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