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