- 12 hours ago
The Late Starlight
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband, who took my last name, had no idea I planned to transfer 15% of the company shares
00:04to him.
00:04On the day of the health checkup, I found out that our son is type A, but my husband and
00:08I are type O.
00:09I looked at the miniature version of my husband and didn't say a word.
00:12I just calmly did two things.
00:13First, I secretly pulled a strand of my son's hair.
00:16Second, I tore up the share transfer agreement I'd prepared.
00:18After watching Jamie walk into school, I turned and headed straight to the paternity test center.
00:21How soon can I get the results if I pay for a fast track?
00:23Normally, it's five working days.
00:25A fast track will be ready by 4 p.m. this afternoon, and it'll cost three times as much.
00:28I choose the fast track.
00:29My hand was shaking as I handed over the samples.
00:30After sampling my own cheek cells, I sat in the waiting area, staring at the clock on the wall, watching
00:34each second tick by.
00:35While I waited, I contacted a private investigator.
00:37I want to check on my husband, Roger Bennett, especially his whereabouts these past few months.
00:40At 3.40 p.m., my phone rang.
00:42The results had come out.
00:43I opened the report and scrolled straight to the end.
00:45DNA analysis shows the probability of paternity between Julia Caldwell and Jamie Bennett is 0.0001%.
00:51Based on genetic markers, this does not support Julia Caldwell being Jamie Bennett's biological mother.
00:55Even though I was prepared for this, seeing it in writing still made me panic.
00:57I slid to the ground against the wall.
00:59He's not my child.
01:00I've raised a child who isn't biologically mine for nine years, so where is my child?
01:04I immediately went to the hospital where I gave birth nine years ago, and met the doctor back then, who's
01:08a department director now.
01:09I got straight to the point.
01:10Dr. Pierce, I want to see my delivery records and hospitalization files from nine years ago.
01:14Her smile faded for a second.
01:16It's been so long, the files might be archived already.
01:18After some effort, the records clerk finally brought out a folder.
01:21I opened it and saw that the records were extremely brief.
01:24There were only admission and discharge dates, delivery method, and the newborn's weight.
01:27No detailed notes on the birth process.
01:28No nurse handoff records.
01:30No pediatrician's exam report.
01:31Is this all you have?
01:32He said apologetically.
01:33It's all that we have in the system.
01:35Paper records for OBGYN cases are usually kept for ten years.
01:38Yours is about to expire.
01:39What about the newborn's footprints?
01:40The blood test records?
01:41He shook his head.
01:42Those should be in the newborn records.
01:44But we couldn't find them.
01:45It couldn't be more obvious that something isn't right.
01:48An overly simple medical file.
01:49A missing newborn record.
01:51A boy who isn't my biological son but looks just like my husband.
01:54My phone rang.
01:54It was Roger.
01:55Where are you?
01:56I picked Jamie up.
01:57That's when I realized that Jamie had finished school.
01:59Good thing I told the teacher earlier.
02:01I'm out running errands.
02:02I'll be home soon.
02:02I hung up right after I said that.
02:04After dinner, I used a headache as an excuse to head to my room early.
02:07Roger was in the living room, helping Jamie with his homework.
02:09I could hear their voices through the door.
02:11Dad, isn't I upset?
02:13She's just tired.
02:14Finish your homework and go to bed early.
02:16Once they were both asleep, I started quietly searching the whole house.
02:19Master bedroom, living room, and Jamie's room.
02:21I looked everywhere.
02:22But I didn't find anything.
02:23Finally, I looked at the computer and the study.
02:25I was sure the truth had to be in there.
02:27I heard footsteps outside, so I closed the documents.
02:29When Roger opened the door, I was just tidying up the desk.
02:32He glanced at the computer screen, which was displaying the desktop.
02:34It was a photo of us at the beach three years ago.
02:36Why are you still up?
02:37Just sorting through some old files.
02:38I answered while turning off the monitor.
02:40He stood there for a moment as if he wanted to say something.
02:42But in the end, he just nodded.
02:44Get some rest.
02:44I sat in the dark, listening to his footsteps fade away.
02:47That night, I didn't turn the computer back on.
02:49I lay in bed, my mind a mess.
02:50The next morning, I still asked Roger to take Jamie to school.
02:53He looked at me, grabbed his car keys, and said okay.
02:56As soon as they left, I went straight to the study.
02:57Turned on the computer and entered the password.
02:59I tried our wedding anniversary.
03:00Innocrect.
03:01I tried his birthday.
03:02Incorrect.
03:02I tried our son's birthday and still incorrect.
03:04I then tried the day we first met.
03:06His mother's birthday.
03:07The day the company was founded.
03:08But all were incorrect.
03:09The system told me to try again in 15 minutes.
03:11I sat in the chair, staring at the login screen.
03:13The computer that we bought together has now locked me out.
03:16That night, when Roger got home from work, he said as he took off his jacket,
03:19I have to go to Harbor City tomorrow.
03:20Not sure how long I'll be gone.
03:22I walked out of the kitchen with the dinner.
03:23That's quite a rush.
03:24Who's going with you?
03:25He set his briefcase on the table and turned to look at me.
03:27It's a last minute thing, Julia.
03:28Can you stop this behavior?
03:29I looked at him quietly, not understanding why a simple question got such a big reaction.
03:33Why do you have to ask about everything?
03:34Why are you suspicious of everyone?
03:36It's just a business trip.
03:36I turned around to serve the food, my hand trembling a little.
03:39It was just a question.
03:40He didn't say anything else and went straight into the bedroom.
03:42No one spoke during dinner.
03:43Jamie seemed to sense something, and for once he didn't complain about the food.
03:46After Roger had a shower, he picked up his coat from the sofa to hang it up.
03:49A receipt fell out of the pocket, landing at my feet.
03:52After he left, I picked it up and looked.
03:53It was a perfume receipt.
03:55It was quite expensive.
03:56The purchase was yesterday afternoon.
03:57I didn't recognize the perfume name, but I knew it wasn't for me.
04:00Roger has never bought me a gift ever since we were married.
04:02I used to make excuses for him that he wasn't romantic, busy, or just practical.
04:06Looks like he can be romantic, but just not with me.
04:09I took note of the info on the receipt.
04:10Early the next morning, after Roger left for the airport, I called the store.
04:14I want to check on this receipt.
04:15Yes.
04:16Yesterday afternoon.
04:17Hold on.
04:17Let me check.
04:18Found it.
04:18It was purchased by Miss Kathy Miller.
04:19Kathy Miller.
04:20I recognize the name.
04:22She was Roger's secretary.
04:23She was a divorced woman in her 30 seconds hired six months ago.
04:26On my way to the airport, I wasn't sure what I wanted to confirm.
04:29Maybe the perfume was for a client.
04:30Maybe I was overthinking it.
04:31I waited outside the international departures for half an hour before I finally saw Roger
04:35and her.
04:36Kathy is wearing a beige-a-trench coat, pulling a small suitcase, and is walking with Roger.
04:40Roger had a smile on his face that I hadn't seen in a long time.
04:43Then, in front of the security checkpoint, Kathy stopped.
04:46She naturally reached out and straightened Roger's collar.
04:48Roger didn't move.
04:49He leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
04:51Kathy laughed.
04:52Then on her tiptoes, she kissed his lips.
04:54Roger's hands rested on her waist for a while before he pulled them away.
04:57He seemed to have done it countless times.
04:58The last bit of self-deception I was holding onto completely vanished.
05:01So all those late nights at the office, all those impatient looks she gave me, had a reason.
05:06I look at them.
05:06They were very intimate.
05:07And suddenly, a thought crept into my mind.
05:09Does the son that isn't biologically mine have something to do with this woman?
05:12On the way home, I called the private investigator I hired a few days ago.
05:16I need you to look into someone else for me.
05:18Kathy Miller.
05:19I want to know everything about her, especially if she has a child.
05:22The investigator worked fast.
05:23The next afternoon, I got the report.
05:26Kathy Miller, 32 years old.
05:27Divorced five years ago.
05:28She has a one zero-year-old son named Felix.
05:30He goes to a school on the west side of the city.
05:32One date said and stood out to me.
05:33Kathy's son is only a week.
05:35Younger than Jamie.
05:36Ten years.
05:36For the first time, I felt my blood boil.
05:38I sat on the couch, holding the investigator's report in my hands.
05:41And then a thought popped into my mind.
05:42I ran into the study.
05:43My fingers hovered over the keyboard.
05:45Then I slowly entered Kathy's birthday.
05:47I logged in.
05:48There's only one folder named Work Backup.
05:50I clicked it.
05:51Inside were rows of subfolders, organized by year, starting from 11 years ago.
05:55In the earliest folder, there were scanned old photos.
05:58Roger and Kathy were in school uniforms, standing under a locust tree.
06:01The 19-year-old Roger was smiling, his hand resting on Kathy's shoulder.
06:04Kathy had her hair in a ponytail, looking up at him.
06:06The next photo was from university.
06:07They were in a library.
06:08The one after that was their graduation photo.
06:09Both of them in caps and gowns, holding hands.
06:11That year, Roger told me the company was in trouble, so he canceled our anniversary trip.
06:15I closed the folder.
06:16I had butterflies in my stomach.
06:18Ten years of lies.
06:18I stared at the wedding photo of Roger and me on the screen, feeling a wave of nausea.
06:22At three inches of the afternoon, I drove to the west side of the city, to that elementary
06:25school.
06:25It looked even older than the detective described.
06:27The school bell rang for dismissal.
06:28Kids poured out the gates.
06:29I sat in my car, hands gripping the steering wheel.
06:31He walked out alone.
06:32No one there to pick him up.
06:33He glanced around, then walked slowly along the pavement.
06:35I held my breath.
06:36That boy?
06:37Felix.
06:38No, that's my child.
06:39The way he walks kind of reminds me of myself.
06:41His feet had a slight inward turn.
06:43When he raised his hand to fix his hair, I noticed a birthmark on his wrist, in exactly the
06:46same spot as mine.
06:47I saw dust on his eyelashes, his lips were a little chapped, and his shoes were worn
06:51down.
06:51There was an emptiness in his eyes, nothing like what a ten-year-old should have.
06:54I covered my mouth, trying not to make a sound.
06:55He walked into the distance, disappearing around a corner.
06:57I slumped over the steering wheel and cried my eyes out.
06:59For that kid, walking home alone, for the ten years of a life lived out of place, and
07:03for the fact that I, like a fool, lived in a script written by someone else.
07:06Then, I wiped away my tears and started the car.
07:08Inside the law firm, I placed the flash drive in front of Mr. Lister.
07:11It had backups of all the photos, the paternity test results, scanned version of the medical
07:15reports, the perfume receipt, and information about Kathy and Felix.
07:18I want a divorce.
07:19I want Roger Bennett out with nothing.
07:20I want custody of my child.
07:22I want him to pay for what he's done.
07:23As I walked out of a law firm, I remembered what Roger said when he proposed ten years
07:26ago.
07:27Julia, I'll give you a lifetime of security.
07:29Turns out his lifetime was only ten years.
07:31No, maybe not even ten years.
07:32I took out my phone, called the company's second largest shareholder, who was also my father's
07:36colleague.
07:37Ms. Richardson, about next week's board meeting, there are some things I want to talk to you
07:40about.
07:41Roger probably forgot this company belonged to the Caldwell family.
07:43The only reason he became general manager was because I persuaded my father to give
07:46him a shot.
07:46I could give him the position, and I could also take it away from him.
07:48Two weeks after Roger left, I liquidated everything that could be cashed out under my
07:51name.
07:52Every afternoon for the next few days, I'd go to Felix's school.
07:55One time it rained, and he didn't have an umbrella, he waited under the awning of the
07:58corner shop for half an hour.
07:59In the end, he ran home in the rain.
08:01I sat in my car as the rain blurred the windows.
08:03Friday afternoon, I arrived outside the school early.
08:05When I saw Felix come out, I got out of the car and acted as a passerby.
08:08The folder in my hand fell right in front of him.
08:10He froze for a second before picking it up for me.
08:12Thank you, young man.
08:13Is your mom not here yet?
08:15He shook his head.
08:15Mom's working late today.
08:17How are you getting home then?
08:18I take the bus.
08:19I took out a brand new bottle of water from my bag and handed it to him.
08:22Have some water.
08:22He hesitated before taking it and whispering thank you.
08:24I noticed when he talks, he has a habit of pressing his lips together just like me.
08:28His eyes are like mine too.
08:29Does your mom often work late?
08:30He nodded first, but then shook his head.
08:32Sometimes.
08:33What about your dad?
08:33He didn't answer.
08:34He looked down at his shoes.
08:35The sides of those sneakers were already coming apart.
08:37The left shoelace was broken.
08:38I didn't ask anymore.
08:39I took out 30 bucks from my purse and gave it to him.
08:41Go buy yourself a new pair of shoes.
08:43He stepped back.
08:44No, I can't accept this.
08:45Sarah's me thanking you for picking up my folder.
08:47I slipped the money into the side pocket of his backpack and walked away.
08:50After taking a few steps, I turned around and glanced at him.
08:52He looked a little lost.
08:53That night, I stood at the door of Jamie's room.
08:55He was playing with the new Lego set Roger bought him.
08:57It was a limited edition.
08:58The space shuttle was quite expensive.
09:00Mom, what's wrong?
09:02I walked in and ran my fingers through his hair.
09:04Did you finish your homework?
09:05I finished it ages ago.
09:06He showed off the model in his hands.
09:08Dad said, if I make it to the top 10 inches of midterm exams, he'll take me to the theme
09:12park.
09:12I smiled and said, that's great.
09:13But the second I turned around, my smile disappeared.
09:16The way Roger treated the two kids felt like a dagger to my heart.
09:19My own son wears worn out shoes, takes the bus alone, while this child gets everything.
09:24Roger, who had been away for two weeks, finally came back home.
09:26After he put down his suitcase, the first thing he said was,
09:28Where's Jamie?
09:29Why is it so quiet?
09:30I signed him up for a tutoring class, two hours every day.
09:32Why'd you suddenly sign him up?
09:33He's only in fourth grade.
09:34I didn't answer. I could smell that perfume on him.
09:36He walked over, trying to hug me. I turned away.
09:39Why is there the smell of perfume on you?
09:40Who'd you go out to dinner with?
09:41He froze, clearly annoyed.
09:43Julia, you're being paranoid again. The perfume is from a client. Can you not do this?
09:47I suddenly found it hilarious. Only now did I realize just how bad his acting really was.
09:51I took out an envelope from the coffee table drawer, slowly pulled out the photos, and laid them on the
09:54table.
09:55Roger's face was dark.
09:56He picked up a photo, then threw it back onto the table.
09:58You followed me.
09:59Does it matter?
10:00I smiled helplessly.
10:01What matters is these photos. If they show up at the board meeting, or get sent to your clients, what
10:05do you think will happen?
10:06He slumped onto the couch across from me and covered his face with his hands.
10:09What do you want?
10:10I stared at him. My voice was indifferent.
10:12First, fire Kathy Miller and promise you won't see her again.
10:14Second, tell me what really happened at the hospital ten years ago.
10:17He stood up angrily.
10:18You crazy? Just because of a few photos?
10:20My voice was cold.
10:21Don't forget, Roger. This company belongs to the Caldwell family. You are where you are because of me. I get
10:25to make the calls.
10:26I almost felt sorry for him, but then I thought of Felix's worn-out shoes, and how he waited alone
10:30for the rain to stop.
10:31For the sake of the ten years we spent together, and for our child, if you do as I say,
10:35I won't get a divorce.
10:36I turned and went into the bedroom, pulled out a file, and handed it to him.
10:39It was a prenatal report, showing I was five weeks pregnant.
10:42Roger looked at the report, stunned, then looked up at me.
10:45You're pregnant?
10:45I nodded. My hand rested on my stomach.
10:48Five weeks now. The doctor said it's stable.
10:49His expression shifted. He swallowed.
10:52His eyes moved back and forth between me and the report. I continued speaking.
10:55So as long as you cut ties with Kathy Miller, and get her to stay away from the company and
10:59our lives, I can let what happened in the past go.
11:01We still have Jamie, and now, this baby.
11:04Roger's gaze landed on my stomach. There was an obvious struggle in his eyes.
11:08I need to think about it.
11:09His voice was a little hoarse. He turned and went into the bedroom.
11:11That night, the light in his room stayed on until quite late.
11:13The next morning, I was drinking coffee when I saw Roger walk out with dark circles around his eyes.
11:17I slid a glass of water over to him. He took it, but didn't look at me.
11:20I've made up my mind, Julia. We-
11:22No need to say more.
11:22I interrupted him, pulled the divorce papers out of the folder, and placed them on the table. He was infuriated.
11:27What's the meaning of this? Aren't we having another baby?
11:29I said coldly.
11:30I told you I was pregnant, and then you needed the whole night to decide whether to break up with
11:34her.
11:35Roger stood up.
11:36We're having a baby. What about the baby? Or what about Jamie?
11:39The baby?
11:40I suddenly laughed.
11:41You mean the kid I've raised for ten years, who turns out to be yours and Kathy's. Is that it?
11:46Roger's face paled in an instant. He backed into the table.
11:48How did you know? When did you find out?
11:50I held my phone up to his face. On the screen was a photo of the paternity test report.
11:54Still, I should thank you. The password to the file on your computer is Kathy's birthday. You've been using that
11:58for ten years, right?
12:00His breathing became rapid. He seemed to be in a panic.
12:02Let me explain.
12:03My voice was calm, with a hint of mockery.
12:05Explain how you switched the babies when I gave birth? Explain how you got Kathy into the company?
12:09Or explain how you and her have been laughing behind my back for ten years?
12:12I stepped closer.
12:13The funniest part is, when you look at that kid, sometimes you show a little guilt. Is it guilt for
12:18lying to me? Or guilt for not treating your own son better?
12:21Felix.
12:21Roger suddenly remembered something and said in a low voice.
12:23Where is Felix?
12:25Too late.
12:25I turned around and opened the door.
12:27Your son. I mean, our son is at somewhere you can't find now. You and Kathy's son is still upstairs
12:32sleeping. He has no idea his dad is facing a huge decision.
12:34Roger rushed over, grabbed my arm, and yelled,
12:37Julia, you can't do this. That's my child.
12:39I shook him off.
12:40Ever since the day you switched the kids, you don't deserve to be a father anymore. Now, please leave my
12:44house.
12:44After I closed the door, I heard him pounding on it.
12:46Then, I heard the sound of his car driving away.
12:47I knew exactly where he was headed.
12:49He was going to find Kathy and to look for the son he lost ten years ago.
12:51Three days ago, when the private investigator gave me Kathy's file, I saw that child again.
12:55I told him the truth. He was unusually calm, those eyes just like mine, held a maturity far beyond his
13:00years.
13:01I held his hand and promised I'd take him away, that we'd start over.
13:03He remained silent for a long time, then gently nodded.
13:06He went abroad with my assistant yesterday afternoon.
13:08There was a good school there, a house, and new friends.
13:10Once I finish everything here, I can finally reunite with my son.
13:13The divorce papers had been sitting on the table for three days when Roger finally showed up.
13:17He stood outside the door, dark circles under his eyes, unshaven.
13:19It had been a while since I had seen him like this.
13:21Julia, let's talk this out.
13:22I was in my pajamas, leaning against the doorway.
13:24I didn't let him in. The agreement was very clear.
13:26There's nothing to talk about, he said helplessly.
13:27I can't go through with this. For the ten years of our marriage and for the child.
13:30Which child?
13:31I interrupted him and sneered.
13:32The one in the video, or the one upstairs?
13:35Roger's face paled instantly.
13:37A week ago, Kathy sent over a bunch of files.
13:39When I opened them, I saw a lot of videos.
13:41In the footage, Felix was crying, getting beaten, and locked in a dark room.
13:43There was only one line in the email.
13:45Thank you for raising my son all these years.
13:47I watched all night long and threw up three times by sunrise.
13:49He tried to explain,
13:50Those videos were because Kathy lost control sometimes.
13:52I sneered.
13:53That's your son.
13:54You see her every week.
13:56You only notice her new perfume, her new nail varnish,
13:58but never saw the bruises on your own son.
13:59He was speechless.
14:00I said indifferently.
14:01I've already hired a lawyer.
14:02If you don't sign the agreement, then we'll settle this in court.
14:04The evidence of the child swap, the photos of your affair, will all become part of the case file.
14:08He said in a low voice.
14:09You're out of your mind.
14:10The company is about to go public.
14:11At a time like this?
14:11I said before closing the door.
14:12So just sign the agreement while I'm still giving you a way out.
14:15The door closed.
14:15He stood outside for a long time before finally leaving.
14:18Three days later, Roger signed the agreement.
14:19On the fourth day after the divorce, I saw Roger and Kathy's wedding photos on social media.
14:23Kathy was in a white wedding dress.
14:24Roger had his arm around her, but his expression looked stiff.
14:26The title was, Finally Together After 10 Years.
14:29I took a screenshot, then turned off my phone.
14:31That afternoon, Mr. Lister called.
14:33Julia, all the documents are ready.
14:34The bank records of the child swap, the messages between him and Kathy,
14:37plus the abuse videos and medical records.
14:39It's enough to file the case.
14:40Thank you for your hard work.
14:41Understood.
14:42He paused for a moment.
14:43You really don't want to see him one last time?
14:45He came by the firm yesterday and wanted me to tell you he's sorry.
14:48It's too late.
14:49The next morning, the plane took off.
14:51My assistant picked me up at the airport.
14:52She said to me,
14:53Felix has been doing a bit better this week.
14:54He's willing to talk again.
14:55Yesterday, he even asked when you'd be here.
14:57My heart skipped a beat.
14:58The car stopped in front of a white house.
14:59In the garden, a small, skinny kid was crouched on the ground watching ants.
15:03Felix.
15:03He looked a little better than in the videos, but he was still too thin.
15:05There wasn't much fat on him.
15:06I walked over and crouched down in front of him.
15:08I'm your mom.
15:09He stared at me for a long time.
15:10Then he nodded gently.
15:11I gently pulled him in for a hug.
15:12He didn't pull away.
15:13I'm sorry for being late.
15:14He trembled a little in my arms.
15:18I took him to the park.
15:19The first time he rode the carousel, he gripped the rail really tightly.
15:22I took him to the library and found out he loved books about stars.
15:25At night, after he fell asleep, I gently stroked his hair.
15:27He still didn't talk much, but sometimes he'd smile at me.
15:30At three in the morning, the bedroom door creaked open from the wind.
15:32A soft, muffled sobbing reached my ears, like needles stabbing them.
15:35I jolted awake.
15:36I knew instantly it was Felix.
15:37I pushed open his bedroom door.
15:39Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting mottled shadows across the floor,
15:42outlining his tiny figure curled upon the bed.
15:44His hands were gripping the blanket tightly.
15:46His forehead covered in cold sweat.
15:47He kept mumbling over and over.
15:49Mom, please don't lock me in the dark room.
15:52There are rats.
15:52I hurried over, sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled him gently into my arms.
15:56His shoulders were icy cold.
15:58His body tensed for a moment.
15:59Then, like a startled puppy, he threw himself into my embrace.
16:01His crying was muffled and desperate.
16:03And in an instant, my pajamas were soaked with his tears.
16:05Mom, I'm scared.
16:06That storage room was so dark.
16:08My heart felt like it was being sliced with a dull knife, aching in a thousand little ways.
16:11I kept patting his back.
16:12I tried to keep my trembling voice stable.
16:14Felix, it's okay.
16:16Mom's here.
16:16No one can lock you up anymore.
16:18I will protect you.
16:19Silent tears fell onto his hair.
16:20I remembered in the video Kathy sent, the child shivering in the darkness, and all those scars, old and new,
16:26crisscrossing his body.
16:27I wish I could tear apart everyone who ever hurt him.
16:29That night, I held him on the couch.
16:31We sat there until sunrise.
16:32I told him how I was afraid of lightning, and my dad would hold me in his arms.
16:35We'd count stars, and he'd sing lullabies.
16:37I told him when I first took over the company, the senior staff made things difficult for me.
16:40I secretly cried in the stairwell, and then wiped my tears before going back.
16:43I told him about the mischievous intern, who spilled coffee all over an important contract and looked as pale as
16:48a ghost.
16:48He listened quietly.
16:49Sometimes he would look up with those eyes that looked just like mine, staring at me.
16:52Then he would ask,
16:53Weren't you afraid?
16:54Of course I was.
16:55I stroked his hair, but I knew if I just could get through that, things would get better.
16:59And now, I have you.
17:01I can't afford to be afraid anymore.
17:03He nodded and seemed to vaguely understand.
17:04His little hand quietly wrapped around my finger.
17:06A few days later, I took Felix to the observatory on the edge of town.
17:09We took a bus that drove past endless wheat fields.
17:12The smell of wheat filled the air.
17:13Felix leaned against the window, his eyes filled with amusement.
17:16As night fell, the observatory dome opened slowly.
17:18A sky full of stars sparkled like diamonds, spreading across the deep blue sky.
17:22The view was really amazing.
17:23The guide pointed at Orion, telling the legend of the hunter.
17:26Felix's eyes shined as bright as the stars, and his lips curved into a gentle smile.
17:30On the way home, the bus rocked from side to side.
17:33He leaned against my shoulder and said quietly,
17:35Mom, the stars are so far away, but just seeing them makes me feel safe.
17:38I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth in my palm, my heart softened.
17:42I knew the wounds buried deep in his heart wouldn't disappear completely,
17:45just because of a trip to the observatory.
17:47Old scars, no matter how carefully tended, would always leave a faint mark.
17:50But as long as I was by his side, warming him little by little with love and patience,
17:54the light would one day cast out the darkness and light the path ahead for him.
17:56One afternoon, we were making cookies in the kitchen.
17:58The doorbell rang.
17:59Megan went to answer it.
18:00I heard her say,
18:01Mr. Bennett?
18:02The flower sifter in my hand slipped onto the table.
18:04Through the glass door, I saw Roger standing at the entrance.
18:06His hair was a mess, his eyes sunken.
18:08He was dragging an old suitcase.
18:09Julia, I've been looking for you for two weeks.
18:11I wiped my hands and walked out of the kitchen, closing the door behind me.
18:14Now you know where I am.
18:15You may leave.
18:16He looked into the kitchen at that small, thin figure and said,
18:18I want to see the kid.
18:19Our kid?
18:20I've been dreaming about when he was little lately.
18:22Dreaming about Kathy beating him.
18:23I never knew.
18:23I interrupted him.
18:25You should have known.
18:26You just chose not to know.
18:27He looked at my stomach and asked,
18:28Do you still carry the babe?
18:29I laughed.
18:30For the first time in days, I actually felt quite relieved.
18:32Of course I still carry the baby.
18:34I put my hand on my belly.
18:35The doctor said everything's fine.
18:36He's due born next spring.
18:37His face darkened and suddenly he got really worked up.
18:40He lunged toward me.
18:41I stepped aside.
18:42He stumbled and crashed into the entry cabinet, shouting angrily,
18:44Julia Caldwell, I want to see my son.
18:45You can't do this.
18:46I looked at him and then sneered.
18:48Roger Bennett, what you should be worried about right now isn't where my son is,
18:52but whether your son can come to this world safely.
18:54If you want your son to be born safely, you'd better deal with Kathy Miller first.
18:58Sort out the mess between yourselves.
18:59After I said that, I kicked him out.
19:01Even now, just looking at him made me feel absolutely disgusted.
19:04As I closed the door, I saw Roger slump to the ground,
19:07running his hands through his hair, looking completely defeated.
19:10A while later, Mr. Lister called.
19:11Things got ugly, Ms. Caldwell, but the situation isn't exactly in our favor.
19:14Turns out Roger and Kathy had already divorced, and they took it to court.
19:17Kathy was practically screaming in court,
19:19exposing how Roger used his position to transfer money to her over the years,
19:22and how he had promised to marry her.
19:24I gripped my phone tightly, listening to what was being said,
19:26but my expression stayed calm and collected.
19:28But Roger pinned all the blame on Kathy, claiming she forced him to switch the kids.
19:32In the end, Kathy was found guilty of child abduction, forgery, commercial fraud,
19:36and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
19:37Roger, however, managed to clear his name completely.
19:40He broke down in tears in court, claiming he was a victim too.
19:42Kathy had manipulated him for 10 years.
19:44Honestly, that excuse sounded pretty ridiculous.
19:45But the judge believed it.
19:46Or maybe the lawyer Roger hired was just that good.
19:49Before hanging up, Mr. Lister said softly,
19:51I'm sorry, Ms. Caldwell.
19:52This outcome is far from ideal.
19:54If you want, we can discuss what to do next.
19:56I cut him off.
19:56That's enough.
19:57At least my child is back with me.
19:59Felix was doing his homework.
20:00I walked over and asked him,
20:01Felix, I make sure the bad guys are punished, but maybe not enough.
20:05Will you be upset with me?
20:06He looked up.
20:06Mom, I know exactly who treats me well and who doesn't.
20:10I covered my mouth, tears streaming down my face.
20:13He lowered his head and kept writing, then mumbled.
20:15You look really ugly when you cry.
20:17I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
20:19Recently, I tried my best to make up for the motherly love he had missed over the years.
20:22I transferred my shares to his name.
20:24Even though he's still young, I knew what this kind of security meant.
20:27The school he went to had the best international program in the city.
20:29When the principal saw his previous grades, he furrowed his brows.
20:32For the past 10 years, Kathy never cared about his education.
20:34She just let him fend for himself.
20:36I hired three private tutors rotating through English, math, and science.
20:39Felix really stepped up.
20:40He would study until late every night.
20:41One night, I brought him some milk around midnight and saw him asleep at his desk with
20:45his pen in his hand.
20:46I didn't wake him up.
20:46I just gently draped a blanket over him.
20:48On Friday afternoon, I went to pick Felix up from school.
20:51The school gate was packed with parents.
20:52Felix came running out with his new backpack, his cheeks flushed from running around.
20:55Mom, I passed my math quiz today.
20:57I was about to take the quiz paper when I spotted a figure in the cafe across the street
21:00out of the corner of my eyes.
21:01Roger was sitting in the corner.
21:03There was dark stubble on his chin.
21:04He looks completely worn out.
21:06Nothing like how he used to be, all confident and in control as the boss.
21:09Felix followed my gaze, looking in the same direction.
21:10I squeezed his hand and said,
21:12Let's go home.
21:12As we turned to leave, hurried footsteps sounded from behind us.
21:15Roger had already crossed the street, locking our way.
21:17Julia, can we talk?
21:19I motioned for Felix to get in the car first, then looked at the man in front of me and
21:22said,
21:22There's nothing left for us to talk about.
21:23Kathy is already in prison.
21:25He blurted out like he was desperate to prove something.
21:27I've taken care of everything.
21:28It's completely over between me and her.
21:30I couldn't help but laugh.
21:30I was the one who hired a lawyer to put her behind bars.
21:33Roger, what does that have to do with you?
21:35Weren't you the one crying your eyes out in court and playing the victim?
21:38His face darkened.
21:39I know messed up, Julia.
21:40For the sake of the kid, please can you forgive me this once?
21:42The kid?
21:43His gaze landed on my stomach.
21:44That's right.
21:45Our kid.
21:46Oh, that.
21:46I slowly smoothed the wrinkles on my jacket and said,
21:49It was a lie.
21:50Roger was dumbfounded.
21:51His eyes widened into shock.
21:53I met his gaze.
21:54I said calmly that,
21:55I forged the prenatal report.
21:56I just wanted to see what choice you'd make.
21:58I stepped forward so he could get a better look at my flat stomach.
22:02It's been months.
22:03If I were really pregnant, wouldn't I be showing by now?
22:05His eyes stayed on my stomach for a long time.
22:07It's okay.
22:08It's alright if you're not pregnant.
22:09We still have Felix.
22:10And we have been married for 10 years.
22:11I cut him off.
22:12Stop dreaming, Roger.
22:13Wake up.
22:14He acted like he didn't hear me.
22:15Then suddenly, as if remembering something,
22:17he pulled a out velvet box from his briefcase.
22:20Look, this is the gift I bought for your 30th birthday.
22:22That year, the company was struggling,
22:23so I couldn't bear to give it to you.
22:24Then there was a second, a third.
22:26He lined up all the boxes on the floor.
22:27This one's for our 7th anniversary.
22:29This one's for the year we first moved into our house.
22:31And this one...
22:32The tiny velvet boxes made a row on the floor.
22:34It was quite funny.
22:35I bought one every year.
22:36I just never gave.
22:37He looked up, eyes red.
22:38Now, I'm giving them all to you, alright?
22:39Please, give me another chance.
22:41I crotched down and opened the nearest box.
22:43Inside is a diamond necklace.
22:45The pendant is shaped like an iris.
22:46It was my favorite flower.
22:48Back in the days,
22:48I would have been over the moon to get a gift like this.
22:50I would wear it and wrap my arms around his at every banquet
22:53just to show off how happy I was.
22:54Now, it just made me sick.
22:55I feel like I could throw up.
22:57I stood up, placed the necklace back into the box and said,
22:59Roger Bennett, when I loved you the most
23:01was when I'd lose sleep all night
23:03because you didn't reply to my texts.
23:05It was when I'd make supper for you
23:06when you were working overtime.
23:08It was when I felt everything was worth it
23:10when you thanked me for my hard work.
23:11I set the box down at his feet.
23:13That time when I loved you the most was long gone.
23:15All this, to me now, is no different from trash.
23:18He looked like he wanted to say something,
23:20but no word came out.
23:21His shoulders slumped quickly,
23:23like someone just pulled the spine out of him.
23:25I didn't look at him again.
23:26I turned and walked toward my car.
23:28As far as I was concerned,
23:29none of this mattered anymore.
23:30Three years later, late autumn,
23:32Felix had gotten a lot taller.
23:33He was at my shoulder height now.
23:34Mom, can you come to parents' evening next week?
23:37I placed a hand on his shoulder.
23:38Of course.
23:39I'll be at the parents' evening no matter what.
23:42He turned and smiled at me.
23:43Felix had been unbelievably mature
23:44during the past three years.
23:46When I had to work overtime,
23:47he would make dinner by himself.
23:48His grades improved quite a lot as well.
23:50His foreign language was better
23:51than some of the local kids.
23:52The teacher said he was resilient.
23:53The neighbor said he was well-behaved.
23:55But only I knew what was behind all that maturity.
23:57On a weekend evening, we made dumplings together.
23:59Felix's dumplings were always way too perfect.
24:01Every fold was exactly the same.
24:02Felix, you don't have to be so well-behaved
24:04in front of me.
24:05His hands paused mid-fold.
24:06I crouched down to look him in the eyes.
24:08You're allowed to get mad or sulk.
24:10You can say no, just like other kids do.
24:12I love you, not because you're well-behaved,
24:14but because you're who you are.
24:15He blinked his eyes.
24:16But if I do something wrong,
24:18will you stop loving me?
24:19I pulled him into my arms.
24:21No, never.
24:22The best thing I've ever done in my life
24:23was finding you.
24:24He remained silent for a while.
24:26Finally, he nodded gently.
24:27Felix's school was holding an open house event.
24:29I wrapped up my meeting at the office early
24:31and drove straight to the school.
24:32The autumn sunshine was shining through the leaves,
24:34warming the playground.
24:36Felix was running in the relay race.
24:38He was the anchor, the last runner.
24:39His little figure dashed like the wind,
24:41giving it everything he got.
24:42The moment he crossed the finish,
24:44I couldn't help but stand up,
24:45clapping and cheering for him.
24:46He happened to glance back,
24:47and when he saw me,
24:48he gave me a bright smile.
24:49His smile was clean and cheerful.
24:51It made all my efforts worth it.
24:52As the event ended,
24:54parents left in small groups.
24:55I was holding Felix's hand,
24:57planning to the dessert shop nearby,
24:58to keep my promise of buying ice cream
25:00for finishing the race.
25:01A woman in a faded, cheap trench coat
25:02suddenly rushed over.
25:03She blocked our path.
25:04It was Kathy Miller.
25:06She was just released.
25:07Her hair was yellowed and brittle,
25:08messily tied at the back of her head.
25:09She stared at me with a fierce,
25:10unwavering glare.
25:11Julia Caldwell,
25:12what gives you the right to take my son for me?
25:13Her voice was shrill and piercing,
25:15like nails scraping across glass.
25:16It immediately attracted the attention
25:17of several parents nearby.
25:18Some of them stopped walking
25:19and looked at us curiously.
25:20I instinctively pulled Felix behind me,
25:22shielding him.
25:23I looked coldly at Kathy.
25:25Felix was never your son.
25:26All you ever gave him
25:27were abuse and neglect.
25:28You don't have a shred
25:29of maternal love for him.
25:30You don't deserve to be his mother.
25:31I gave birth to him
25:32after 40 weeks of pregnancy.
25:33He's got my blood in his veins.
25:34Kathy became agitated,
25:36trying to lunge at me.
25:37Luckily, the school security guard
25:38arrived just in time
25:39to hold her back.
25:39She struggled,
25:40her hair coming loose,
25:41making her look a bit deranged.
25:42You took everything from me.
25:43Roger doesn't want me anymore
25:44and I lost my job.
25:45You won't even let me see my own son.
25:47Why do you get to have
25:47such a good life?
25:48Felix peeked out from behind me.
25:50His little face showed
25:51not a trace of fear.
25:52He looked straight at Kathy.
25:53His eyes were too calm
25:54for a child his age.
25:55I don't have a mom like you.
25:56His voice was calm and steady.
25:58You hit me
25:58and locked me in a dark room.
26:00You never once made me a meal.
26:02You've never even
26:02picked me up from school.
26:03Julia is my real mom.
26:05Kathy froze.
26:06It was as if she had never
26:07expected the child
26:08she carried for 40 weeks
26:09would say something
26:09like that to her.
26:10She just stared at Felix
26:11and after a few seconds
26:12she burst into tears.
26:14Her cries were sharp
26:15and desperate.
26:15I had no choice back then.
26:16Roger only cared about your money.
26:18He never once looked out for us.
26:19I was on my own.
26:20Do you have any idea
26:21how much pressure I was under?
26:22I hit him because
26:22I had no other choice.
26:23Being stressed isn't an excuse
26:25to abuse your child.
26:26I took out my phone
26:26opened up the folder
26:27I had saved ahead of time.
26:28Inside were Felix's
26:29medical records
26:30photos of the scars
26:31on his body
26:31and backup videos
26:32of Kathy hurting him.
26:33All of these are proof.
26:35If you keep coming after us
26:36I'll have my lawyer
26:37file a lawsuit right away.
26:38At that moment
26:39a familiar figure rushed over.
26:41It was Roger.
26:41He looked even more worn out
26:43than three years ago.
26:44When he saw Kathy
26:44his brows instantly furrowed.
26:46His voice was impatient.
26:47What are you doing here?
26:48Didn't I tell you
26:49not to look for them?
26:50Look at your son Roger.
26:51Kathy pointed at Felix
26:52her voice hoarse.
26:53Look at how well
26:54he's off right now.
26:54He has new clothes
26:55gets good food
26:56and a loving mom.
26:57And what about us?
26:58Roger's eyes landed on Felix.
27:00His expression
27:00was incredibly complicated.
27:01There was guilt
27:02and reluctance.
27:03But in the end
27:03he just turned to me.
27:04He said softly.
27:05I'm sorry Julia.
27:06I'll take her away.
27:07We won't bother
27:07your lives again.
27:08I didn't say anything.
27:09I just looked at him
27:10with cold eyes.
27:10Let's go mom.
27:11I don't want to see them.
27:12Okay.
27:13I crouched down
27:14smoothed the hair
27:14on his forehead
27:15that had been tousled
27:16by the wind
27:16and said gently.
27:17Let's go get some ice cream.
27:19I took Felix's hand
27:20and turned to leave.
27:20I didn't look back
27:21at Kathy or Roger behind me.
27:23Behind us came
27:23Kathy's crying and shouting,
27:25Roger's attempt
27:25to persuade her
27:26and the murmurs
27:27of other parents.
27:27But none of that
27:28mattered to us anymore.
27:29Felix held my hand tightly
27:30as he walked confidently forward.
27:32As he walked confidently forward.
27:33On one afternoon
27:34I took Felix out
27:35for his favorite
27:35chocolate ice cream.
27:36He got it all over his face
27:37like a little kitten.
27:38I pulled out a napkin
27:39and gently wiped
27:40the ice cream
27:40from his lips.
27:41He looked at me
27:41and said with a smile.
27:43Mom the ice cream
27:44is so sweet.
27:45You can have some
27:45every day from now on.
27:46Looking into his bright eyes
27:47I felt completely calm.
27:49All those shadows
27:50of the past
27:50might return someday
27:51but as long as Felix
27:52and I were together
27:53supporting each other
27:54I knew we would have
27:55a brighter and better future.
27:56The people who hurt us
27:58before would be left
27:58behind in the dust
27:59and wouldn't affect us
28:00ever again.
28:01The late autumn rain
28:02came out of nowhere.
28:03By the time school finished
28:04the rain was already
28:05really heavy.
28:06The school gate was crowded
28:06with parents waiting
28:07to pick up their kids.
28:08I stood under my umbrella
28:09waiting by our usual spot
28:10under the locust tree.
28:11From a distance
28:11I saw Felix with his backpack
28:12walking out alongside
28:13his classmates.
28:14There was a gentle smile
28:15on his face.
28:15It was the first time
28:16he had ever chosen
28:17to leave school with friends.
28:18At that moment
28:18a woman in a red raincoat
28:20suddenly rushed over
28:21and grabbed Felix's arm.
28:22Felix, come with me.
28:24How can you be living well
28:25when your mom's suffering?
28:26It was Kathy's younger sister
28:27Jenny Miller.
28:28The investigators report
28:29mentioned her before.
28:30She was quite close to Kathy
28:31always helped her handle
28:32all kinds of little things.
28:33She was also one of the people
28:34who knew about the child swap
28:35back then.
28:36Who are you?
28:36I don't know you.
28:37I'm your aunt.
28:38Jenny grabbed his arm
28:39so tightly that her nails
28:40were almost digging
28:41into Felix's skin.
28:42Julia is a liar.
28:43She took you away
28:44from your real mom.
28:45How can you be so naive?
28:46Come with me.
28:47I'll take you to see your mom.
28:48The other parents nearby
28:49all turned to look.
28:50A few concerned people
28:50tried to step in
28:51but Jenny's vicious glare
28:52made them back off.
28:53Felix's classmates
28:54were so scared
28:54they just froze
28:55not knowing what to do.
28:56My heart skipped a beat.
28:57I quickly rushed over.
28:58I pried Jenny's hand off
28:59shielding Felix behind me.
29:01My voice was cold as ice.
29:02Let him go.
29:03You have no right
29:03to touch my child.
29:04Jenny staggered back.
29:05Once steady
29:06she sized me up and down.
29:07Her eyes were full
29:07of jealousy and venom.
29:08Julia you thief.
29:10You stole my sister's man
29:11her assets
29:12and now you want
29:13her child too.
29:14Do you even have
29:15a conscience?
29:16Conscience?
29:17I sneered.
29:17Pulled out my phone
29:18from my bag.
29:19Opened the recordings
29:20and files I had
29:20prepared long ago.
29:21The video of your sister
29:22abusing Felix years ago.
29:24The transfer records
29:25of her and Roger
29:25swapping the kids.
29:26And proof that you
29:27knew everything
29:27plus the kickbacks
29:28you got from Roger.
29:29I've got it all right here.
29:30If you really want to
29:30ask this to the police
29:31whose conscience
29:32do you think
29:32will be questioned?
29:33Jenny's face
29:34changed instantly.
29:35Her eyes darted around.
29:36You're lying.
29:37They're all fake.
29:38They're fake?
29:39I stepped forward.
29:40My voice sounded
29:40clear and firm.
29:41All the evidence
29:42is on record
29:42with the court.
29:43You came here today
29:44to make a scene
29:44because you wanted
29:45some money from me,
29:46right?
29:46The crowd around us
29:47was buzzing louder
29:48and louder.
29:48Some parents even
29:49started recording
29:50on their phones.
29:50Others were quietly
29:51reaching out
29:51to school security.
29:52Jenny's face
29:53flushed red
29:53then turned pale.
29:54She looked at the crowd
29:55gathered around.
29:56There was a flicker
29:56of panic in her eyes.
29:57I don't want your money.
29:58She refused to admit
29:59her intentions
29:59but she instinctively
30:00took a step back.
30:01I just want the child
30:01to return to his family.
30:02Return to my family?
30:03Suddenly Felix
30:04stepped out from behind me.
30:05His small figure
30:06stood tall and straight.
30:07He looked at Jenny
30:07with unwavering eyes.
30:08I don't have an aunt
30:09like you
30:09and I don't have a mom
30:10like Kathy either.
30:11Julia is my mom.
30:12She never hits me
30:13or locks me up.
30:14She eats with me,
30:15takes me to school,
30:15she keeps me safe.
30:16Go away.
30:17I don't ever want
30:18to see you again.
30:19Jenny was stunned.
30:20She was speechless.
30:21Mrs. Richardson rushed over.
30:22She saw what was happening.
30:23She immediately
30:24stepped in front of us.
30:25Ma'am,
30:26I need you to leave
30:26right now.
30:27Otherwise,
30:28we'll have to call the police.
30:29Jenny noticed more
30:30and more people
30:30gathering around.
30:31She realized
30:32this wasn't going anywhere.
30:33So she shot me a glare
30:34and muttered,
30:35Just you wait.
30:36She turned and disappeared
30:37into the rain.
30:37She soon disappeared
30:38around the corner.
30:39It was still raining.
30:40Felix's hair was wet
30:41from the splashing rain.
30:42Strand stuck to his forehead.
30:43I quickly tilted
30:44the umbrella toward him,
30:45pulled out some tissue
30:46and gently wiped his face.
30:47Did she scare you?
30:48He shook his head
30:49then wrapped his arms
30:49around my waist.
30:50His voice was shaky
30:51but determined.
30:52I'm not scared, mom,
30:53because I knew
30:54you'd be there for me.
30:55I was immediately touched.
30:57I hugged him back.
30:58I'll always be there for you,
31:00silly.
31:00I'll never let anyone
31:02hurt you no matter
31:02what happens.
31:04Miss Caldwell,
31:05I didn't expect something
31:06like this would happen.
31:07Felix is really shaken up today.
31:08Do you want to take him
31:09to my office first
31:10and get him a hot drink?
31:11Thank you, Miss Richardson.
31:12I nodded,
31:12held Felix's hand
31:13and walked into the school building.
31:15Inside the office,
31:15the warmth from the cup
31:16spread to Felix's palms.
31:17Felix held the cup
31:18and whispered,
31:19Mom,
31:20was what Aunt Jenny said true?
31:21Am I really Kathy's child?
31:22I squatted down
31:23to look him in the eyes
31:24and said seriously,
31:26You're my son,
31:27Felix.
31:28Nothing's going to change that.
31:29You are my precious son,
31:30the one I want to protect
31:31more than anyone else
31:32in this world.
31:33He blinked.
31:34His eyes were a little red
31:35but he nodded confidently.
31:36I get it, mom.
31:37You'll always be my mom.
31:39That night,
31:40it's first time for Felix
31:40to talk about Kathy with me.
31:42Sometimes she would bring
31:43Jenny to their house.
31:44Aunt Jenny always called me stupid,
31:46said I wasn't as well behaved
31:47as Jamie
31:47and she would steal my things.
31:49He curled up next to me,
31:50his voice soft.
31:51Back then,
31:52I used to wish I could have a mom
31:53who truly loved me.
31:55I pulled him into my arms,
31:56gently patting his back.
31:58From now on,
31:58that won't happen again.
31:59The rain outside gradually stopped.
32:01Moonlight streamed through the clouds,
32:02lighting up a corner of the room.
32:03I looked down at Felix.
32:04He was slowly falling asleep in my arms.
32:06At that moment,
32:07I made up my mind.
32:08I was determined to give this child
32:09a safe and loving future
32:10and that determination
32:11gave me the courage
32:12to open my heart
32:13to a new relationship.
32:14I not only wanted to give Felix
32:15a complete family
32:16but also give myself
32:17another shot at happiness.
32:19I met Stephen Barton
32:20at a community book club
32:21I was taking Felix
32:22to borrow some books
32:22when I heard a discussion
32:23on women's memoirs.
32:24Stephen was the host.
32:25His voice was gentle
32:26but filled with conviction.
32:27Afterwards,
32:28he stopped me at the door
32:28and said,
32:29Your perspective was really interesting.
32:30Can I treat you to a coffee?
32:31That was how our conversation began.
32:33Stephen's hometown
32:33was in River South.
32:34He was divorced.
32:35His daughter lived with her mom.
32:36He was a high school history teacher
32:37and volunteered
32:38at the community center.
32:39For our first real date,
32:40we went to the science museum.
32:41Of course,
32:41Felix came along too.
32:42Stephen never tried
32:43to win over the kid.
32:44At the space exhibit,
32:45he started talking
32:46about the Apollo mission.
32:47Do you know why
32:48astronauts brought knives into space?
32:49Felix shook his head.
32:51It's to fix equipment.
32:52The most dangerous thing in space
32:53is a loose bolt.
32:54Felix's laughter sounded
32:55and relaxed.
32:56Another spring went by.
32:57Stephen came over for dinner.
32:59After dinner,
32:59Felix did his homework.
33:00Stephen and I drank tea
33:01out on the balcony.
33:02The night was chilly.
33:03He draped his jacket
33:03over my shoulders.
33:04Felix made some new friends lately.
33:06He was playing basketball
33:06with his classmates.
33:07I was a little surprised.
33:08He used to always be alone.
33:09Stephen paused for a moment.
33:10Kids need time
33:11and so do you.
33:12That night,
33:12I finally talked about
33:13everything that happened.
33:14Stephen listened quietly
33:15and waited until I finished
33:16before gently holding my hand.
33:17You must have gone through a lot.
33:19Going through this alone
33:19must have been tough.
33:20Those words brought tears
33:21to my eyes.
33:22Turns out what I needed
33:23was someone to see
33:23the weight behind my strength.
33:25Mom,
33:25if you like Uncle Stephen,
33:27you can be with him.
33:28When Felix said that,
33:29he was building a model airplane.
33:30I was stunned
33:31and asked him,
33:31Why did you suddenly say that?
33:33Because you smile
33:33when you look at him.
33:34A real smile,
33:35not the kind you fake.
33:36I sat down next to him.
33:37So what are your thoughts?
33:38I hope someone loves you
33:40the way you love me.
33:41You deserve that.
33:42I hugged him.
33:43He had grown up
33:44before I even realized.
33:46Dating Stephen
33:46was not like when I was 20.
33:48There was no wild passion
33:49or anxiety,
33:50just a steady comforting closeness.
33:51After dinner,
33:52we would go on walks together,
33:53talking about little things at work
33:54or how Felix did in school,
33:56even the supermarket's
33:56weekly special offers.
33:57He took my hand and said,
33:59Life is made up
33:59of all these small matters
34:00and I like being a part of your life.
34:01Felix gradually got used
34:02to this rhythm.
34:03When Stephen helped him with history,
34:04they would sometimes argue
34:05about historical events,
34:06then end up laughing together.
34:07One day I came home late from work
34:09and saw them playing chess
34:09in the living room
34:10with soup simmering in the kitchen.
34:11The whole house
34:12filled with its aroma.
34:12At that moment I realized
34:14the happiness I once thought
34:15was out of reach
34:15had already landed
34:16right in the palm of my hand.
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