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