Short dramas. Big emotions.
Captivating mini drama stories filled with romance, suspense, and unexpected twists—all in quick, binge-worthy episodes.
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Captivating mini drama stories filled with romance, suspense, and unexpected twists—all in quick, binge-worthy episodes.
#ShortDrama #MiniDrama #WebDrama #DramaSeries #ShortFilm #Trending #BingeWatch #drama #Revenge #SchoolDrama #viral
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Short filmTranscript
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.
00:09People 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, right 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.
00:55Baby, go play over there.
00:56The sun is out, it's warmer there.
00:59My shoes were torn and falling apart.
01:01The sun was our only source of heat.
01:04After 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.
01:15The army sent word, Jason 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.
02:00A 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.
02:16It 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.
02:35I hid behind my mom, trembling.
02:37Rick looked at us coldly.
02:39You're forcing this woman on me for $500?
02:42Now you want $2,000 more?
02:44He clearly didn't want my mom.
02:46And 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.
03:05Rick glanced at grandmother, but said nothing.
03:07People said he was a man of few words,
03:09but 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.
03:27His 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.
03:39Grandmother 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, but grandmother slapped her across the face.
04:02This 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.
04:36She 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.
04:44Three rooms and a living area.
04:46Only 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.
04:58I spread hay over the boards.
05:02I'm not scared, Mom.
05:04It 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.
05:15Freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
05:17I survived all those years.
05:20Mom 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.
05:52And she 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.
06:06Even 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.
06:17The 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.
06:25But 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.
06:59In 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.
07:08I 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.
07:27If 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! You'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, but 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,
08:18Not enough. Make more tomorrow.
08:20He ate quickly, finishing half and leaving the rest for us.
08:23Then 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. He 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.
08:55We 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.
09:04The hot water hit my back, and I felt warm instantly.
09:07I never knew a bath could feel this good.
09:10At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine.
09:13After the bath, I headed to the cow shed to sleep.
09:16Mom pulled me aside.
09:17Cover your ears. No matter what you hear, don't come out.
09:21Just pretend you're asleep. Okay?
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.
09:32He 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.
09:39Now, 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. The room wasn't empty anymore.
09:52There was a wide wooden bed inside. It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets of warm
09:58clothes.
09:59Rick set me down and turned to leave. He went back to his own room and closed the door.
10:03Soon, I heard him snoring. I 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. My stomach was full and my heart felt safe.
10:21For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive. Mom stroked my hair.
10:26Baby, 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. But he never told us we couldn't eat.
10:51In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown. He went hunting in the mountains around the ranch.
10:56He sold the big one in town. But sometimes, he brought back rabbits or pheasants for Mom to
11:00stew. He only ate half and left the rest for us. In my whole life, I had only tasted meat
11:05three times.
11:06This was the fourth. The meat tasted so good. No wonder Grandmother and my uncle loved it so much.
11:11Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra. I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain
11:16until
11:16midnight. I was rolling on the bed in agony. Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked.
11:21She gave me hot water, but I threw it up instantly. I felt like I was dying.
11:26Rick burst into the room. He wrapped me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder.
11:30He started running. Mom stumbled along behind him, too scared to say a word. He ran all the way to
11:36the
11:36town doctor's house. He put the door open. The doctor's family was terrified. They started to
11:42complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced them. The doctor checked me with a stethoscope.
11:47He asked what I had eaten. It's indigestion. She ate too much. She's been malnourished for years.
11:53Her body can't handle this much meat all at once. I'll give her something to throw it up.
11:57He poured something into my mouth. I vomited everything out. The room smelled awful. The doctor's
12:03wife grumbled in the corner. Clearly, she's never had anything good in her life.
12:07She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food. Rick looked up and gave her a death stare.
12:12She scurried back into her room, terrified. I felt so ashamed. I got sick just from eating meat.
12:18Maybe grandmother was right. Maybe I was just a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything.
12:23Rick carried me back home. On the way, he asked in a low voice.
12:27Have you never had meat before? I 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. I truly had never had anything good.
12:41He gave a low grunt. You'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. Rick bought some supplements from town.
12:51Those were expensive things I had never seen before. I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal.
12:57It was even better than what my mom ate when I was born. Rick watched me eat every day.
13:03Once my face looked healthy again, he stopped worrying. He went to fix the doctor's fence.
13:08Then he dragged the doctor back to check my heartbeat. Only after the doctor said I was fine,
13:12did he let him go. He said he was going deep into the mountains to hunt. He wanted to catch
13:17something
13:17big. He would be gone for days and asked mom to pack some food. Mom mixed butter and brown sugar
13:22into
13:23the dough. The flatbread smelled delicious as she baked it. She also gave him thick insoles and a
13:29winter hat she had made. Rick took the food and looked at the gifts. He looked at her and his
13:35eyes
13:35softened. Christmas is coming soon. I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game. Think about what you
13:41want. Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off. Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help
13:47but
13:47shout. Dad, come back soon. Rick's body stiffened for a second. He didn't look back, but he waved his
13:53hand. Go inside. It's cold out here. We waited for five days, but he didn't come back. That night,
14:02the weather turned even colder. On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky. Mom looked at the
14:08darkening sky, then at me. She pointed to the food in the kitchen. She told me to take care of
14:15myself and
14:16fix something to eat if I got hungry. I'm going to find him. I'll be back soon. She put on
14:23thick clothes,
14:25strapped a dagger to herself, and took a flashlight. I was too worried to stay,
14:30so I hid a small curved knife on myself. I followed closely behind her. Where you go, I go, Mom.
14:36We're
14:36going to bring Dad home. In my heart, Rick was my father. He was a thousand times better than my
14:43real
14:43father. Mom sighed. If something really happened to him, you wouldn't survive alone. Let's go.
14:49Together. We held hands and walked deep into the mountains. Before, we only gathered firewood at the
14:55edge of the woods. People 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.
15:08Heavy snow fell from the sky. It was only afternoon, but it was already completely dark.
15:15The path through the woods was extremely hard to walk. I stepped deep and shallow,
15:21sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves. Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check
15:27the path ahead. Before long, heavy footsteps came from ahead. Mom pulled out her dagger,
15:34and I gripped my curved knife tightly. We stared ahead, terrified and alert. In that moment,
15:41I thought, even if I die, I want to die with Mom. The footsteps grew closer. A tall,
15:48limping figure appeared. He was dragging a huge black bear, walking with difficulty with every step.
15:54We both froze. I let go of Mom's hand and rushed over suddenly. I hugged his leg tightly and looked
16:03up at him. The black bear fell heavily to the ground. He looked at us, completely shocked. He
16:10reached out to pick me up, but he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing.
16:16I held tightly to his thigh. Dad, we came to take you home. Mom rushed over as well. Rick, you've
16:24been
16:24gone for five days and it started snowing. She didn't dare say she was worried. Back then, when my
16:32biological father didn't come home for days, Mom went to look for him too. I was afraid something
16:38happened to you. But my father just slapped her across the face. Something happened? What could happen to a
16:44man like me? It's because you cursed me all day that I'm so unlucky. After that, Mom never dared to
16:49show her worry again. He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person. But Rick just
16:57looked at Mom and quirked his lips. He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot
17:03how.
17:03He gave us an explanation. This game was too big. That's why I'm late.
17:09He hoisted the black bear back up and told us to go home. Go back and start the fire. I'll
17:16be home
17:16soon. That bear was massive. He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely exhausted.
17:24Yet, he didn't demand our help. He wanted to carry the burden himself. Mom saw how tired he was and
17:31hesitated. She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help. I ran forward and
17:38grabbed the bear's leg. Dad, we're going back with you. I didn't have much strength and the bear's fur
17:45felt terrifying. It was so huge that it looked fierce even in death. Mom found her courage and ran over
17:52too.
17:53We'll help you. It took all our strength to drag the black bear home. The snow on the ground was
18:00thick now. The ranch was pitch black and the trail was empty. We finally made it back. The giant bear
18:08lay in the snow looking even more fierce. But I wasn't afraid. I circled it a few times and ran
18:15back to
18:15Rick. I leaned against his leg and looked up. Dad, you're amazing. You actually killed a black bear.
18:23Rick was too tired to move, but he reached out. He gently patted my head. His hand was large,
18:31rough, and heavy. But when he touched me, it was light and warm. Jason's hands were big too,
18:38but they weren't rough. He rarely did any real work. Jason wasn't even that strong. When he got into
18:45trouble in town, he would just curl up and take the hits. But when he hit me and Mom, he
18:51was very strong.
18:53His blows made my head ring every time. In this place, many men slap their wives and children.
18:59I used to think all fathers and husbands were like that. I didn't know someone could be different.
19:05The next morning, before dawn, Rick borrowed a tractor. He woke us up to go to town and sell the
19:12bear. He knew exactly where to go. He stopped at a grand luxury house. A butler came out and greeted
19:20him
19:20warmly. They hugged and talked like old friends. I realized then that Dad could be so full of life.
19:27He could actually talk this much. Mom and I stayed back, staring at the fancy gates.
19:33We didn't dare step forward. Dad pointed at us. The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin
19:41purse. Here, child. Take this. I was too scared to take it, but he pressed it into my hand.
19:49Dad nodded, so I finally accepted it. Thank you. There was a silver coin inside. I immediately put the
19:57coin in Dad's hand. Dad, this is for you. The butler froze for a second, then burst out laughing.
20:06Rick, you have a sweet daughter. You're a lucky man. He handed me a big apple. The coin is for
20:13your
20:13dad, but this is for you. Keep it for yourself. Merry Christmas to your family. The butler bought
20:21the bear and invited Dad for a drink. Won't you come in for a drink? Rick waved him off and
20:27refused. No,
20:28thank you. We need to buy things for Christmas. The black bear sold for a lot of money. Dad took
20:36us to the streets. First, he bought a lot of candy. He put them into three red socks. I took
20:43one out and
20:43put it in my mouth, carefully. I peeled another one for Mom. Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at
20:51Dad.
20:51She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped her. Too much sugar makes kids sick. We don't want
20:59to
20:59see the doctor again. Mom remembered my stomach ache and didn't give me more. So, Mom finally opened
21:06her mouth and ate the candy. Dad then took us to buy meat, flour, and butter. He even bought spices
21:15for
21:15cooking. Finally, we went to a clothing store for new coats. Mom waved her hands and said no.
21:24Our old coats are still good. I said no, too. The old quilts and coats Dad gave us were already
21:31warm
21:31and clean. That was good enough for me. I had never worn such nice clothes in my life. But Dad
21:39insisted
21:40on buying new ones. I bought old ones because I was broke. Now we have money. In the end,
21:48we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats. I can sew quickly. They'll be ready before
21:54Christmas. She still didn't want to spend too much. She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad and held it
22:01up to him. Rick, this pattern looks good on you. It was the first time they were so close. I
22:08think I
22:09saw Dad's face turn red. Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders. I could see so far
22:17away. I laughed
22:19out loud. It was my first time being up this high. Mom was worried and kept checking Dad's leg. She
22:26was
22:26afraid he would get too tired. After a while, Dad bought me some toys. He also bought hair clips and
22:33brooches for me and Mom. Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful. These brooches from the
22:39city suit them perfectly. Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time. On the way back, we sat on
22:45the
22:45tractor. I hugged my red socks tightly. This was the happiest day of my life. As we passed the Hudson
22:52Ranch, I saw Grandmother. She was feeding the cows in the yard. My uncle was lounging under the eaves in
22:59the sun. He still had no job and no wife. He just ate, drank, and wasted his life. After selling
23:06us
23:06to Rick, he had that money. Now he worked even less. He said he was preparing for a blind date.
23:11Grandmother always called us lazy, but I never dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one.
23:17I gripped my red socks and stared at them. Grandmother and my uncle noticed us. Their eyes
23:22widened in disbelief. Then, their faces turned into a hateful scowl. Grandmother was cursing at us.
23:31Dad stopped the tractor. He threw a stone and hit my uncle right on the head. My uncle jumped up
23:37in
23:37pain. Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water basin. He looked terrifying. Even with a
23:52limp, he stood like a mountain. Grandmother and my uncle were bullies who feared the strong.
23:58They were furious, but didn't dare say a word. Mom gripped my hand. Her eyes turned red. As we drove
24:06away, I looked back. I could still see their hateful glares. I suddenly felt brave. I waved my red socks
24:15and made a face at them. I had a real dad now. They could never bully us again. Back home,
24:23Mom started
24:23decorating the tree and making apple pie. Dad spent his time fixing everything in the house. He gathered
24:30wood and never stayed idle. He brought back more pheasants and rabbits. Eat more meat, then your stomach
24:37won't hurt anymore. I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he refused. Kids stay home and play.
24:43I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too. Your dad wants you to play. Go on,
24:51you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet. At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time to play.
24:56Now that I could, I didn't know how. I walked along the path with some candy. I saved them carefully,
25:03not wanting to eat them. But then, I ran into some mean kids from a nearby farm. They swarmed me
25:10and grabbed my
25:10candy. You're a brat born from that limp farmer. Your grandmother said so. It must be true.
25:16A bitch and her brat. No wonder her husband just died and she remarried already. I fought back with
25:22all my might. That's not true. Grandmother kicked us out. My mom isn't a bitch and I'm not a brat.
25:30But I was too small. I couldn't beat them. My clothes were torn. My candy was gone. Even my new
25:39hair clip
25:39was missing. They laughed and ran off with my sweets. I sat in the mud and cried. Grandmother and my
25:47uncle
25:47stood nearby, watching with wicked smiles. You deserve this. We should have sold them to the
25:54town tavern back then. I screamed at them. I am not a brat. You are the bad people. You are
26:01evil.
26:02I was so small back then. My mom had already had a child. The tavern would never pay that much
26:08for us.
26:09They thought I was too young to understand. But I had overheard their conversation. They were the
26:14truly wicked ones. They wanted to leave us at the ranch. They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death.
26:20But they never expected this. Dad never hit us. He never tortured us even for a second. He treated us
26:28so well. They couldn't stand it. So they spread rumors behind our backs. They framed us everywhere.
26:35Clearly, they are the real monsters. I lost the hair clip and candy dad bought me. I was too ashamed
26:42to
26:42go home. I lingered near the gate, hesitating. Dad came down from the mountain. He saw me covered in
26:48mud and blood. He dropped his pheasants in shock. I had never seen him so angry.
26:54Who did this? I trembled in fear. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. He panicked,
27:01trying to wipe the mud off my face. Tell Dad who hit you. His hands were rough, but they calmed
27:08my racing
27:09heart. I stuttered through the whole story. The more I spoke, the darker his face became.
27:15He took me back and left me with Mom. Then he grabbed his axe to head out.
27:21Mom pulled him back and shook her head.
27:24Dad thought for a moment. He dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead.
27:30That day, the parents of those bullies all got a beating. If you can't teach your kids,
27:35I won't hit them. I'll hit you instead. Those grown men were chased like rabbits.
27:43By a man with a limp. Dad moved slowly but steadily. He caught up to them and struck them down.
27:51The men wailed in pain. Everyone in the ranch came out to watch. Then Dad went to the Hudson Ranch.
27:59He gave my uncle a brutal beating. My uncle screamed and begged for mercy. He promised he
28:05would never do it again. I won't do it again. I promise. Dad turned to the crowd of onlookers.
28:11If you have something to say, say it to my face. No one dared to speak. They all waved their
28:15hands and
28:16shook their heads. We all know what the Hudsons are like. Just go live your life. Look at how happy
28:21you're
28:21family is now. Dad dropped the club. He patted my head and led me home.
28:29Have you lived this long without a name?
28:33I shook my head. Grandmother called me a brat. Mom only called me baby. Dad pulled me close and
28:39looked at the stars. From now on, your name is Stella. Shine like a star and have a bright future
28:47ahead.
28:49For the first time I had a real name. Stella Cooper, I have my own name now. I smiled at
28:55Mom.
28:56Dad smiled too and patted my head. I finally have a daughter of my own.
29:03That night, Mom talked to me. Stella, you're a big girl now. Starting tomorrow you sleep on your own,
29:11okay? If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep? I thought about it and nodded hard. Okay, Mom,
29:18you and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon. I'll play with them. This time I really wanted a
29:24sibling. A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful. The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
29:32Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday? I nodded vigorously. So cool. If you want to
29:38protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever. You have to rely on yourself. Do you want like me
29:45strong? I nodded again. Yes. I wanted to be strong like him. I wanted to protect my parents and my
29:52future
29:53siblings. I wanted to hunt bears and earn lots of money. Dad looked proud. He made me run 50 laps
30:00around
30:01our ranch cabin. By the end, I could barely stand. He gritted his teeth and wouldn't let me stop. Mom
30:08looked pained, but she didn't say a word. She just made extra food and added two fried eggs for me.
30:15After running, there was weight training. Dad brought sandbags from the ranch warehouse.
30:20They felt like a thousand pounds on my arms. After a day of training, my hands and feet were covered
30:27in
30:27blisters. Mom washed my feet and popped the blisters for me. Stella, train hard. Your dad is doing this
30:35for your own good. I know, Mom. Most ranch families only teach girls to gather wood, wash clothes, and cook.
30:44Who would ever teach a girl how to be strong? I understood how much Dad cared for me. That night,
30:50Mom moved into Dad's room. I heard them talking for a bit before the lights went out.
30:55My body ached all over, but I slept peacefully. The next morning, Dad woke up late. I had already
31:02finished 30 laps when he came out. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. All day long,
31:08Dad and Mom were blushing. They kept stealing glances at each other. Why hide it? Just look if you want
31:15to.
31:16Grown-ups are so strange. We had a perfect Christmas. Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch.
31:21He bought two dairy cows and a few beef cattle. When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch.
31:27During the off-season, we went hunting. Dad started taking me into the mountains. He taught me how to
31:33track animals and read their droppings. He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves. He taught me to set
31:39traps and use a hunting rifle.