- 4 hours ago
My Savage Farmer Step-Dad
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00...old farmer next door.
00:01My dad said that before he left for the army.
00:04The old farmer had a bad leg, but he was a savage man.
00:07People said he even killed his first wife.
00:10He was strong enough to knock out a bull with one punch.
00:14For my mom, marrying him was a death sentence.
00:16Three years later, the news came that my dad was dead.
00:20Right away, my grandma sold my mom to the monster for $2,000.
00:25The day we heard the news of dad's death,
00:27it was December, right after a blizzard.
00:30My mom was feeding the cattle barefoot.
00:32Grandmother never allowed her to wear shoes.
00:35She said a bitch like her didn't deserve them.
00:37I often went to the woods to gather branches for warmth,
00:41but my uncle would always snatch them away for his fireplace.
00:44No matter how we begged, it was useless.
00:47Grandmother would beat us and curse us for days.
00:50I felt sorry for mom and tried to help her feed the cows.
00:54Baby, go play over there.
00:55The sun is out, it's warmer there.
00:58My shoes were torn and falling apart.
01:00The sun was our only source of heat.
01:02After feeding the cows, we went back to the cabin.
01:05Grandmother was already waiting, fuming with rage.
01:08What took you so long?
01:10Were you out looking for other men again?
01:12She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
01:15The army sent word.
01:16Jason is dead.
01:17Ever since he married you, my son was cursed by your bad luck.
01:21She didn't look sad about her son's death at all.
01:24There had to be a secret behind this.
01:26Now that he's gone, get out of this house.
01:29Don't stay here and ruin the Hudson family name.
01:32She looked at us with disgust and kept grumbling.
01:35Luckily, my son sold you to Rick before he left.
01:38Otherwise, we would have lost so much money feeding you two.
01:41My mom didn't fight back.
01:43She just picked up her coat and held my hand tight.
01:46Mom, at least let me take the child with me.
01:49Grandmother looked me up and down.
01:51She had a wicked look in her eyes.
01:53That depends on if that old farmer pays more.
01:59A girl her age could fetch $2,000 at the town.
02:04She's worth much more than you.
02:06My mom gripped my hand even harder.
02:09We both knew the truth.
02:11As soon as she marries Rick, grandmother will sell me away.
02:14It was the day we were driven to Rick's ranch.
02:16The legendary monster was there, chopping wood.
02:20Each swing of his axe was terrifying.
02:23One of his legs was broken and propped on a wooden stool.
02:26He looked strange and menacing.
02:28A huge scar ran from his left eye down to his mouth.
02:31It looked like his face was split in two.
02:33I hid behind my mom, trembling.
02:36Rick looked at us coldly.
02:37You're forcing this woman on me for $500?
02:41Now you want $2,000 more?
02:43He clearly didn't want my mom.
02:45And he definitely didn't want a burden like me.
02:47My son Jason saved your life in that blizzard.
02:50Now that he's gone, you should be grateful to take her.
02:52This girl will be your daughter.
02:54It's a blessing.
02:55$2,000 is a bargain for you.
02:57$2,000 was a lot of money.
02:59It could buy so many seeds.
03:01I knew I wasn't worth that much.
03:03Rick glanced at Grandmother but said nothing.
03:06People said he was a man of few words.
03:08But one look from him could scare anyone to death.
03:11Grandmother shoved my mom forward.
03:13My mom's thin body almost hit the ground.
03:16She pulled me along and knelt down instantly.
03:18Rick, my child eats very little.
03:20She can feed the cows and collect firewood.
03:23Please, give us a way to live.
03:25His eyes were sharp, judging me.
03:28Call him Dad.
03:30I looked at Rick and that terrifying scar.
03:34Dad.
03:35Rick froze.
03:36His scar looked even more twisted.
03:37Grandmother kicked me hard in the back.
03:40Your father just died and you're already calling him Dad.
03:44Just like that.
03:45Over and over.
03:46I lay on the ground, motionless.
03:48I didn't fight back or scream.
03:50I knew if she had her fun, she would eventually stop.
03:53Mom crawled over to save me.
03:55But Grandmother slapped her across the face.
03:57This was life in the Hudson house.
04:00We took the money and tried to leave.
04:01But Rick stopped her.
04:02He demanded it would keep us from being beaten.
04:05Rick's cabin was seen.
04:06Mom found some wooden boards to make me a bed.
04:09I will sleep here tonight.
04:11Don't be afraid, baby.
04:13I spread hay over the boards.
04:16I'm not scared, Mom.
04:17It was the same back at the Hudson ranch.
04:19When Dad was home, he said I was in the way.
04:22He always kicked me out to the cow shed.
04:24The Hudson shed was much filthier.
04:26There were rats and snakes everywhere.
04:28Freezing in winter and boiling.
04:30Mom hugged me tightly.
04:34It's my fault I couldn't keep your father's heart.
04:37Dad was always talking to Mom.
04:39I knew there was a secret behind all this.
04:42Mom, why did Dad want you to marry Rick?
04:44Before, Dad never let her leave the ranch.
04:46He never let her look at anyone in the eye.
04:49Grandmother always cursed her for flirting with outsiders.
04:52Why the sudden rush to marry her off?
04:55Mom's bitter laugh was muffled in her chest.
04:58Her voice was barely a whisper.
05:00Because only Rick had this much money.
05:03She didn't finish the sentence, but I knew.
05:06Dad sent Mom here to die.
05:08Dad decided to sell Mom for money before he even left.
05:11He wasn't coming back, and he didn't want Mom to survive.
05:14He wanted to cut off her every means of escape.
05:16Even as a child, I could see their plot.
05:19It was so obvious that all the neighbors were talking about it.
05:22A moment later, Rick came back.
05:24He ignored us.
05:25He carried a pile of wooden boards into the house.
05:28The sound of his heavy hammering echoed, hitting our hearts.
05:31Mom stood outside, hesitant.
05:33She wanted to ask where the flour and beef were so she could cook, but she didn't dare.
05:37After a while, Rick came out.
05:39He saw us standing there like statues and frowned.
05:41Something wrong?
05:42His voice was gruff.
05:44I wanted to shrink back, but it was just me and Mom.
05:47If I backed down, she would be all alone.
05:49I stood my ground and held her hand tight.
05:52Rick noticed my move, and his brow twitched.
05:55Mom asked hesitantly,
05:57I wanted to ask about dinner.
06:00Please give me the ingredients so I can cook.
06:05Rick frowned again, looking at us with confusion.
06:08He pointed toward the kitchen.
06:10In there.
06:12And the key?
06:14Rick's frown deepened.
06:15He walked over and kicked the door open.
06:17Then he looked back at us.
06:19I felt like he was asking if we were stupid.
06:21There was no lock, so why would there be a key?
06:23But things were different at the Hudson Ranch.
06:25The Hudson kitchen was always locked.
06:27Even the flour, beef, and butter were kept in locked cabinets.
06:30Mom cooked every meal, but Grandmother decided every gram of food.
06:34She would put the exact amount on the counter and watch Mom cook.
06:37If a single grain of flour was dropped, she would scream for hours.
06:41She called Mom a money waster and called us starving ghosts.
06:44All you do is eat!
06:47You're useless!
06:48She was afraid we would steal food.
06:50Mom led me into the kitchen.
06:52Seeing the flour, beef, and butter sitting there made her hesitate.
06:55She looked at Rick, but he had already gone back outside.
06:58Mom didn't dare touch the food.
06:59She was afraid that if she messed up, Rick would beat her.
07:02Just like Grandmother did.
07:03She was afraid of being accused of stealing.
07:05Mom made dinner with trembling hands.
07:07She put the food on the table.
07:09But we stood in the yard, not daring to move.
07:13Rick came back carrying two large wooden crates.
07:16He put them into the empty, unused room.
07:18He saw the food, and then saw us standing outside.
07:21His frown deepened.
07:23He sat down at the table and called us inside in a gravelly voice.
07:27While he ate, he grunted,
07:28Not enough. Make more tomorrow.
07:30He ate quickly, finishing half and leaving the rest for us.
07:33Then he stood there, chopping wood while watching us eat.
07:37We didn't dare to eat much, but I soon noticed something strange.
07:41When I took big bites, he focused on his work.
07:44The moment I put down my fork, he would stare at me and frown.
07:48Did he want us to eat more?
07:49We finished the meal in fear, waiting for the beatings to start.
07:53But Rick didn't yell or hit us.
07:55He just put away his axe and spoke.
08:00Wash up and go to sleep. It's been a long day.
08:03After Rick finished, Mom took me to wash up.
08:05We hadn't used hot water in three years.
08:08She kept muttering as she washed, her face full of nerves.
08:11I must get clean. Then he won't hate me.
08:14The hot water hit my back, and I felt warm instantly.
08:18I never knew a bath could feel this good.
08:20At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine.
08:24After the bath, I headed to the cow shed to sleep.
08:26Mom pulled me aside.
08:28Cover your ears.
08:29No matter what you hear, don't come out.
08:32Just pretend you're asleep.
08:34Okay?
08:35I nodded hard. I understood.
08:37Back then, Dad would come home drunk and beat me in the shed.
08:40He called me a waste of money and a curse.
08:43He blamed me for his gambling losses.
08:45One time, he almost killed me.
08:47Mom had to grab an axe to fight him off just to save me.
08:49Now, looking at Rick, he was much stronger than Dad.
08:52He could probably kill me with one kick.
08:54But he wasn't drunk, and he wasn't angry.
08:57He picked me up like a little chick and carried me into the empty room.
09:00Mom was already waiting there.
09:02The room wasn't empty anymore.
09:03There was a wide wooden bed inside.
09:05It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets of warm clothes.
09:10Rick set me down and turned to leave.
09:11He went back to his own room and closed the door.
09:14Soon, I heard him snoring.
09:16I never thought I'd get to sleep inside a house again.
09:19That night, we slept restlessly, but it was so warm.
09:22I curled up in my quilt and whispered,
09:25Mom, it's so warm.
09:27I had never felt this warm in winter before.
09:29My stomach was full, and my heart felt safe.
09:32For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive.
09:35Mom stroked my hair.
09:37Baby, you called him Dad today.
09:40Call him that tomorrow and every day after.
09:43I nodded.
09:44Okay.
09:45Rick was already much better to me than my real father.
09:48After that, Mom slowly started making more food.
09:50She was careful, adding just a little more each time.
09:54It took days for her to figure out Rick's temper and appetite.
09:57He ate a lot, as much as Mom and me combined.
10:00But he never told us we couldn't eat.
10:02In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown.
10:04He went hunting in the mountains around the ranch.
10:07He sold the big one in town.
10:08But sometimes he brought back rabbits or pheasants for Mom to stew.
10:11He only ate half and left the rest for us.
10:14In my whole life, I had only tasted meat three times.
10:17This was the fourth.
10:18The meat tasted so good.
10:19No wonder Grandmother and my uncle loved it so much.
10:22Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra.
10:25I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain until midnight.
10:28I was rolling on the bed in agony.
10:30Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked.
10:32She gave me hot water, but I threw it up instantly.
10:35I felt like I was dying.
10:37Rick burst into the room.
10:38He wrapped me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder.
10:41He started running.
10:42Mom stumbled along behind him, too scared to say a word.
10:46He ran all the way to the town doctor's house.
10:48He took the door open.
10:49The doctor's family was terrified.
10:52They started to complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced them.
10:55The doctor checked me with a stethoscope.
10:58He asked what I had eaten.
10:59It's indigestion.
11:00She ate too much.
11:01She's been malnourished for years.
11:04Her body can't handle this much meat all at once.
11:07I'll give her something to throw it up.
11:08He poured something into my mouth.
11:10I vomited everything out.
11:12The room smelled awful.
11:13The doctor's wife grumbled in the corner.
11:16Clearly, she's never had anything good in her life.
11:18She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food.
11:21Rick looked up and gave her a death stare.
11:22She scurried back into her room, terrified.
11:25I felt so ashamed.
11:27I got sick just from eating meat.
11:29Maybe grandmother was right.
11:30Maybe I was just a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything.
11:34Rick carried me back home.
11:36On the way, he asked in a low voice.
11:38Have you never had meat before?
11:39I thought he was judging me.
11:41This was only my fourth time.
11:44Before, I only ever had a bite.
11:47At the Hudson's, they wouldn't even give us the leftover broth.
11:50I truly had never had anything good.
11:52He gave a low grunt.
11:53You'll get used to it if you eat it more often.
11:56I was sick and could only eat rice porridge for a few days.
12:00Rick bought some supplements from town.
12:02Those were expensive things I had never seen before.
12:05I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal.
12:08It was even better than what my mom ate when I was born.
12:11Rick watched me eat every day.
12:13Once my face looked healthy again, he stopped worrying.
12:17He went to fix the doctor's fence.
12:19Then he dragged the doctor back to check my heartbeat.
12:21Only after the doctor said I was fine did he let him go.
12:24He said he was going deep into the mountains to hunt.
12:27He wanted to catch something big.
12:29He would be gone for days and asked mom to pack some food.
12:32Mom mixed butter and brown sugar into the dough.
12:34The flatbread smelled delicious as she baked it.
12:37She also gave him thick insoles and a winter hat she had made.
12:42Rick took the food and looked at the gifts.
12:44He looked at her and his eyes softened.
12:47Christmas is coming soon.
12:49I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game.
12:51Think about what you want.
12:53Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off.
12:55Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help but shout,
12:58Dad, come back soon!
13:00Rick's body stiffened for a second.
13:02He didn't look back, but he waved his hand.
13:04Go inside.
13:05It's cold out here.
13:07We waited for five days, but he didn't come back.
13:11That night, the weather turned even colder.
13:15On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky.
13:18Mom looked at the darkening sky, then at me.
13:21She pointed to the food in the kitchen.
13:24She told me to take care of myself and fix something to eat if I got hungry.
13:30I'm going to find him.
13:31I'll be back soon.
13:33She put on thick clothes, strapped a dagger to herself, and took a flashlight.
13:39I was too worried to stay, so I hid a small curved knife on myself.
13:44I followed closely behind her.
13:46Where you go, I go, Mom.
13:47We're going to bring Dad home.
13:48In my heart, Rick was my father.
13:51He was a thousand times better than my real father.
13:55Mom sighed.
13:56If something really happened to him, you wouldn't survive alone.
13:59Let's go.
14:00Together.
14:00We held hands and walked deep into the mountains.
14:03Before, we only gathered firewood at the edge of the woods.
14:07People said there were wolves, wild boars, and man-eating black bears deep inside.
14:13But, as long as I was with Mom, and thinking that Dad was waiting for us,
14:18I wasn't scared at all.
14:20Heavy snow fell from the sky.
14:22It was only afternoon, but it was already completely dark.
14:26The path through the woods was extremely hard to walk.
14:30I stepped deep and shallow, sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves.
14:35Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check the path ahead.
14:39Before long, heavy footsteps came from ahead.
14:43Mom pulled out her dagger, and I gripped my curved knife tightly.
14:48We stared ahead, terrified and alert.
14:51In that moment, I thought, even if I die, I want to die with Mom.
14:56The footsteps grew closer.
14:58A tall, limping figure appeared.
15:00He was dragging a huge black bear, walking with difficulty with every step.
15:05We both froze.
15:08Dad!
15:09I let go of Mom's hand and rushed over suddenly.
15:11I hugged his leg tightly and looked up at him.
15:14The black bear fell heavily to the ground.
15:17What are you doing here?
15:18He looked at us, completely shocked.
15:21He reached out to pick me up.
15:23But he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing.
15:27I held tightly to his thigh.
15:29Dad, we came to take you home.
15:31Mom rushed over as well.
15:34Rick, you've been gone for five days, and it started snowing.
15:38She didn't dare say she was worried.
15:41Back then, when my biological father didn't come home for days, Mom went to look for him, too.
15:47I was afraid something happened to you.
15:50But my father just slapped her across the face.
15:53Something happened?
15:53What could happen to a man like me?
15:55It's because you cursed me all day that I'm so unlucky!
15:58After that, Mom never dared to show her worry again.
16:02He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person.
16:07But Rick just looked at Mom and quirked his lips.
16:10He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot how.
16:14He gave us an explanation.
16:16This game was too big.
16:18That's why I'm late.
16:20He hoisted the black bear back up and told us to go home.
16:24Go back and start the fire.
16:26I'll be home soon.
16:27That bear was massive.
16:30He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely exhausted.
16:34Yet, he didn't demand our help.
16:37He wanted to carry the burden himself.
16:40Mom saw how tired he was and hesitated.
16:43She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help.
16:47I ran forward and grabbed the bear's leg.
16:50Dad, we're going back with you.
16:53I didn't have much strength, and the bear's fur felt terrifying.
16:57It was so huge that it looked fierce even in death.
17:01Mom found her courage and ran over too.
17:04We'll help you.
17:06It took all our strength to drag the black bear home.
17:10The snow on the ground was thick now.
17:12The ranch was pitch black, and the trail was empty.
17:15We finally made it back.
17:18The giant bear lay in the snow, looking even more fierce.
17:22But I wasn't afraid.
17:23I circled it a few times and ran back to Rick.
17:27I leaned against his leg and looked up.
17:29Dad, you're amazing.
17:31You actually killed a black bear.
17:34Rick was too tired to move, but he reached out.
17:37He gently patted my head.
17:40Yeah.
17:41His hand was large, rough, and heavy.
17:44But when he touched me, it was light and warm.
17:47Jason's hands were big too, but they weren't rough.
17:51He rarely did any real work.
17:53Jason wasn't even that strong.
17:55When he got into trouble in town, he would just curl up and take the hits.
18:00But when he hit me and mom, he was very strong.
18:03His blows made my head ring every time.
18:06In this place, many men slap their wives and children.
18:10I used to think all fathers and husbands were like that.
18:13I didn't know someone could be different.
18:16The next morning, before dawn, Rick borrowed a tractor.
18:20He woke us up to go to town and sell the bear.
18:24He knew exactly where to go.
18:26He stopped at a grand luxury house.
18:29A butler came out and greeted him warmly.
18:32They hugged and talked like old friends.
18:35I realized then that dad could be so full of life.
18:38He could actually talk this much.
18:41Mom and I stayed back, staring at the fancy gates.
18:44We didn't dare step forward.
18:47Dad pointed at us.
18:48The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin purse.
18:53Here, child.
18:54Take this.
18:55I was too scared to take it, but he pressed it into my hand.
18:59Dad nodded, so I finally accepted it.
19:03Thank you.
19:04There was a silver coin inside.
19:06I immediately put the coin in Dad's hand.
19:11Dad, this is for you.
19:13The butler froze for a second, then burst out laughing.
19:17Rick, you have a sweet daughter.
19:19You're a lucky man.
19:20He handed me a big apple.
19:23The coin is for your dad.
19:26But this is for you.
19:28Keep it for yourself.
19:30Merry Christmas to your family.
19:32The butler bought the bear and invited Dad for a drink.
19:35Won't you come in for a drink?
19:37Rick waved him off and refused.
19:39No, thank you.
19:40We need to buy things for Christmas.
19:43The black bear sold for a lot of money.
19:46Dad took us to the streets.
19:48First, he bought a lot of candy.
19:50He put them into three red socks.
19:53I took one out and put it in my mouth, carefully.
19:57I peeled another one for Mom.
19:58Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at Dad.
20:02She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped her.
20:06Too much sugar makes kids sick.
20:09We don't want to see the doctor again.
20:11Mom remembered my stomach ache and didn't give me more.
20:15So, Mom finally opened her mouth and ate the candy.
20:20Dad then took us to buy meat, flour, and butter.
20:24He even bought spices for cooking.
20:27Finally, we went to a clothing store for new coats.
20:31Mom waved her hands and said no.
20:34Our old coats are still good.
20:37I said no, too.
20:39The old quilts and coats Dad gave us were already warm and clean.
20:43That was good enough for me.
20:45I had never worn such nice clothes in my life.
20:49But Dad insisted on buying new ones.
20:53I bought old ones because I was broke.
20:56Now we have money.
20:58In the end, we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats.
21:02I can sew quickly.
21:04They'll be ready before Christmas.
21:06She still didn't want to spend too much.
21:09She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad and held it up to him.
21:13Rick, this pattern looks good on you.
21:16It was the first time they were so close.
21:19I think I saw Dad's face turn red.
21:23Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders.
21:26I could see so far away.
21:29I laughed out loud.
21:30It was my first time being up this high.
21:33Mom was worried and kept checking Dad's leg.
21:36She was afraid he would get too tired.
21:39After a while, Dad bought me some toys.
21:42He also bought hair clips and brooches for me and Mom.
21:46Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful.
21:48These brooches from the city suit them perfectly.
21:51Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time.
21:54On the way back, we sat on the tractor.
21:57I hugged my red socks tightly.
21:59This was the happiest day of my life.
22:02As we passed the Hudson Ranch, I saw Grandmother.
22:05She was feeding the cows in the yard.
22:07My uncle was lounging under the eaves in the sun.
22:10He still had no job and no wife.
22:13He just ate, drank, and wasted his life.
22:16After selling us to Rick, he had that money.
22:18Now he worked even less.
22:20He said he was preparing for a blind date.
22:22Grandmother always called us lazy.
22:24But I never dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one.
22:28I gripped my red socks and stared at them.
22:31Grandmother and my uncle noticed us.
22:33Their eyes widened in disbelief.
22:35Then, their faces turned into a hateful scowl.
22:38You two, shrewd!
22:40Grandmother was cursing at us.
22:42Dad stopped the tractor.
22:43He threw a stone and hit my uncle right on the head.
22:47My uncle jumped up in pain.
22:49Who did that?
22:51Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water basin.
22:55They are my wife and daughter now.
22:57If you insult them again, you're dealing with me.
23:01He looked terrifying.
23:03Even with a limp, he stood like a mountain.
23:06Grandmother and my uncle were bullies who feared the strong.
23:09They were furious, but didn't dare say a word.
23:13Mom gripped my hand.
23:15Her eyes turned red.
23:16As we drove away, I looked back.
23:19I could still see their hateful glares.
23:22I suddenly felt brave.
23:24I waved my red socks and made a face at them.
23:28I had a real dad now.
23:30They could never bully us again.
23:32Back home, Mom started decorating the tree and making apple pie.
23:37Dad spent his time fixing everything in the house.
23:40He gathered wood and never stayed idle.
23:43He brought back more pheasants and rabbits.
23:46Eat more meat, then your stomach won't hurt anymore.
23:49I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he refused.
23:53Kids stay home and play.
23:55I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too.
23:59Your dad wants you to play.
24:01Go on, you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet.
24:04At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time to play.
24:07Now that I could, I didn't know how.
24:10I walked along the path with some candy.
24:12I saved them carefully, not wanting to eat them.
24:15But then, I ran into some mean kids from a nearby farm.
24:19They swarmed me and grabbed my candy.
24:22You're a brat born from that limp farmer.
24:24Your grandmother said so.
24:26It must be true.
24:27A bitch and her brat.
24:29No wonder her husband just died and she remarried already.
24:32I fought back with all my might.
24:34That's not true!
24:36Grandmother kicked us out!
24:37My mom isn't a bitch and I'm not a brat!
24:41But I was too small.
24:43I couldn't beat them.
24:45My clothes were torn.
24:47My candy was gone.
24:49Even my new hair clip was missing.
24:51They laughed and ran off with my sweets.
24:54I sat in the mud and cried.
24:56Grandmother and my uncle stood nearby, watching with wicked smiles.
25:01You deserve this!
25:03We should have sold them to the town tavern back then!
25:06I screamed at them.
25:08I am not a brat!
25:09You are the bad people!
25:12You are evil!
25:13I was so small back then.
25:15My mom had already had a child.
25:17The tavern would never pay that much for us.
25:19They thought I was too young to understand.
25:22But I had overheard their conversation.
25:24They were the truly wicked ones.
25:26They wanted to leave us at the ranch.
25:28They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death.
25:31But they never expected this.
25:33Dad never hit us.
25:35He never tortured us, even for a second.
25:38He treated us so well.
25:40They couldn't stand it.
25:42So they spread rumors behind our backs.
25:44They framed us everywhere.
25:46Clearly, they are the real monsters.
25:49I lost the hair clip and candy Dad bought me.
25:52I was too ashamed to go home.
25:53I lingered near the gate, hesitating.
25:56Dad came down from the mountain.
25:57He saw me covered in mud and blood.
26:00He dropped his pheasants in shock.
26:02I had never seen him so angry.
26:05Who did this?
26:06I trembled in fear.
26:07I'm sorry.
26:09I'm so sorry.
26:10He panicked, trying to wipe the mud off my face.
26:13Tell Dad, who hit you?
26:17His hands were rough, but they calmed my racing heart.
26:20I stuttered through the whole story.
26:22The more I spoke, the darker his face became.
26:26He took me back and left me with Mom.
26:29Then he grabbed his axe to head out.
26:31Mom pulled him back and shook her head.
26:35Dad thought for a moment.
26:37He dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead.
26:41That day, the parents of those bullies all got a beating.
26:45You can't teach your kids.
26:46I won't hit them.
26:47I'll hit you instead.
26:49Those grown men were chased like rabbits
26:54by a man with a limp.
26:57Dad moved slowly but steadily.
26:59He caught up to them and struck them down.
27:02The men wailed in pain.
27:04I'll break your leg!
27:05Everyone in the ranch came out to watch.
27:07Then Dad went to the Hudson ranch.
27:10He gave my uncle a brutal beating.
27:12My uncle screamed and begged for mercy.
27:15He promised he would never do it again.
27:17I won't do it again.
27:18I promise!
27:19Dad turned to the crowd of onlookers.
27:22If you have something to say, say it to my face.
27:24No one dared to speak.
27:25They all waved their hands and shook their heads.
27:27We all know what the Hudsons are like.
27:29Just go live your life.
27:31Look at how happy your family is now.
27:33Dad dropped the club.
27:35He patted my head and led me home.
27:40Have you lived this long without a name?
27:43I shook my head.
27:45Grandmother called me a brat.
27:47Mom only called me baby.
27:49Dad pulled me close and looked at the stars.
27:51From now on, your name is Stella.
27:55Shine like a star and have a bright future ahead.
28:00For the first time, I had a real name.
28:03Stella Cooper, I have my own name now.
28:05I smiled at Mom.
28:07Dad smiled too and patted my head.
28:10I finally have a daughter of my own.
28:14That night, Mom talked to me.
28:16Stella, you're a big girl now.
28:20Starting tomorrow, you sleep on your own, okay?
28:23If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep?
28:26I thought about it and nodded hard.
28:28Okay, Mom.
28:29You and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon.
28:32I'll play with them.
28:33This time, I really wanted a sibling.
28:36A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful.
28:39The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
28:42Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday?
28:46I nodded vigorously.
28:47So cool!
28:48If you want to protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever.
28:52You have to rely on yourself.
28:55Do you want like me strong?
28:57I nodded again.
28:58Yes.
28:59I wanted to be strong like him.
29:01I wanted to protect my parents and my future siblings.
29:04I wanted to hunt bears and earn lots of money.
29:08Dad looked proud.
29:09He made me run 50 laps around our ranch cabin.
29:13By the end, I could barely stand.
29:15He gritted his teeth and wouldn't let me stop.
29:18Mom looked pained, but she didn't say a word.
29:21She just made extra food and added two fried eggs for me.
29:26After running, there was weight training.
29:28Dad brought sandbags from the ranch warehouse.
29:31They felt like a thousand pounds on my arms.
29:35After a day of training, my hands and feet were covered in blisters.
29:39Mom washed my feet and popped the blisters for me.
29:42Stella, train hard.
29:45Your dad is doing this for your own good.
29:49I know, Mom.
29:50Most ranch families only teach girls to gather wood, wash clothes, and cook.
29:55Who would ever teach a girl how to be strong?
29:57I understood how much Dad cared for me.
30:00That night, Mom moved into Dad's room.
30:02I heard them talking for a bit before the lights went out.
30:06My body ached all over, but I slept peacefully.
30:09The next morning, Dad woke up late.
30:11I had already finished 30 laps when he came out.
30:15His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.
30:18All day long, Dad and Mom were blushing.
30:21They kept stealing glances at each other.
30:23Why hide it?
30:24Just look if you want to.
30:27Grown-ups are so strange.
30:28We had a perfect Christmas.
30:30Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch.
30:32He bought two dairy cows and a few beef cattle.
30:35When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch.
30:38During the off-season, we went hunting.
30:41Dad started taking me into the mountains.
30:43He taught me how to track animals and read their droppings.
30:46He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves.
30:49He taught me to set traps and use a hunting rifle.
30:52He even showed me how to knock someone out with minimal force
30:55and how to spot poisonous plants in the woods.
30:58I was weak, so my progress was slow.
31:01But Dad was always patient.
31:03Our family was happy.
31:04But the rumors never truly stopped.
31:06Most of them came from the Hudsons.
31:09Rick's fault. He's a cripple.
31:11That person pretends to be arrogant and married a cripple.
31:15So what if Jason was handsome?
31:17His only talents were hitting us, gambling and drinking.
31:21I started staring at Dad's leg.
31:24Dad noticed and tried to walk slower to hide his limp.
31:27Sometimes he would lean on the ranch fence for support.
31:32Your dad is so good to you, Stella.
31:36Don't be heartless.
31:37Don't look down on him like others.
31:40Mom thought I was becoming ungrateful.
31:42Her eyes turned red with anger.
31:43But she couldn't bring herself to hit me.
31:45I quickly grabbed her hand to explain.
31:48Mom, I don't look down on Dad.
31:50I feel bad for him.
31:52I want to study medicine.
31:54I want to fix his leg.
31:56I didn't care that he limped.
31:57I didn't care about the scar on his face.
31:59I just hated seeing him unable to sleep when it rained.
32:03I hated that hunting was harder for him than others.
32:07Mom understood my thoughts, but she was worried.
32:10There were no medical schools in town.
32:12Besides, I was only a six-year-old girl.
32:15Dad overheard us from outside the cabin.
32:17He stayed silent for two days.
32:19He just sat on the porch, staring at the mountains.
32:23Two days later, he took me back to the city.
32:25We found the butler who bought the black bear.
32:27Dad asked him for a favor.
32:29The man looked at me carefully.
32:31He patted Dad's shoulder and agreed happily.
32:34If she wants to learn, she can start as an assistant in the pharmacy.
32:40Stella, studying medicine is very hard.
32:43You have to memorize names, mix medicine, and care for the sick.
32:48People might yell at you or even hit you.
32:52Can you handle it?
32:53I slapped my chest and spoke loudly.
32:55I can.
32:56I'll fix my Dad's leg and earn lots of money.
33:00I'll take care of my parents and my future siblings.
33:04The man burst out laughing and nudged Dad's arm.
33:07Rick, your daughter is so sweet.
33:10Is the next one already on the way?
33:12Dad's face turned bright red instantly.
33:15He waved his hands quickly.
33:16It's still too early for that.
33:19I lived at the pharmacy in town, doing odd jobs.
33:22I tried my best to learn everything about medicine.
33:25I only went home to the ranch once every two weeks.
33:28I brought the sandbags Dad gave me to the pharmacy.
33:31No matter how busy I was, I found time to train.
33:34Mom hated leaving me alone in town.
33:37She held my hand and wouldn't let go when she dropped me off.
33:40With red eyes, she told me to eat well and not overwork.
33:44Come home if anyone treats you badly, she said.
33:47I waved and smiled to comfort her.
33:50Don't worry, Mom.
33:51I can take care of myself.
33:53When I learn everything, I'll fix Dad's leg.
33:56Mom laughed through her tears and wiped them away.
33:59All right, I'll be waiting.
34:01I'll make your favorite snacks for when you come home.
34:04The doctor at the pharmacy was an old friend of the butler's.
34:07He was kind to patients, but very strict with apprentices.
34:10If we forgot a drug's name, he yelled.
34:13If we missed a detail in a patient's record, he yelled.
34:16If we took blood pressure incorrectly, he yelled.
34:19Sometimes he made us copy drug names as punishment for being slow.
34:23The other students felt mistreated.
34:25Before long, they all went home crying and never came back.
34:29But I wasn't afraid.
34:30What was this little bit of hardship?
34:32Compared to Grandmother's beatings or Jason's violence, this was nothing.
34:36I was already used to it.
34:38Besides, I knew the doctor wanted me to grow fast.
34:41Just like Dad wanted me to be strong.
34:43The doctor was strict, but he never treated us poorly.
34:46He made plenty of food for us every day.
34:49Sometimes he even gave us nutrient powder.
34:51I might not be the smartest, but I know who was truly kind.
34:54I kept training the way Dad taught me.
34:56I ran five kilometers with weights every morning and night.
34:59I grew stronger, and my movements became faster.
35:02The doctor started teaching me massage techniques.
35:05At first, I practiced on him.
35:07Slowly, I began helping the elderly patients ease their pain.
35:10The doctor worked so hard with his patients in medicine.
35:13I massaged him to help him relax.
35:15He started smiling at me more.
35:17He even taught me about heat and cold therapy.
35:20He said these skills would really help my Dad.
35:22When I went home every two weeks, the first thing I did was massage Dad's leg.
35:27I rubbed the stiff muscles from his knee to his ankle.
35:30Then I used the heat therapy the doctor taught me.
35:33At first, Dad refused.
35:34He thought it was awkward for a man to have his legs rubbed.
35:37I had to beg him for a long time before he finally agreed.
35:41After the massage, he stood up and took a few steps.
35:44His eyes lit up and turned a bit red.
35:47Stella is so smart.
35:49My leg feels much better now.
35:52Mom saw this and asked me to teach her, too.
35:54When you're away, I can do it for him.
35:57He worked so hard on the ranch and in the mountains.
36:00I taught them both step by step.
36:02I laughed and said,
36:04When I'm not here, you two can massage each other.
36:06That way, you'll both feel better.
36:08Both their faces turned bright red instantly.
36:10They glanced at each other and quickly looked down.
36:13Mom gave me a little pinch for talking nonsense.
36:16They are so strange.
36:17What is there to be embarrassed about?
36:19I studied in the city for five years.
36:21My medical knowledge and physical strength grew fast.
36:24I went from a skinny little girl to a strong, healthy teenager.
36:28The fear in my eyes was gone, replaced by confidence.
36:32During this time, Mom and Dad never had another child.
36:36Rumors started spreading around the ranch.
36:38Most of them came from the Hudson's.
36:40They claimed Dad couldn't have children.
36:42It must be Rick's fault!
36:43He's disabled.
36:44He probably doesn't even have the strength to father a child.
36:47Maybe that's why his first first wife fought with him before she died.
36:50I overheard some workers gossiping when I returned home.
36:53I clenched my fists, ready to fight them.
36:55But Mom grabbed my hand and stepped forward.
36:58She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
36:59It's my fault!
37:01I was abused at the Hudson's and it ruined my health!
37:04It has nothing to do with my husband, Rick!
37:06Stop your lies!
37:07Dad was healthy, but Mom was right.
37:10Years of hunger, heavy labor, and beatings had left her scarred.
37:14She had been taking medicine for five years, but nothing happened.
37:17Mom was anxious and often sat by the creek staring into space.
37:21Sometimes I caught her wiping away tears.
37:24Dad was always there to comfort her.
37:25Raising Stella is enough.
37:28She's smart and capable.
37:31She's worth more than ten sons.
37:34With her around, we have nothing to worry about.
37:43But right then, my biological father, Jason, suddenly returned.
37:47So this year, there would be more Berkeley, citybij was in the upper solo park.
37:47internal arena, um 161TON and at Totally WestTON Characare.
37:47It was really an amazing job for my office.во
37:47guessing plan, survivors about all of the sudden alright. And
37:47that he decided to run away from common.
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