fell heavily to the ground.
16:06What?
16:06What are you doing here?
16:07He looked at us, completely shocked.
16:10He reached out to pick me up.
16:12But he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing.
16:16I held tightly to his thigh.
16:18Dad, we came to take you home.
16:20Mom rushed over as well.
16:23Rick, you've been gone for five days, and it started snowing.
16:27She didn't dare say she was worried.
16:30Back then, when my biological father didn't come home for days, Mom went to look for him, too.
16:36I was afraid something happened to you.
16:38But my father just slapped her across the face.
16:41Something happened?
16:43What could happen to a man like me?
16:44It's because you curse me all day that I'm so unlucky!
16:47After that, Mom never dared to show her worry again.
16:51He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person.
16:56But Rick just looked at Mom and quirked his lips.
16:59He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot how.
17:03He gave us an explanation.
17:05This game was too big.
17:06That's why I'm late.
17:09He hoisted the black bear back up and told us to go home.
17:13Go back and start the fire.
17:15I'll be home soon.
17:17That bear was massive.
17:19He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely exhausted.
17:24Yet, he didn't demand our help.
17:26He wanted to carry the burden himself.
17:29Mom saw how tired he was and hesitated.
17:32She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help.
17:36I ran forward and grabbed the bear's leg.
17:39Dad, we're going back with you.
17:41I didn't have much strength and the bear's fur felt terrifying.
17:46It was so huge that it looked fierce, even in death.
17:50Mom found her courage and ran over, too.
17:53We'll help you.
17:55It took all our strength to drag the black bear home.
17:58The snow on the ground was thick now.
18:01The ranch was pitch black and the trail was empty.
18:04We finally made it back.
18:07The giant bear lay in the snow, looking even more fierce.
18:11But I wasn't afraid.
18:12I circled it a few times and ran back to Rick.
18:15I leaned against his leg and looked up.
18:18Dad, you're amazing.
18:20You actually killed a black bear.
18:23Rick was too tired to move, but he reached out.
18:26He gently patted my head.
18:29Yeah.
18:30His hand was large, rough, and heavy.
18:33But when he touched me, it was light and warm.
18:36Jason's hands were big, too, but they weren't rough.
18:40He rarely did any real work.
18:42Jason wasn't even that strong.
18:44When he got into trouble in town, he would just curl up and take the hits.
18:49But when he hit me and Mom, he was very strong.
18:52His blows made my head ring every time.
18:55In this place, many men slapped their wives and children.
18:59I used to think all fathers and husbands were like that.
19:02I didn't know someone could be different.
19:05The next morning, before dawn, Rick borrowed a tractor.
19:09He woke us up to go to town and sell the bear.
19:12He knew exactly where to go.
19:15He stopped at a grand luxury house.
19:18A butler came out and greeted him warmly.
19:21They hugged and talked like old friends.
19:24I realized then that Dad could be so full of life.
19:27He could actually talk this much.
19:30Mom and I stayed back, staring at the fancy gates.
19:34We didn't dare step forward.
19:36Dad pointed at us.
19:38The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin purse.
19:42Here, child.
19:43Take this.
19:44I was too scared to take it, but he pressed it into my hand.
19:48Dad nodded, so I finally accepted it.
19:53There was a silver coin inside.
19:55I immediately put the coin in Dad's hand.
20:00Dad, this is for you.
20:02The butler froze for a second, then burst out laughing.
20:06Rick, you have a sweet daughter.
20:08You're a lucky man.
20:09He handed me a big apple.
20:12The coin is for your dad.
20:15But this is for you.
20:17Keep it for yourself.
20:19Merry Christmas to your family.
20:21The butler bought the bear and invited Dad for a drink.
20:24Won't you come in for a drink?
20:26Rick waved him off and refused.
20:28No, thank you.
20:29We need to buy things for Christmas.
20:32The black bear sold for a lot of money.
20:35Dad took us to the streets.
20:37First, he bought a lot of candy.
20:39He put them into three red socks.
20:42I took one out and put it in my mouth, carefully.
20:45I peeled another one for Mom.
20:48Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at Dad.
20:51She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped her.
20:55Too much sugar makes kids sick.
20:58We don't want to see the doctor again.
21:00Mom remembered my stomach ache and didn't give me more.
21:04So, Mom finally opened her mouth and ate the candy.
21:09Dad then took us to buy meat, flour, and butter.
21:13He even bought spices for cooking.
21:16Finally, we went to a clothing store for new coats.
21:20Mom waved her hands and said no.
21:23Our old coats are still good.
21:26I said no, too.
21:28The old quilts and coats Dad gave us were already warm and clean.
21:32That was good enough for me.
21:34I had never worn such nice clothes in my life.
21:38But Dad insisted on buying new ones.
21:42I bought old ones because I was broke.
21:45Now we have money.
21:46In the end, we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats.
21:51I can sew quickly.
21:53They'll be ready before Christmas.
21:55She still didn't want to spend too much.
21:58She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad and held it up to him.
22:02Rick, this pattern looks good on you.
22:04It was the first time they were so close.
22:08I think I saw Dad's face turn red.
22:12Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders.
22:15I could see so far away.
22:18I laughed out loud.
22:19It was my first time being up this high.
22:22Mom was worried and kept checking Dad's leg.
22:25She was afraid he would get too tired.
22:28After a while, Dad bought me some toys.
22:31He also bought hair clips and brooches for me and Mom.
22:35Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful.
22:37These brooches from the city suit them perfectly.
22:40Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time.
22:43On the way back, we sat on the tractor.
22:46I hugged my red socks tightly.
22:48This was the happiest day of my life.
22:51As we passed the Hudson Ranch, I saw Grandmother.
22:54She was feeding the cows in the yard.
22:56My uncle was lounging under the eaves in the sun.
22:59He still had no job and no wife.
23:02He just ate, drank, and wasted his life.
23:05After selling us to Rick, he had that money.
23:07Now he worked even less.
23:09He said he was preparing for a blind date.
23:11Grandmother always called us lazy.
23:13But I never dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one.
23:17I gripped my red socks and stared at them.
23:20Grandmother and my uncle noticed us.
23:22Their eyes widened in disbelief.
23:24Then, their faces turned into a hateful scowl.
23:26You two, shrewd!
23:29Grandmother was cursing at us.
23:31Dad stopped the tractor.
23:33He threw a stone and hit my uncle right on the head.
23:36My uncle jumped up in pain.
23:38Who did that?
23:40Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water basin.
23:44They are my wife and daughter now.
23:46If you insult them again, you're dealing with me.
23:50He looked terrifying.
23:51Even with a limp, he stood like a mountain.
23:55Grandmother and my uncle were bullies who feared the strong.
23:58They were furious but didn't dare say a word.
24:02Mom gripped my hand.
24:04Her eyes turned red.
24:05As we drove away, I looked back.
24:08I could still see their hateful glares.
24:11I suddenly felt brave.
24:13I waved my red socks and made a face at them.
24:17I had a real dad now.
24:19They could never bully us again.
24:21Back home, Mom started decorating the tree and making apple pie.
24:26Dad spent his time fixing everything in the house.
24:29He gathered wood and never stayed idle.
24:32He brought back more pheasants and rabbits.
24:35Eat more meat.
24:36Then your stomach won't hurt anymore.
24:38I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he refused.
24:42Kids stay home and play.
24:44I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too.
24:47Your dad wants you to play.
24:50Go on, you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet.
24:52At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time to play.
24:56Now that I could, I didn't know how.
24:59I walked along the path with some candy.
25:01I saved them carefully, not wanting to eat them.
25:04But then, I ran into some mean kids from a nearby farm.
25:08They swarmed me and grabbed my candy.
25:11You're a brat born from that limp farmer.
25:13Your grandmother said so.
25:15It must be true.
25:16A bitch and her brat.
25:18No wonder her husband just died and she remarried already.
25:21I fought back with all my might.
25:23That's not true!
25:25Grandmother kicked us out!
25:26My mom isn't a bitch and I'm not a brat!
25:30But I was too small.
25:32I couldn't beat them.
25:34My clothes were torn.
25:36My candy was gone.
25:38Even my new hair clip was missing.
25:40They laughed and ran off with my sweets.
25:43I sat in the mud and cried.
25:45Grandmother and my uncle stood nearby, watching with wicked smiles.
25:50You deserve this!
25:52We should have sold them to the town tavern back then!
25:55I screamed at them.
25:57I am not a brat!
25:58You are the bad people!
26:01You are evil!
26:02I was so small back then.
26:04My mom had already had a child.
26:06The tavern would never pay that much for us.
26:08They thought I was too young to understand.
26:11But I had overheard their conversation.
26:13They were the truly wicked ones.
26:15They wanted to leave us at the ranch.
26:17They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death.
26:20But they never expected this.
26:22Dad never hit us.
26:24He never tortured us, even for a second.
26:27He treated us so well.
26:29They couldn't stand it.
26:31So they spread rumors behind our backs.
26:33They framed us everywhere.
26:34Clearly, they are the real monsters.
26:38I lost the hair clip and candy Dad bought me.
26:41I was too ashamed to go home.
26:42I lingered near the gate, hesitating.
26:45Dad came down from the mountain.
26:46He saw me covered in mud and blood.
26:49He dropped his pheasants in shock.
26:51I had never seen him so angry.
26:54Who did this?
26:54I trembled in fear.
26:56I'm sorry.
26:58I'm so sorry.
26:59He panicked, trying to wipe the mud off my face.
27:03Tell Dad.
27:04Who hit you?
27:06His hands were rough, but they calmed my racing heart.
27:09I stuttered through the whole story.
27:11The more I spoke, the darker his face became.
27:15He took me back and left me with Mom.
27:18Then he grabbed his axe to head out.
27:20Rick.
27:21Mom pulled him back and shook her head.
27:24Dad thought for a moment.
27:26He dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead.
27:30That day, the parents of those bullies all got a beating.
27:33If you can't teach your kids, I won't hit them.
27:35I'll hit you instead.
27:38Those grown men were chased like rabbits.
27:43By a man with a limp.
27:46Dad moved slowly but steadily.
27:48He caught up to them and struck them down.
27:51The men wailed in pain.
27:53I'll break your leg!
27:54Everyone in the ranch came out to watch.
27:56Then Dad went to the Hudson ranch.
27:59He gave my uncle a brutal beating.
28:02My uncle screamed and begged for mercy.
28:04He promised he would never do it again.
28:06I won't do it again!
28:07I promise!
28:08Dad turned to the crowd of onlookers.
28:11If you have something to say, say it to my face.
28:12No one dared to speak.
28:14They all waved their hands and shook their heads.
28:17We all know what the Hudsons are like.
28:18Just go live your life.
28:20Look at how happy your family is now.
28:22Dad dropped the club.
28:24He patted my head and led me home.
28:29Have you lived this long without a name?
28:32I shook my head.
28:34Grandmother called me a brat.
28:36Mom only called me baby.
28:38Dad pulled me close and looked at the stars.
28:40From now on, your name is Stella.
28:44Shine like a star and have a bright future ahead.
28:49For the first time, I had a real name.
28:52Stella Cooper, I have my own name now.
28:55I smiled at Mom.
28:56Dad smiled too and patted my head.
28:59I finally have a daughter of my own.
29:03That night, Mom talked to me.
29:05Stella, you're a big girl now.
29:09Starting tomorrow, you sleep on your own, okay?
29:12If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep?
29:14I thought about it and nodded hard.
29:17Okay, Mom.
29:18You and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon.
29:20I'll play with them.
29:22This time, I really wanted a sibling.
29:25A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful.
29:28The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
29:32Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday?
29:35I nodded vigorously.
29:36So cool!
29:37If you want to protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever.
29:42You have to rely on yourself.
29:44Do you want like me strong?
29:46I nodded again.
29:47Yes.
29:48I wanted to be strong like him.
29:50I wanted to protect my parents and my future siblings.
29:53I wanted to hunt bears and earn lots of money.
29:57Dad looked proud.
29:58He made me run 50 laps around our ranch cabin.
30:02By the end, I could barely stand.
30:04He gritted his teeth and wouldn't let me stop.
30:07Mom looked pained, but she didn't say a word.
30:10She just made extra food and added two fried eggs for me.
30:14After running, there was weight training.
30:17Dad brought sandbags from the ranch warehouse.
30:20They felt like a thousand pounds on my arms.
30:24After a day of training, my hands and feet were covered in blisters.
30:28Mom washed my feet and popped the blisters for me.
30:31Stella, train hard.
30:34Your dad is doing this for your own good.
30:38I know, Mom.
30:39Most ranch families only teach girls to gather wood, wash clothes, and cook.
30:44Who would ever teach a girl how to be strong?
30:46I understood how much Dad cared for me.
30:49That night, Mom moved into Dad's room.
30:51I heard them talking for a bit before the lights went out.
30:55My body ached all over, but I slept peacefully.
30:58The next morning, Dad woke up late.
31:01I had already finished 30 laps when he came out.
31:04His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.
31:07All day long, Dad and Mom were blushing.
31:10They kept stealing glances at each other.
31:12Why hide it?
31:13Just look if you want to.
31:16Grown-ups are so strange.
31:17We had a perfect Christmas.
31:19Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch.
31:22He bought two dairy cows and a few beef cattle.
31:24When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch.
31:27During the off-season, we went hunting.
31:30Dad started taking me into the mountains.
31:32He taught me how to track animals and read their droppings.
31:35He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves.
31:38He taught me to set traps and use a hunting rifle.
31:41He even showed me how to knock someone out with minimal force and how to spot poisonous plants in the
31:47woods.
31:47I was weak, so my progress was slow.
31:50But Dad was always patient.
31:52Our family was happy.
31:53But the rumors never truly stopped.
31:55Most of them came from the Hudsons.
31:58Rick's fault.
31:58He's a cripple.
31:59That person pretends to be arrogant and married a cripple.
32:04So what if Jason was handsome?
32:06His only talents were hitting us, gambling and drinking.
32:10I started staring at Dad's leg.
32:13Dad noticed and tried to walk slower to hide his limp.
32:16Sometimes he would lean on the ranch fence for support.
32:21Your dad is so good to you, Stella.
32:25Don't be heartless.
32:27Don't look down on him like others.
32:29Mom thought I was becoming ungrateful.
32:31Her eyes turned red with anger.
32:32But she couldn't bring herself to hit me.
32:35I quickly grabbed her hand to explain.
32:37Mom, I don't look down on Dad.
32:39I feel bad for him.
32:41I want to study medicine.
32:43I want to fix his leg.
32:45I didn't care that he limped.
32:46I didn't care about the scar on his face.
32:48I just hated seeing him unable to sleep when it rained.
32:52I hated that hunting was harder for him than others.
32:56Mom understood my thoughts, but she was worried.
32:59There were no medical schools in town.
33:01Besides, I was only a six-year-old girl.
33:04Dad overheard us from outside the cabin.
33:06He stayed silent for two days.
33:08He just sat on the porch, staring at the mountains.
33:12Two days later, he took me back to the city.
33:14We found the butler who bought the black bear.
33:17Dad asked him for a favor.
33:18The man looked at me carefully.
33:20He patted Dad's shoulder and agreed happily.
33:23If she wants to learn, she can start as an assistant in the pharmacy.
33:29Stella, studying medicine is very hard.
33:32You have to memorize names, mix medicine, and care for the sick.
33:37People might yell at you or even hit you.
33:41Can you handle it?
33:42I slapped my chest and spoke loudly.
33:44I can.
33:45I'll fix my dad's leg and earn lots of money.
33:49I'll take care of my parents and my future siblings.
33:53The man burst out laughing and nudged Dad's arm.
33:55Rick, your daughter is so sweet.
33:59Is the next one already on the way?
34:01Dad's face turned bright red instantly.
34:04He waved his hands quickly.
34:06It's still too early for that!
34:08I lived at the pharmacy in town, doing odd jobs.
34:11I tried my best to learn everything about medicine.
34:14I only went home to the ranch once every two weeks.
34:17I brought the sandbags Dad gave me to the pharmacy.
34:20No matter how busy I was, I found time to train.
34:23Mom hated leaving me alone in town.
34:26She held my hand and wouldn't let go when she dropped me off.
34:29With red eyes, she told me to eat well and not overwork.
34:33Come home if anyone treats you badly, she said.
34:36I waved and smiled to comfort her.
34:39Don't worry, Mom.
34:40I can take care of myself.
34:42When I learn everything, I'll fix Dad's leg.
34:45Mom laughed through her tears and wiped them away.
34:48All right, I'll be waiting.
34:50I'll make your favorite snacks for when you come home.
34:53The doctor at the pharmacy was an old friend of the butler's.
34:56He was kind to patients, but very strict with apprentices.
34:59If we forgot a drug's name, he yelled.
35:02If we missed a detail in a patient's record, he yelled.
35:05If we took blood pressure incorrectly, he yelled.
35:08Sometimes he made us copy drug names as punishment for being slow.
35:12The other students felt mistreated.
35:14Before long, they all went home crying and never came back.
35:18But I wasn't afraid.
35:19What was this little bit of hardship?
35:21Compared to Grandmother's beatings or Jason's violence, this was nothing.
35:25I was already used to it.
35:27Besides, I knew the doctor wanted me to grow fast, just like Dad wanted me to be strong.
35:32The doctor was strict, but he never treated us poorly.
35:35He made plenty of food for us every day.
35:38Sometimes he even gave us nutrient powder.
35:40I might not be the smartest, but I know who was truly kind.
35:43I kept training the way Dad taught me.
35:45I ran five kilometers with weights every morning and night.
35:48I grew stronger, and my movements became faster.
35:51The doctor started teaching me massage techniques.
35:54At first, I practiced on him.
35:56Slowly, I began helping the elderly patients ease their pain.
35:59The doctor worked so hard with his patients in medicine.
36:02I massaged him to help him relax.
36:04He started smiling at me more.
36:06He even taught me about heat and cold therapy.
36:09He said these skills would really help my dad.
36:11When I went home every two weeks, the first thing I did was massage Dad's leg.
36:15I rubbed the stiff muscles from his knee to his ankle.
36:19Then I used the heat therapy the doctor taught me.
36:22At first, Dad refused.
36:23He thought it was awkward for a man to have his legs rubbed.
36:26I had to beg him for a long time before he finally agreed.
36:30After the massage, he stood up and took a few steps.
36:33His eyes lit up and turned a bit red.
36:36Stella is so smart.
36:38My leg feels much better now.
36:41Mom saw this and asked me to teach her, too.
36:43When you're away, I can do it for him.
36:46He worked so hard on the ranch and in the mountains.
36:49I taught them both step by step.
36:51I laughed and said,
36:53When I'm not here, you two can massage each other.
36:55That way, you'll both feel better.
36:57Both their faces turned bright red instantly.
36:59They glanced at each other and quickly looked down.
37:02Mom gave me a little pinch for talking nonsense.
37:04They are so strange.
37:06What is there to be embarrassed about?
37:07I studied in the city for five years.
37:10My medical knowledge and physical strength grew fast.
37:13I went from a skinny little girl to a strong, healthy teenager.
37:17The fear in my eyes was gone, replaced by confidence.
37:21During this time, Mom and Dad never had another child.
37:25Rumors started spreading around the ranch.
37:27Most of them came from the Hudson's.
37:29They claimed Dad couldn't have children.
37:31It must be Rick's fault.
37:32He's disabled.
37:33He probably doesn't even have the strength to father a child.
37:36Maybe that's why his first first wife fought with him before she died.
37:39I overheard some workers gossiping when I returned home.
37:42I clenched my fists, ready to fight them.
37:44But Mom grabbed my hand and stepped forward.
37:46She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
37:48It's my fault!
37:50I was abused at the Hudson's and it ruined my health!
37:53It has nothing to do with my husband, Rick!
37:55Stop your lies!
37:56Dad was healthy, but Mom was right.
37:59Years of hunger, heavy labor, and beatings had left her scarred.
38:03She had been taking medicine for five years, but nothing happened.
38:07Mom was anxious and often sat by the creek staring into space.
38:10Sometimes I caught her wiping away tears.
38:13Dad was always there to comfort her.
38:15Raising Stella is enough.
38:17She's smart and capable.
38:20She's worth more than ten sons.
38:24With her around, we have nothing to worry about.
38:32But right then, my biological father, Jason, suddenly returned.
38:36I'll see you next time.
38:36Bye.
38:36Why should I hayır McKitt Skipagonal?
38:36I'll be right back next time.
38:37Bye.
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