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