- 3 hours ago
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π₯
Short filmTranscript
00:00I sold my mom to the old farmer next door.
00:02My dad said that before he left for the army.
00:04The 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.
00:14For my mom, marrying him was a death sentence.
00:17Three years later, the news came that my dad was dead.
00:20Right away, my grandma sold my mom to the monster for $2,000.
00:25The day we heard the news of dad's death,
00:28it was December, right after a blizzard.
00:31My mom was feeding the cattle barefoot.
00:33Grandmother never allowed her to wear shoes.
00:35She said a bitch like her didn't deserve them.
00:38I often went to the woods to gather branches for warmth,
00:41but 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.
00:50I felt sorry for mom and tried to help her feed the cows.
00:54Baby, go play over there.
00:55There. The 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?
01:10Were 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,
01:20my son was cursed by your bad luck.
01:23She didn't look sad about her son's death at all.
01:25There had to be a secret behind this.
01:28Now 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.
01:40Otherwise, we would have lost so much money feeding you two.
01:43My mom didn't fight back.
01:45She just picked up her coat and held my hand tight.
01:48Mom, at least let me take the child with me.
01:51Grandmother looked me up and down.
01:53She had a wicked look in her eyes.
01:55That depends on if that old farmer pays more.
02:00A girl her age could fetch $2,000 at the town.
02:07She's worth much more than you.
02:09My mom gripped my hand even harder.
02:12We both knew the truth.
02:14As soon as she marries Rick, grandmother will sell me away.
02:17It was the day we were driven to Rick's ranch.
02:21The legendary monster was there, chopping wood.
02:24Each swing of his axe was terrifying.
02:27One of his legs was broken and propped on a wooden stool.
02:29He looked strange and menacing.
02:31A huge scar ran from his left eye down to his mouth.
02:34It looked like his face was split in two.
02:37I hid behind my mom, trembling.
02:40Rick looked at us coldly.
02:41You're forcing this woman on me for $500?
02:44Now you want $2,000 more?
02:47He clearly didn't want my mom.
02:48And he definitely didn't want a burden like me.
02:51My son Jason saved your life in that blizzard.
02:53Now that he's gone, you should be grateful to take her.
02:56This girl will be your daughter.
02:58It's a blessing.
02:59$2,000 is a bargain for you.
03:01$2,000 was a lot of money.
03:03It could buy so many seeds.
03:05I knew I wasn't worth that much.
03:07Rick glanced at grandmother but said nothing.
03:09People said he was a man of few words.
03:12But one look from him could scare anyone to death.
03:15Grandmother shoved my mom forward.
03:17My mom's thin body almost hit the ground.
03:19She pulled me along and knelt down instantly.
03:22Rick, my child eats very little.
03:24She can feed the cows and collect firewood.
03:27Please, give us a way to live.
03:29His eyes were sharp, judging me.
03:31Call him Dad.
03:34I looked at Rick and that terrifying scar.
03:38Dad.
03:38Rick froze.
03:39His scar looked even more twisted.
03:41Grandmother kicked me hard in the back.
03:43Your father just died and you're already calling him Dad.
03:48Just like your mother, a traitor to the...
03:50She kept kicking me over and over.
03:52I lay on the ground, motionless.
03:55I didn't fight back or scream.
03:57I knew if she had her fun, she would eventually stop.
04:00Mom crawled over to save me.
04:02But grandmother slapped her across the face.
04:04This was life in the Hudson house.
04:06Mom couldn't save me, and she couldn't save herself.
04:10Suddenly, Rick threw a roll of cash at grandmother's feet.
04:14And enough!
04:16This girl belongs to my family now.
04:18Grandmother took the money and tried to leave.
04:20But Rick stopped her.
04:21He demanded she sign the guardianship transfer agreement.
04:25Grandmother refused.
04:26Rick snatched the money back instantly.
04:28No signature, no money.
04:30In the end, she gave in for the cash.
04:32Mom and I officially became part of Rick's family.
04:35Mom folded our two ragged coats by the cow shed.
04:39She started working right away.
04:40She wanted to be useful.
04:42She thought hard work would keep us from being beaten.
04:45Rick's cabin was simple.
04:47Three rooms and a living area.
04:49Only one bedroom had a bed.
04:50The other rooms were empty.
04:52Mom took me to the cow shed.
04:54It was kept very clean.
04:55Mom found some wooden boards to make me a bed.
04:58I will sleep here tonight.
05:00Don't be afraid, baby.
05:02I spread hay over the boards.
05:05I'm not scared, Mom.
05:06It was the same back at the Hudson Ranch.
05:08When Dad was home, he said I was in the way.
05:11He always kicked me out to the cow shed.
05:13The Hudson's shed was much filthier.
05:15There were rats and snakes everywhere.
05:17Freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
05:20I survived all those years.
05:23Mom hugged me tightly.
05:26It's my fault I couldn't keep your father's heart.
05:29Dad was always talking to Mom.
05:31I knew there was a secret behind all this.
05:34Mom, why did Dad want you to marry Rick?
05:36Before, Dad never let her leave the ranch.
05:38He never let her look at anyone in the eye.
05:41Grandmother always cursed her for flirting with outsiders.
05:44Why the sudden rush to marry her off?
05:47Mom's bitter laugh was muffled in her chest.
05:50Her voice was barely a whisper.
05:52Because only Rick had this much money and...
05:55She didn't finish the sentence, but I knew.
05:58Dad sent Mom here to die.
06:01Dad decided to sell Mom for money before he even left.
06:04He wasn't coming back, and he didn't want Mom to survive.
06:07He wanted to cut off her every means of escape.
06:09Even as a child, I could see their plot.
06:12It was so obvious that all the neighbors were talking about it.
06:15A moment later, Rick came back.
06:17He ignored us.
06:17He carried a pile of wooden boards into the house.
06:20The sound of his heavy hammering echoed, hitting our hearts.
06:24Mom stood outside, hesitant.
06:25She wanted to ask where the flour and beef were so she could cook, but she didn't dare.
06:30After a while, Rick came out.
06:31He saw us standing there like statues and frowned.
06:34Something wrong?
06:35His voice was gruff.
06:36I wanted to shrink back, but it was just me and Mom.
06:39If I backed down, she would be all alone.
06:42I stood my ground and held her hand tight.
06:45Rick noticed my move and his brow twitched.
06:47Mom asked hesitantly,
06:49I wanted to ask about dinner.
06:52Please give me the ingredients so I can cook.
06:58Rick frowned again, looking at us with confusion.
07:00He pointed toward the kitchen.
07:02In there.
07:05And the key?
07:07Rick's frown deepened.
07:08He walked over and kicked the door open.
07:10Then he looked back at us.
07:11I felt like he was asking if we were stupid.
07:13There was no lock, so why would there be a key?
07:15But things were different at the Hudson Ranch.
07:17The Hudson kitchen was always locked.
07:19Even the flour, beef, and butter were kept in locked cabinets.
07:23Mom cooked every meal, but grandmother decided every gram of food.
07:27She would put the exact amount on the counter and watch Mom cook.
07:30If a single grain of flour was dropped, she would scream for hours.
07:34She called Mom a money waster and called us starving ghosts.
07:37All you do is eat!
07:39You're useless!
07:41She was afraid we would steal food.
07:43Mom led me into the kitchen.
07:44Seeing the flour, beef, and butter sitting there made her hesitate.
07:47She looked at Rick, but he had already gone back outside.
07:50Mom didn't dare touch the food.
07:52She was afraid that if she messed up, Rick would beat her.
07:54Just like grandmother did.
07:56She was afraid of being accused of stealing.
07:58Mom made dinner with trembling hands.
08:00She put the food on the table, but we stood in the yard, not daring to move.
08:06Rick came back carrying two large wooden crates.
08:09He put them into the empty, unused room.
08:11He saw the food, and then saw us standing outside.
08:15His frown deepened.
08:16He sat down at the table and called us inside in a gravelly voice.
08:20While he ate, he grunted,
08:21Not enough. Make more tomorrow.
08:23He ate quickly, finishing half and leaving the rest for us.
08:26Then he stood there, chopping wood while watching us eat.
08:30We didn't dare to eat much, but I soon noticed something strange.
08:34When I took big bites, he focused on his work.
08:37The moment I put down my fork, he would stare at me and frown.
08:41Did he want us to eat more?
08:42We finished the meal in fear, waiting for the beatings to start.
08:46But Rick didn't yell or hit us.
08:48He just put away his axe and spoke.
08:53Wash up and go to sleep. It's been a long day.
08:56After Rick finished, Mom took me to wash up.
08:59We hadn't used hot water in three years.
09:01She kept muttering as she washed, her face full of nerves.
09:04I must get clean. Then he won't hate me.
09:07The hot water hit my back, and I felt warm instantly.
09:11I never knew a bath could feel this good.
09:13At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine.
09:17After the bath, I headed to the cow shed to sleep.
09:20Mom pulled me aside.
09:21Cover your ears.
09:23No matter what you hear, don't come out.
09:25Just pretend you're asleep.
09:27Okay?
09:28I nodded hard.
09:29I understood.
09:30Back then, Dad would come home drunk and beat me in the shed.
09:33He called me a waste of money and a curse.
09:36He blamed me for his gambling losses.
09:37One time, he almost killed me.
09:40Mom had to grab an axe to fight him off just to save me.
09:43Now, looking at Rick, he was much stronger than Dad.
09:45He could probably kill me with one kick.
09:47But he wasn't drunk, and he wasn't angry.
09:50He picked me up like a little chick and carried me into the empty room.
09:53Mom was already waiting there.
09:55The room wasn't empty anymore.
09:56There was a wide wooden bed inside.
09:58It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets of warm clothes.
10:03Rick set me down and turned to leave.
10:05He went back to his own room and closed the door.
10:07Soon, I heard him snoring.
10:09I never thought I'd get to sleep inside a house again.
10:12That night, we slept restlessly, but it was so warm.
10:16I curled up in my quilt and whispered,
10:19Mom, it's so warm.
10:20I had never felt this warm in winter before.
10:23My stomach was full, and my heart felt safe.
10:26For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive.
10:29Mom stroked my hair.
10:30Baby, you called him Dad today.
10:34Call him that tomorrow and every day after.
10:37I nodded.
10:38Okay.
10:39Rick was already much better to me than my real father.
10:42After that, Mom slowly started making more food.
10:44She was careful, adding just a little more each time.
10:48It took days for her to figure out Rick's temper and appetite.
10:51He ate a lot, as much as Mom and me combined.
10:54But he never told us we couldn't eat.
10:56In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown.
10:58He went hunting in the mountains around the ranch.
11:00He sold the big one in town.
11:02But sometimes he brought back rabbits or pheasants for Mom to stew.
11:05He only ate half and left the rest for us.
11:08In my whole life, I had only tasted meat three times.
11:11This was the fourth.
11:12The meat tasted so good.
11:13No wonder Grandmother and my uncle loved it so much.
11:16Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra.
11:18I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain until midnight.
11:21I was rolling on the bed in agony.
11:24Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked.
11:26She gave me hot water, but I threw it up instantly.
11:28I felt like I was dying.
11:30Rick burst into the room.
11:32He wrapped me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder.
11:35He started running.
11:36Mom stumbled along behind him, too scared to say a word.
11:39He ran all the way to the town doctor's house and took the door open.
11:43The doctor's family was terrified.
11:45They started to complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced them.
11:49The doctor checked me with a stethoscope.
11:51He asked what I had eaten.
11:53It's indigestion.
11:54She ate too much.
11:55She's been malnourished for years.
11:58Her body can't handle this much meat all at once.
12:01I'll give her something to throw it up.
12:03He poured something into my mouth.
12:04I vomited everything out.
12:06The room smelled awful.
12:08The doctor's wife grumbled in the corner.
12:10Clearly, she's never had anything good in her life.
12:12She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food.
12:15Rick looked up and gave her a death stare.
12:17She scurried back into her room, terrified.
12:19I felt so ashamed.
12:21I got sick just from eating meat.
12:23Maybe grandmother was right.
12:24Maybe I was just a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything.
12:28Rick carried me back home.
12:30On the way, he asked in a low voice.
12:32Have you never had meat before?
12:34I thought he was judging me.
12:36This was only my fourth time before I only ever had a bite.
12:41At the Hudson's, they wouldn't even give us the leftover broth.
12:43I truly had never had anything good.
12:46He gave a low grunt.
12:47You'll get used to it if you eat it more often.
12:50I was sick and could only eat rice porridge for a few days.
12:54Rick bought some supplements from town.
12:56Those were expensive things I had never seen before.
12:59I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal.
13:03It was even better than what my mom ate when I was born.
13:06Rick watched me eat every day.
13:08Once my face looked healthy again, he stopped worrying.
13:11He went to fix the doctor's fence.
13:13Then he dragged the doctor back to check my heartbeat.
13:16Only after the doctor said I was fine did he let him go.
13:19He said he was going deep into the mountains to hunt.
13:22He wanted to catch something big.
13:23He would be gone for days and asked mom to pack some food.
13:26Mom mixed butter and brown sugar into the dough.
13:29The flatbread smelled delicious as she baked it.
13:32She also gave him thick insoles and a winter hat she had made.
13:36Rick took the food and looked at the gifts.
13:39He looked at her and his eyes softened.
13:41Christmas is coming soon.
13:43I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game.
13:46Think about what you want.
13:47Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off.
13:50Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help but shout,
13:53Dad, come back soon!
13:54Rick's body stiffened for a second.
13:56He didn't look back, but he waved his hand.
13:59Go inside. It's cold out here.
14:01We waited for five days, but he didn't come back.
14:06That night, the weather turned even colder.
14:10On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky.
14:13Mom looked at the darkening sky, then at me.
14:16She pointed to the food in the kitchen.
14:18She told me to take care of myself and fix something to eat if I got hungry.
14:25I'm going to find him. I'll be back soon.
14:28She put on thick clothes, strapped a dagger to herself, and took a flashlight.
14:33I was too worried to stay, so I hid a small curved knife on myself.
14:39I followed closely behind her.
14:41Where you go, I go, Mom. We're going to bring Dad home.
14:43In my heart, Rick was my father.
14:46He was a thousand times better than my real father.
14:50Mom sighed.
14:51If something really happened to him, you wouldn't survive alone.
14:54Let's go. Together.
14:55We held hands and walked deep into the mountains.
14:59Before, we only gathered firewood at the edge of the woods.
15:02People said there were wolves, wild boars, and man-eating black bears deep inside.
15:08But, as long as I was with Mom, and thinking that Dad was waiting for us, I wasn't scared at
15:14all.
15:15Heavy snow fell from the sky.
15:17It was only afternoon, but it was already completely dark.
15:21The path through the woods was extremely hard to walk.
15:24I stepped deep and shallow, sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves.
15:30Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check the path ahead.
15:34Before long, heavy footsteps came from ahead.
15:38Mom pulled out her dagger, and I gripped my curved knife tightly.
15:43We stared ahead, terrified and alert.
15:46In that moment, I thought, even if I die, I want to die with Mom.
15:51The footsteps grew closer.
15:53A tall, limping figure appeared.
15:55He was dragging a huge black bear, walking with difficulty with every step.
16:01We both froze.
16:03Dad!
16:04I let go of Mom's hand and rushed over suddenly.
16:07I hugged his leg tightly and looked up at him.
16:09The black bear fell heavily to the ground.
16:12What? What are you doing here?
16:13He looked at us, completely shocked.
16:16He reached out to pick me up.
16:18But he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing.
16:22I held tightly to his thigh.
16:24Dad, we came to take you home.
16:26Mom rushed over as well.
16:29Rick, you've been gone for five days, and it started snowing.
16:34She didn't dare say she was worried.
16:37Back then, when my biological father didn't come home for days, Mom went to look for him, too.
16:43I was afraid something happened to you.
16:45But my father just slapped her across the face.
16:48Something happened?
16:49What could happen to a man like me?
16:51It's because you cursed me all day that I'm so unlucky!
16:54After that, Mom never dared to show her worry again.
16:57He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person.
17:02But Rick just looked at Mom and quirked his lips.
17:05He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot how.
17:10He gave us an explanation.
17:12This game was too big.
17:13That's why I'm late.
17:16He hoisted the black bear back up and told us to go home.
17:20Go back and start the fire.
17:22I'll be home soon.
17:23That bear was massive.
17:25He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely exhausted.
17:30Yet, he didn't demand our help.
17:32He wanted to carry the burden himself.
17:35Mom saw how tired he was and hesitated.
17:38She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help.
17:43I ran forward and grabbed the bear's leg.
17:46Dad, we're going back with you.
17:48I didn't have much strength, and the bear's fur felt terrifying.
17:53It was so huge that it looked fierce, even in death.
17:57Mom found her courage and ran over, too.
18:00We'll help you.
18:02It took all our strength to drag the black bear home.
18:06The snow on the ground was thick now.
18:08The ranch was pitch black, and the trail was empty.
18:11We finally made it back.
18:13The giant bear lay in the snow, looking even more fierce.
18:18But I wasn't afraid.
18:19I circled it a few times and ran back to Rick.
18:22I leaned against his leg and looked up.
18:25Dad, you're amazing.
18:27You actually killed a black bear.
18:30Rick was too tired to move, but he reached out.
18:33He gently patted my head.
18:35Yeah.
18:37His hand was large, rough, and heavy.
18:40But when he touched me, it was light and warm.
18:43Jason's hands were big, too, but they weren't rough.
18:47He rarely did any real work.
18:49Jason wasn't even that strong.
18:50When he got into trouble in town, he would just curl up and take the hits.
18:56But when he hit me and mom, he was very strong.
18:59His blows made my head ring every time.
19:02In this place, many men slapped their wives and children.
19:06I used to think all fathers and husbands were like that.
19:09I didn't know someone could be different.
19:12The next morning, before dawn, Rick borrowed a tractor.
19:16He woke us up to go to town and sell the bear.
19:19He knew exactly where to go.
19:22He stopped at a grand luxury house.
19:24A butler came out and greeted him warmly.
19:28They hugged and talked like old friends.
19:30I realized then that dad could be so full of life.
19:34He could actually talk this much.
19:37Mom and I stayed back, staring at the fancy gates.
19:40We didn't dare step forward.
19:43Dad pointed at us.
19:45The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin purse.
19:49Here, child.
19:50Take this.
19:51I was too scared to take it, but he pressed it into my hand.
19:55Dad nodded, so I finally accepted it.
20:00There was a silver coin inside.
20:02I immediately put the coin in Dad's hand.
20:07Dad, this is for you.
20:09The butler froze for a second, then burst out laughing.
20:13Rick, you have a sweet daughter.
20:15You're a lucky man.
20:16He handed me a big apple.
20:19The coin is for your dad.
20:22But this is for you.
20:24Keep it for yourself.
20:26Merry Christmas to your family.
20:28The butler bought the bear and invited Dad for a drink.
20:31Won't you come in for a drink?
20:33Rick waved him off and refused.
20:35No, thank you.
20:36We need to buy things for Christmas.
20:39The black bear sold for a lot of money.
20:42Dad took us to the streets.
20:44First, he bought a lot of candy.
20:47He put them into three red socks.
20:49I took one out and put it in my mouth, carefully.
20:53I peeled another one for Mom.
20:55Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at Dad.
20:59She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped her.
21:03Too much sugar makes kids sick.
21:06We don't want to see the doctor again.
21:08Mom remembered my stomach ache and didn't give me more.
21:11So, Mom finally opened her mouth and ate the candy.
21:16Dad then took us to buy meat, flour, and butter.
21:20He even bought spices for cooking.
21:24Finally, we went to a clothing store for new coats.
21:28Mom waved her hands and said no.
21:31Our old coats are still good.
21:33I said no, too.
21:35The old quilts and coats Dad gave us were already warm and clean.
21:39That was good enough for me.
21:41I had never worn such nice clothes in my life.
21:45But Dad insisted on buying new ones.
21:50I bought old ones because I was broke.
21:52Now we have money.
21:54In the end, we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats.
21:59I can sew quickly.
22:00They'll be ready before Christmas.
22:02She still didn't want to spend too much.
22:05She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad and held it up to him.
22:09Rick, this pattern looks good on you.
22:12It was the first time they were so close.
22:15I think I saw Dad's face turn red.
22:20Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders.
22:23I could see so far away.
22:26I laughed out loud.
22:27It was my first time being up this high.
22:30Mom was worried and kept checking Dad's leg.
22:33She was afraid he would get too tired.
22:36After a while, Dad bought me some toys.
22:38He also bought hair clips and brooches for me and Mom.
22:43Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful.
22:45These brooches from the city suit them perfectly.
22:48Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time.
22:51On the way back, we sat on the tractor.
22:53I hugged my red socks tightly.
22:56This was the happiest day of my life.
22:58As we passed the Hudson Ranch, I saw Grandmother.
23:02She was feeding the cows in the yard.
23:04My uncle was lounging under the eaves in the sun.
23:07He still had no job and no wife.
23:10He just ate, drank, and wasted his life.
23:12After selling us to Rick, he had that money.
23:15Now he worked even less.
23:17He said he was preparing for a blind date.
23:19Grandmother always called us lazy.
23:21But I never dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one.
23:25I gripped my red socks and stared at them.
23:28Grandmother and my uncle noticed us.
23:30Their eyes widened in disbelief.
23:32Then their faces turned into a hateful scowl.
23:34You two, shrew!
23:37Grandmother was cursing at us.
23:39Dad stopped the tractor.
23:41He threw a stone and hit my uncle right on the head.
23:44My uncle jumped up in pain.
23:47Who did that?
23:48Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water basin.
23:52They are my wife and daughter now.
23:55If you insult them again, you're dealing with me.
23:58He looked terrifying.
23:59Even with a limp, he stood like a mountain.
24:03Grandmother and my uncle were bullies who feared the strong.
24:07They were furious but didn't dare say a word.
24:10Mom gripped my hand.
24:12Her eyes turned red.
24:14As we drove away, I looked back.
24:16I could still see their hateful glares.
24:19I suddenly felt brave.
24:21I waved my red socks and made a face at them.
24:25I had a real dad now.
24:27They could never bully us again.
24:29Back home, Mom started decorating the tree and making apple pie.
24:34Dad spent his time fixing everything in the house.
24:37He gathered wood and never stayed idle.
24:40He brought back more pheasants and rabbits.
24:43Eat more meat.
24:44Then your stomach won't hurt anymore.
24:46I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he refused.
24:50Kids stay home and play.
24:52I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too.
24:56Your dad wants you to play.
24:58Go on, you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet.
25:01At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time to play.
25:04Now that I could, I didn't know how.
25:07I walked along the path with some candy.
25:09I saved them carefully, not wanting to eat them.
25:12But then, I ran into some mean kids from a nearby farm.
25:17They swarmed me and grabbed my candy.
25:19You're a brat born from that limp farmer.
25:22Your grandmother said so.
25:23It must be true.
25:24A bitch and her brat?
25:26No wonder her husband just died and she remarried already.
25:29I fought back with all my might.
25:31That's not true!
25:33Grandmother kicked us out!
25:34My mom isn't a bitch and I'm not a brat!
25:38But I was too small.
25:40I couldn't beat them.
25:42My clothes were torn.
25:44My candy was gone.
25:46Even my new hair clip was missing.
25:48They laughed and ran off with my sweets.
25:51I sat in the mud and cried.
25:54Grandmother and my uncle stood nearby, watching with wicked smiles.
25:59You deserve this!
26:01We should have sold them to the town tavern back then!
26:04I screamed at them.
26:05I am not a brat!
26:06You are the bad people!
26:09You are evil!
26:10I was so small back then.
26:12My mom had already had a child.
26:14The tavern would never pay that much for us.
26:17They thought I was too young to understand.
26:19But I had overheard their conversation.
26:21They were the truly wicked ones.
26:23They wanted to leave us at the ranch.
26:25They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death.
26:28But they never expected this.
26:31Dad never hit us.
26:32He never tortured us, even for a second.
26:35He treated us so well.
26:37They couldn't stand it.
26:39So they spread rumors behind our backs.
26:41They framed us everywhere.
26:43Clearly, they are the real monsters.
26:47I lost the hair clip and candy Dad bought me.
26:49I was too ashamed to go home.
26:51I lingered near the gate, hesitating.
26:53Dad came down from the mountain.
26:55He saw me covered in mud and blood.
26:58He dropped his pheasants in shock.
27:00I had never seen him so angry.
27:02Who did this?
27:03I trembled in fear.
27:05I'm sorry.
27:06I'm so sorry.
27:08He panicked, trying to wipe the mud off my face.
27:12Tell Dad who hit you.
27:14His hands were rough, but they calmed my racing heart.
27:18I stuttered through the whole story.
27:20The more I spoke, the darker his face became.
27:24He took me back and left me with Mom.
27:26Then he grabbed his axe to head out.
27:29Rick.
27:29Mom pulled him back and shook her head.
27:32Dad thought for a moment.
27:34He dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead.
27:38That day, the parents of those bullies all got a beating.
27:42If you can't teach your kids, I won't hit them.
27:44I'll hit you instead.
27:47Those grown men were chased like rabbits.
27:51By a man with a limp.
27:54Dad moved slowly but steadily.
27:57He caught up to them and struck them down.
28:00The men wailed in pain.
28:03Everyone in the ranch came out to watch.
28:05Then Dad went to the Hudson Ranch.
28:08He gave my uncle a brutal beating.
28:10My uncle screamed and begged for mercy.
28:13He promised he would never do it again.
28:15I won't do it again.
28:16I promise.
28:17Dad turned to the crowd of onlookers.
28:19If you have something to say, say it to my face.
28:21No one dared to speak.
28:23They all waved their hands and shook their heads.
28:25We all know what the Hudsons are like.
28:27Just go live your life.
28:28Look at how happy your family is now.
28:30Dad dropped the club.
28:32He patted my head and led me home.
28:38Have you lived this long without a name?
28:41I shook my head.
28:43Grandmother called me a brat.
28:45Mom only called me baby.
28:47Dad pulled me close and looked at the stars.
28:49From now on, your name is Stella.
28:53Shine like a star and have a bright future ahead.
28:58For the first time, I had a real name.
29:01Stella Cooper, I have my own name now.
29:04I smiled at Mom.
29:05Dad smiled too and patted my head.
29:08I finally have a daughter of my own.
29:12That night, Mom talked to me.
29:14Stella, you're a big girl now.
29:18Starting tomorrow, you sleep on your own, okay?
29:21If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep?
29:24I thought about it and nodded hard.
29:26Okay, Mom.
29:27You and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon.
29:30I'll play with them.
29:31This time, I really wanted a sibling.
29:34A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful.
29:38The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
29:41Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday?
29:44I nodded vigorously.
29:45So cool.
29:46If you want to protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever.
29:51You have to rely on yourself.
29:53Do you want like me strong?
29:55I nodded again.
29:56Yes.
29:57I wanted to be strong like him.
29:59I wanted to protect my parents and my future siblings.
30:02I wanted to hunt bears and earn lots of money.
30:06Dad looked proud.
30:07He made me run 50 laps around our ranch cabin.
30:11By the end, I could barely stand.
30:13He gritted his teeth and wouldn't let me stop.
30:16Mom looked pained, but she didn't say a word.
30:19She just made extra food and added two fried eggs for me.
30:24After running, there was weight training.
30:26Dad brought sandbags from the ranch warehouse.
30:29They felt like a thousand pounds on my arms.
30:33After a day of training, my hands and feet were covered in blisters.
30:37Mom washed my feet and popped the blisters for me.
30:40Hey, Stella, train hard.
30:43Your dad is doing this for your own good.
30:47I know, Mom.
30:48Most ranch families only teach girls to gather wood, wash clothes, and cook.
30:53Who would ever teach a girl how to be strong?
30:56I understood how much Dad cared for me.
30:58That night, Mom moved into Dad's room.
31:01I heard them talking for a bit before the lights went out.
31:04My body ached all over, but I slept peacefully.
31:08The next morning, Dad woke up late.
31:10I had already finished 30 laps when he came out.
31:14His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.
31:17All day long, Dad and Mom were blushing.
31:19They kept stealing glances at each other.
31:22Why hide it?
31:23Just look if you want to.
31:25Grownups are so strange.
31:26We had a perfect Christmas.
31:29Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch.
31:31He bought two dairy cows and a few beef cattle.
31:34When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch.
31:37During the off-season, we went hunting.
31:39Dad started taking me into the mountains.
31:42He taught me how to track animals and read their droppings.
31:45He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves.
31:48He taught me to set traps and use a hunting rifle.
31:51He even showed me how to knock someone out with minimal force
31:54and how to spot poisonous plants in the woods.
31:56I was weak, so my progress was slow.
31:59But Dad was always patient.
32:01Our family was happy.
32:02But the rumors never truly stopped.
32:05Most of them came from the Hudsons.
32:07Rick's fault he's a cripple.
32:09That person pretends to be arrogant and married a cripple.
32:13So what if Jason was handsome?
32:15His only talents were hitting us, gambling and drinking.
32:20I started staring at Dad's leg.
32:22Dad noticed and tried to walk slower to hide his limp.
32:26Sometimes he would lean on the ranch fence for support.
32:30Your dad is so good to you, Stella.
32:35Don't be heartless.
32:36Don't look down on him like others.
32:39Mom thought I was becoming ungrateful.
32:41Her eyes turned red with anger.
32:42But she couldn't bring herself to hit me.
32:44I quickly grabbed her hand to explain.
32:47Mom, I don't look down on Dad.
32:48I feel bad for him.
32:51I want to study medicine.
32:52I want to fix his leg.
32:55I didn't care that he limped.
32:56I didn't care about the scar on his face.
32:58I just hated seeing him unable to sleep when it rained.
33:02I hated that hunting was harder for him than others.
33:06Mom understood my thoughts, but she was worried.
33:08There were no medical schools in town.
33:11Besides, I was only a six-year-old girl.
33:14Dad overheard us from outside the cabin.
33:16He stayed silent for two days.
33:17He just sat on the porch, staring at the mountains.
33:21Two days later, he took me back to the city.
33:24We found the butler who bought the black bear.
33:26Dad asked him for a favor.
33:28The man looked at me carefully.
33:30He patted Dad's shoulder and agreed happily.
33:33If she wants to learn, she can start as an assistant in the pharmacy.
33:39Stella, studying medicine is very hard.
33:42You have to memorize names, mix medicine, and care for the sick.
33:47People might yell at you or even hit you.
33:50Can you handle it?
33:52I slapped my chest and spoke loudly.
33:54I can.
33:55I'll fix my dad's leg and earn lots of money.
33:59I'll take care of my parents and my future siblings.
34:03The man burst out laughing and nudged Dad's arm.
34:06Rick, your daughter is so sweet.
34:09Is the next one already on the way?
34:11Dad's face turned bright red instantly.
34:13He waved his hands quickly.
34:15It's still too early for that!
34:18I lived at the pharmacy in town, doing odd jobs.
34:21I tried my best to learn everything about medicine.
34:24I only went home to the ranch once every two weeks.
34:27I brought the sandbags Dad gave me to the pharmacy.
34:30No matter how busy I was, I found time to train.
34:34Mom hated leaving me alone in town.
34:36She held my hand and wouldn't let go when she dropped me off.
34:39With red eyes, she told me to eat well and not overwork.
34:43Come home if anyone treats you badly, she said.
34:46I waved and smiled to comfort her.
34:49Don't worry, Mom.
34:50I can take care of myself.
34:52When I learn everything, I'll fix Dad's leg.
34:56Mom laughed through her tears and wiped them away.
34:59All right, I'll be waiting.
35:00I'll make your favorite snacks for when you come home.
35:03The doctor at the pharmacy was an old friend of the butler's.
35:06He was kind to patients, but very strict with apprentices.
35:10If we forgot a drug's name, he yelled.
35:12If we missed a detail in a patient's record, he yelled.
35:15If we took blood pressure incorrectly, he yelled.
35:18Sometimes he made us copy drug names as punishment for being slow.
35:22The other students felt mistreated.
35:24Before long, they all went home crying and never came back.
35:28But I wasn't afraid.
35:30What was this little bit of hardship?
35:32Compared to Grandmother's beatings or Jason's violence, this was nothing.
35:36I was already used to it.
35:37Besides, I knew the doctor wanted me to grow fast.
35:40Just like Dad wanted me to be strong.
35:43The doctor was strict, but he never treated us poorly.
35:46He made plenty of food for us every day.
35:48Sometimes he even gave us nutrient powder.
35:51I might not be the smartest, but I know who is truly kind.
35:54I kept training the way Dad taught me.
35:56I ran 5 kilometers with weights every morning and night.
35:59I grew stronger, and my movements became faster.
36:02The doctor started teaching me massage techniques.
36:05At first, I practiced on him.
36:07Slowly, I began helping the elderly patients ease their pain.
36:10The doctor worked so hard with his patients in medicine.
36:13I massaged him to help him relax.
36:15He started smiling at me more.
36:16He even taught me about heat and cold therapy.
36:19He said these skills would really help my Dad.
36:22When I went home every two weeks, the first thing I did was massage Dad's leg.
36:26I rubbed the stiff muscles from his knee to his ankle.
36:30Then I used the heat therapy the doctor taught me.
36:33At first, Dad refused.
36:34He thought it was awkward for a man to have his legs rubbed.
36:37I had to beg him for a long time before he finally agreed.
36:41After the massage, he stood up and took a few steps.
36:44His eyes lit up and turned a bit red.
36:46Stella is so smart.
36:49My leg feels much better now.
36:51Mom saw this and asked me to teach her, too.
36:54When you're away, I can do it for him.
36:56He worked so hard on the ranch and in the mountains.
36:59I taught them both step by step.
37:02I laughed and said,
37:03When I'm not here, you two can massage each other.
37:06That way, you'll both feel better.
37:08Both their faces turned bright red instantly.
37:10They glanced at each other and quickly looked down.
37:13Mom gave me a little pinch for talking nonsense.
37:15They are so strange.
37:17What is there to be embarrassed about?
37:19I studied in the city for five years.
37:21My medical knowledge and physical strength grew fast.
37:24I went from a skinny little girl to a strong, healthy teenager.
37:28The fear in my eyes was gone, replaced by confidence.
37:33During this time, Mom and Dad never had another child.
37:36Rumors started spreading around the ranch.
37:38Most of them came from the Hudsons.
37:40They claimed Dad couldn't have children.
37:42It would be Rick's fault.
37:44He's disabled.
37:45He probably doesn't even have the strength of father a child.
37:47Maybe that's why his first first wife fought with him before she died.
37:50I overheard some workers gossiping when I returned home.
37:53I clenched my fists, ready to fight them.
37:55But Mom grabbed my hand and stepped forward.
37:58She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
37:59It's my fault!
38:01I was abused at the Hudsons and it ruined my health!
38:04It has nothing to do with my husband, Rick!
38:06Stop your lies!
38:07Dad was healthy, but Mom was right.
38:10Years of hunger, heavy labor, and beatings had left her scarred.
38:14She had been taking medicine for five years, but nothing happened.
38:18Mom was anxious and often sat by the creek staring into space.
38:22Sometimes I caught her wiping away tears.
38:24Dad was always there to comfort her.
38:26Raising Stella is enough.
38:29She's smart and capable.
38:31She's worth more than ten sons.
38:35With her around, we have nothing to worry about.
38:43But right then, my biological father, Jason, suddenly returned.
38:47You may never walk in love with the suffering from any superstar.
38:47You may never walk in love with it.
38:48When we walk in love with, there is a picture of you.
38:48What?
38:48You may have the μ‘le.
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