- 5 hours ago
My Savage Farmer Step-Dad Ep 2026
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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, but my uncle would always snatch
00:43them 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.
04:33Mom folded our two ragged coats by the cow shed.
04:35She started working right away.
04:37She wanted to be useful.
04:39She thought hard work would keep us from being beaten.
04:42Rick's cabin was simple.
04:44Three 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.
04:59I 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 and lie.
05:38Grandmother always cursed her for flirting with outsiders.
05:42Why 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 and...
05:52She didn't finish the sentence, but I knew.
05:55Dad sent Mom here to die.
05:57Dad decided to sell Mom for money before he even left.
06:00He wasn't coming back, and he didn't want Mom to survive.
06:03He wanted to cut off her every means of escape.
06:06Even 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.
06:42Rick 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.
07:02And 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. He saw the food, and then saw us standing outside.
08:11His frown deepened. He 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. The moment I put down my fork,
08:35he would stare at me and frown. Did 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. We 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. I never knew a bath could feel this
09:09good. At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine. After the bath,
09:14I headed to the cow shed to sleep. Mom pulled me aside.
09:17Cover your ears. No matter what you hear, don't come out. Just pretend you're asleep.
09:23Okay? I nodded hard. I understood.
09:26Back then, Dad would come home drunk and beat me in the shed. He called me a waste of money
09:31and a
09:31curse. He blamed me for his gambling losses. One time, he almost killed me. Mom had to grab an axe
09:37to fight him off just to save me. Now, looking at Rick, he was much stronger than Dad. He could
09:42probably kill me with one kick. But he wasn't drunk, and he wasn't angry. He picked me up like
09:47a little chick and carried me into the empty room. Mom was already waiting there. The room wasn't empty
09:52anymore. There was a wide wooden bed inside. It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets
09:57of warm clothes. Rick set me down and turned to leave. He went back to his own room and closed
10:02the
10:03door. Soon, I heard him snoring. I never thought I'd get to sleep inside a house again. That night,
10:09we slept restlessly, but it was so warm. I curled up in my quilt and whispered,
10:14Mom, it's so warm. I had never felt this warm in winter before. My stomach was full,
10:19and my heart felt safe. For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive. Mom stroked my hair.
10:26Baby, you called him Dad today. Call him that tomorrow and every day after. I nodded.
10:33Okay. Rick was already much better to me than my real father. After that, Mom slowly started making
10:39more food. She was careful, adding just a little more each time. It took days for her to figure out
10:45Rick's temper and appetite. He ate a lot, as much as Mom and me combined, but he never told us
10:50we
10:50couldn't eat. In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown. He went hunting in the mountains around
10:55the ranch. He sold the big one in town, but sometimes he brought back rabbits or pheasants
10:59for Mom to stew. He only ate half and left the rest for us. In my whole life, I had
11:04only tasted meat
11:05three times. This was the fourth. The meat tasted so good. No wonder grandmother and my uncle loved it so
11:11much.
11:11Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra. I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain
11:16until midnight. I was rolling on the bed in agony. Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked. She gave
11:21me hot water, but I threw it up instantly. I felt like I was dying. Rick burst into the room.
11:27He wrapped
11:28me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder. He started running. Mom stumbled along behind him,
11:33too scared to say a word. He ran all the way to the town doctor's house. He put the door
11:38open. The
11:39doctor's family was terrified. They started to complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced
11:44them. The doctor checked me with a stethoscope. He asked what I had eaten. It's indigestion.
11:49She ate too much. She's been malnourished for years. Her body can't handle this much meat all
11:55at once. I'll give her something to throw it up. He poured something into my mouth. I vomited
12:00everything out. The room smelled awful. The doctor's wife grumbled in the corner. Clearly,
12:05she's never had anything good in her life. She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food.
12:10Rick looked up and gave her a death stare. She scurried back into her room, terrified.
12:14I felt so ashamed. I got sick just from eating meat. Maybe grandmother was right. Maybe I was just
12:20a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything. Rick carried me back home. On the way, he asked in a low
12:26voice, have you never had meat before? I thought he was judging me. This was only my fourth time before
12:34I
12:34only ever had a bite. At the Hudsons, they wouldn't even give us the leftover broth. I truly had never
12:40had anything good. He gave a low grunt. You'll get used to it if you eat it more often. I
12:46was sick
12:46and could only eat rice porridge for a few days. Rick bought some supplements from town. Those were
12:52expensive things I had never seen before. I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal. It was even
12:58better than what my mom ate when I was born. Rick watched me eat every day. Once my face looked
13:04healthy again, he stopped worrying. He went to fix the doctor's fence. Then he dragged the doctor
13:09back to check my heartbeat. Only after the doctor said I was fine did he let him go. He said
13:14he was
13:14going deep into the mountains to hunt. He wanted to catch something big. He would be gone for days
13:19and asked mom to pack some food. Mom mixed butter and brown sugar into the dough. The flatbread
13:24smelled delicious as she baked it. She also gave him thick insoles and a winter hat she had made.
13:31Rick took the food and looked at the gifts. He looked at her and his eyes softened.
13:36Christmas is coming soon. I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game. Think about what you want.
13:42Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off. Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help but
13:47shout,
13:47Dad, come back soon. Rick's body stiffened for a second. He didn't look back, but he waved his hand.
13:53Go inside. It's cold out here. We waited for five days, but he didn't come back.
14:01That night, the weather turned even colder. On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky.
14:07Mom looked at the darkening sky, then at me. She pointed to the food in the kitchen.
14:13She told me to take care of myself and fix something to eat if I got hungry. I'm going to
14:20find him. I'll be back soon. She put on thick clothes, strapped a dagger to herself, and took a
14:27flashlight. I was too worried to stay, so I hit a small curved knife on myself. I followed closely
14:34behind her. Where you go, I go, Mom. We're going to bring Dad home. In my heart, Rick was my
14:39father. He was
14:41a thousand times better than my real father. Mom sighed. If something really happened to him,
14:46you wouldn't survive alone. Let's go. Together. We held hands and walked deep into the mountains.
14:53Before, we only gathered firewood at the edge of the woods. People said there were wolves,
14:58wild boars, and man-eating black bears deep inside. But, as long as I was with Mom,
15:04thinking that Dad was waiting for us, I wasn't scared at all. Heavy snow fell from the sky. It was
15:12only afternoon, but it was already completely dark. The path through the woods was extremely
15:18hard to walk. I stepped deep and shallow, sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves.
15:24Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check the path ahead. Before long,
15:29heavy footsteps came from ahead. Mom pulled out her dagger, and I gripped my curved knife tightly.
15:37We stared ahead, terrified and alert. In that moment, I thought, even if I die, I want to die with
15:44Mom.
15:45The footsteps grew closer. A tall, limping figure appeared. He was dragging a huge black bear,
15:52walking with difficulty with every step. We both froze. I let go of Mom's hand and rushed over
16:00suddenly. I hugged his leg tightly and looked up at him. The black bear fell heavily to the ground.
16:06What? What are you doing here? He looked at us, completely shocked. He reached out to pick me up,
16:12but he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing. I held tightly to his thigh.
16:18Dad, we came to take you home. Mom rushed over as well. Rick, you've been gone for five days,
16:26and it started snowing. She didn't dare say she was worried. Back then, when my biological father
16:33didn't come home for days, Mom went to look for him too. I was afraid something happened to you. But
16:39my father just slapped her across the face. Something happened? What could happen to a man like me?
16:44It's because you cursed me all day that I'm so unlucky. After that, Mom never dared to show her
16:50worry again. He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person. But Rick just looked
16:57at Mom and quirked his lips. He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot how.
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.
17:15I'll be home soon. That bear was massive. He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely
17:22exhausted. Yet, he didn't demand our help. He wanted to carry the burden himself. Mom saw how tired
17:30he was and hesitated. She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help. I ran forward
17:38and grabbed the bear's leg. Dad, we're going back with you. I didn't have much strength and the bear's
17:44fur felt terrifying. It was so huge that it looked fierce even in death. Mom found her courage and ran
17:52over too. We'll help you. It took all our strength to drag the black bear home. The snow on the
18:00ground
18:00was thick now. The ranch was pitch black and the trail was empty. We finally made it back. The giant
18:08bear lay in the snow looking even more fierce, but I wasn't afraid. I circled it a few times and
18:14ran back
18:15to Rick. 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. Yeah. His hand was large,
18:31rough, and heavy. But when he touched me, it was light and warm. Jason's hands were big too, but they
18:39weren't rough. He rarely did any real work. Jason wasn't even that strong. When he got into trouble
18:45in town, he would just curl up and take the hits. But when he hit me and mom, he was
18:51very strong.
18:53His blows made my head ring every time. In this place, many men slapped 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 warmly. 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. We didn't
19:34dare step forward. Dad pointed at us. The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin purse.
19:42Here, 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.
20:07Rick, you have a sweet daughter. You're a lucky man. He handed me a big apple.
20:12The coin is for your dad, but this is for you. Keep it for yourself. Merry Christmas to your family.
20:20The butler bought the bear and invited Dad for a drink. Won't you come in for a drink?
20:26Rick waved him off and refused. No, thank you. We need to buy things for Christmas.
20:32The black bear sold for a lot of money. Dad took us to the streets. First, he bought a lot
20:38of candy. He
20:40put them into three red socks. I took one out and put it in my mouth, carefully. I peeled another
20:47one for
20:47mom. Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at Dad. She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped
20:54her.
20:55Too much sugar makes kids sick. We don't want to see the doctor again. Mom remembered my stomach
21:02ache and didn't give me more. So, Mom finally opened her mouth and ate the candy. Dad then took us
21:11to buy
21:11meat, flour, and butter. He even bought spices for cooking. Finally, we went to a clothing store for
21:19new coats. Mom waved her hands and said no. Our old coats are still good. I said no, too. The
21:28old quilts
21:29and coats Dad gave us were already warm and clean. That was good enough for me. I had never worn
21:36such nice
21:36clothes in my life. But Dad insisted on buying new ones. I bought old ones because I was broke. Now
21:45we
21:45have money. In the end, we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats. I can sew quickly. They'll
21:53be ready before Christmas. She still didn't want to spend too much. She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad
22:00and held it up to him. Rick, this pattern looks good on you. It was the first time they were
22:07so close.
22:08I think I saw Dad's face turn red. Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders. I could
22:16see
22:16so far away. I laughed out loud. It was my first time being up this high. Mom was worried and
22:24kept
22:24checking Dad's leg. She was afraid he would get too tired. After a while, Dad bought me some toys.
22:31He also bought hair clips and brooches for me and Mom. Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful.
22:38These brooches from the city suit them perfectly. Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time.
22:43On the way back, we sat on the tractor. I hugged my red socks tightly. This was the happiest day
22:50of my
22:50life. As we passed the Hudson Ranch, I saw Grandmother. She was feeding the cows in the yard.
22:56My uncle was lounging under the eaves in the sun. He still had no job and no wife. He just
23:03ate,
23:03drank, and wasted his life. After selling us to Rick, he had that money. Now he worked even less.
23:09He said he was preparing for a blind date. Grandmother always called us lazy, but I never
23:14dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one. I gripped my red socks and stared at them.
23:20Grandmother and my uncle noticed us. Their eyes widened in disbelief. Then, their faces turned into
23:26a hateful scowl. Grandmother was cursing at us. Dad stopped the tractor. He threw a stone and hit
23:34my uncle right on the head. My uncle jumped up in pain. Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water
23:43basin. They are my wife and daughter now. If you insult them again, you're dealing with me.
23:50He looked terrifying. Even with a limp, he stood like a mountain. Grandmother and my uncle were bullies
23:57who feared the strong. They were furious but didn't dare say a word. Mom gripped my hand. Her eyes turned
24:05red. As we drove away, I looked back. I could still see their hateful glares. I suddenly felt brave.
24:13I waved my red socks and made a face at them. I had a real dad now. They could never
24:20bully us again.
24:21Back home, Mom started decorating the tree and making apple pie. Dad spent his time fixing everything
24:28in the house. He gathered wood and never stayed idle. He brought back more pheasants and rabbits.
24:35Eat more meat, then your stomach won't hurt anymore. I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he
24:41refused. Kids stay home and play. I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too. Your dad wants
24:49you to play.
24:50Go on, you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet. At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time
24:55to 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
25:10grabbed my candy. 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 all
25:22my 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.
25:38Even my new hair clip was missing. They laughed and ran off with my sweets.
25:43I sat in the mud and cried. Grandmother and my uncle stood nearby,
25:48watching with wicked smiles. I screamed at them. I was so small back then. My mom had already had a
26:06child. The tavern would never pay that much for us. They thought I was too young to understand,
26:11but I had overheard their conversation. They were the truly wicked ones. They wanted to leave us at the
26:17ranch. They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death. But they never expected this. Dad never hit us.
26:24He never tortured us even for a second. He treated us so well. They couldn't stand it. So they spread
26:31rumors behind our backs. They framed us everywhere. Clearly, they are the real monsters.
26:38I lost the hair clip and candy Dad bought me. I was too ashamed to go home. I lingered near
26:43the gate,
26:44hesitating. Dad came down from the mountain. He saw me covered in mud and blood. He dropped his
26:50pheasants in shock. I had never seen him so angry. I trembled in fear. He panicked, trying to wipe the
27:02mud off my face. His hands were rough, but they calmed my racing heart. I stuttered through the
27:10whole story. The more I spoke, the darker his face became. He took me back and left me with Mom.
27:18Then
27:18he grabbed his axe to head out. Mom pulled him back and shook her head. Dad thought for a moment.
27:26He
27:26dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead. That day, the parents of those bullies all got
27:33a beating. If you can't teach your kids, I won't hit them. I'll hit you instead. Those grown men were
27:40chased like rabbits by a man with a limp. Dad moved slowly but steadily. He caught up to them and
27:50struck
27:50them down. The men wailed in pain. I'll break your leg! Everyone in the ranch came out to watch. Then
27:57Dad went to the Hudson Ranch. He gave my uncle a brutal beating. My uncle screamed and begged for
28:04mercy. He promised he would never do it again. I won't do it again! I promise! Dad turned to the
28:09crowd of onlookers. If you have something to say, say it to my face. No one dared to speak. They
28:14all
28:15waved their hands and shook their heads. We all know what the Hudsons are like. Just go live your life.
28:20Look at how happy your family is now. Dad dropped the club. He patted my head and led me home.
28:29Have you lived this long without a name? I shook my head. Grandmother called me a brat.
28:36Mom only called me baby. Dad pulled me close and looked at the stars.
28:41From now on, your name is Stella. Shine like a star and have a bright future ahead.
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,
29:10you sleep on your own, okay? If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep? I thought about it and nodded
29:16hard. Okay, Mom. You and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon. I'll play with them!
29:22This time, I really wanted a sibling. A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful.
29:29The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
29:32Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday?
29:35I nodded vigorously. So cool! If you want to protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever.
29:42You have to rely on yourself. Do you want like me strong?
29:46I nodded again. Yes. I wanted to be strong like him. I wanted to protect my parents and my future
29:53siblings. I wanted to hunt bears and earn lots of money. Dad looked proud. He made me run 50 laps
30:00around our ranch cabin. By the end, I could barely stand. He gritted his teeth and wouldn't let me stop.
30:08Mom looked pained, but she didn't say a word. She just made extra food and added two fried eggs for
30:14me.
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.
31:16Grownups are so strange. We had a perfect Christmas. Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch. He bought
31:22two dairy cows and a few beef cattle. When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch. During the
31:28off-season, we went hunting. Dad started taking me into the mountains. He taught me how to track
31:34animals and read their droppings. He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves. He taught me to set traps
31:40and use a hunting rifle. He even showed me how to knock someone out with minimal force and how to
31:45spot
31:46poisonous plants in the woods. I was weak, so my progress was slow. But Dad was always patient.
31:52Our family was happy. But the rumors never truly stopped. Most of them came from the Hudson's.
31:58Rick's fault he's a cripple.
31:59That person pretends to be arrogant and married a cripple.
32:04So what if Jason was handsome? His only talents were hitting us, gambling and drinking.
32:10I started staring at Dad's leg. Dad noticed and tried to walk slower to hide his limp.
32:16Sometimes he would lean on the ranch fence for support.
32:21Your dad is so good to you, Stella.
32:25Don't be heartless. Don't look down on him like others.
32:29Mom thought I was becoming ungrateful. Her eyes turned red with anger. But she couldn't
32:33bring herself to hit me. I quickly grabbed her hand to explain.
32:37Mom, I don't look down on Dad. I feel bad for him. I want to study medicine. I want to
32:44fix his leg.
32:45I didn't care that he limped. I didn't care about the scar on his face.
32:48I just hated seeing him unable to sleep when it rained.
32:52I hated that hunting was harder for him than others.
32:56Mom understood my thoughts, but she was worried. There were no medical schools in town.
33:01Besides, I was only a six-year-old girl. Dad overheard us from outside the cabin.
33:06He stayed silent for two days. He just sat on the porch, staring at the mountains.
33:12Two days later, he took me back to the city. We found the butler who bought the black bear.
33:17Dad asked him for a favor. The man looked at me carefully.
33:21He patted Dad's shoulder and agreed happily. If she wants to learn,
33:25she can start as an assistant in the pharmacy.
33:29Stella, studying medicine is very hard. You have to memorize names, mix medicine,
33:35and care for the sick. People might yell at you or even hit you. Can you handle it?
33:42I slapped my chest and spoke loudly. I can. I'll fix my dad's leg and earn lots of money.
33:49I'll take care of my parents and my future siblings. The man burst out laughing and nudged Dad's arm.
33:56Rick, your daughter is so sweet. Is the next one already on the way?
34:02Dad's face turned bright red instantly. He waved his hands quickly.
34:06It's still too early for that!
34:08I lived at the pharmacy in town, doing odd jobs. I tried my best to learn everything about medicine.
34:14I only went home to the ranch once every two weeks. I brought the sandbags Dad gave me to the
34:19pharmacy. No matter how busy I was, I found time to train. Mom hated leaving me alone in town. She
34:26held my hand and wouldn't let go when she dropped me off. With red eyes, she told me to eat
34:31well and not
34:32overwork. Come home if anyone treats you badly, she said. I waved and smiled to comfort her. Don't worry,
34:40Mom. I can take care of myself. When I learn everything, I'll fix Dad's leg. Mom laughed through
34:46her tears and wiped them away. All right, I'll be waiting. I'll make your favorite snacks for when you
34:52come home. The doctor at the pharmacy was an old friend of the butler's. He was kind to patients,
34:58but very strict with apprentices. If we forgot a drug's name, he yelled. If we missed a detail in a
35:03patient's record, he yelled. If we took blood pressure incorrectly, he yelled. Sometimes he
35:09made us copy drug names as punishment for being slow. The other students felt mistreated. Before long,
35:15they all went home crying and never came back. But I wasn't afraid. What was this little bit of
35:21hardship? Compared to Grandmother's beatings or Jason's violence, this was nothing. I was already
35:26used to it. Besides, I knew the doctor wanted me to grow fast, just like Dad wanted me to be
35:31strong.
35:32The doctor was strict, but he never treated us poorly. He made plenty of food for us every day.
35:38Sometimes he even gave us nutrient powder. I might not be the smartest, but I know who was truly kind.
35:43I kept training the way Dad taught me. I ran five kilometers with weights every morning and night.
35:48I grew stronger and my movements became faster. The doctor started teaching me massage techniques.
35:54At first, I practiced on him. Slowly, I began helping the elderly patients ease their pain.
36:00The doctor worked so hard with his patients in medicine. I massaged him to help him relax.
36:04He started smiling at me more. He even taught me about heat and cold therapy. He said these skills
36:10would really help my Dad. When I went home every two weeks, the first thing I did was massage Dad's
36:15leg.
36:15I rubbed the stiff muscles from his knee to his ankle. Then I used the heat therapy the doctor
36:21taught me. At first, Dad refused. He thought it was awkward for a man to have his legs rubbed.
36:27I had to beg him for a long time before he finally agreed. After the massage, he stood up and
36:32took a
36:32few steps. His eyes lit up and turned a bit red. Stella is so smart. My leg feels much better
36:40now.
36:40Mom saw this and asked me to teach her too. When you're away, I can do it for him. He
36:46worked so
36:47hard on the ranch and in the mountains. I taught them both step by step. I laughed and said,
36:53When I'm not here, you two can massage each other. That way, you'll both feel better.
36:57Both their faces turned bright red instantly. They glanced at each other and quickly looked down.
37:02Mom gave me a little pinch for talking nonsense. They are so strange. What is there to be embarrassed about?
37:08I studied in the city for five years. My medical knowledge and physical strength grew fast.
37:13I went from a skinny little girl to a strong, healthy teenager. The fear in my eyes was gone,
37:20replaced by confidence. During this time, Mom and Dad never had another child. Rumors started
37:26spreading around the ranch. Most of them came from the Hudson's. They claimed Dad couldn't have children.
37:31It must be Rick's fault. He's disabled. He probably doesn't even have the strength to father a child.
37:36Maybe that's why his first first wife fought with him before she died.
37:40I overheard some workers gossiping when I returned home. I clenched my fists, ready to fight them.
37:44But Mom grabbed my hand and stepped forward. She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
37:48It's my fault! I was abused at the Hudson's and it ruined my health! It has nothing to do with
37:54my
37:54husband! Rick, stop your lies! Dad was healthy, but Mom was right. Years of hunger, heavy labor,
38:01and beatings had left her scarred. She had been taking medicine for five years, but nothing happened.
38:07Mom was anxious and often sat by the creek staring into space. Sometimes I caught her wiping away tears.
38:13Dad was always there to comfort her. Raising Stella is enough. She's smart and capable. She's worth more than
38:2110 sons. With her around, we have nothing to worry about.
38:32But right then, my biological father, Jason, suddenly returned.
38:36Thanks for being anointed one.
38:37I was
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