- 11 hours ago
The Birthday Funeral- My Hero Dad Left Me To Die
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00My dad used to be my superhero. He was a firefighter, rushing into burning buildings, saving lives.
00:00:09Until that day, my hero killed me with his hands.
00:00:13The downtown building collapsed. It was pitch black, like I was trapped in an iron barrel.
00:00:19The air was thick, dust and blood everywhere.
00:00:22A huge concrete slab was crushing my chest.
00:00:25It hurt so much. Every breath felt like swallowing broken glass.
00:00:30Mom shielded me with her body. Her arms were torn open by rebar, but she kept digging through the rubble.
00:00:36Just when I thought I couldn't hold on any longer, a blinding light cut through the darkness.
00:00:41It was Dad! He was wearing that firefighter uniform I admired so much, charging like a superhero.
00:00:48I thought I was saved.
00:00:49Dad, it hurts. Please help me.
00:00:53I weakly reached out to him.
00:00:55Liam! Save Mia! She is bleeding!
00:00:58But Dad only paused for a second.
00:01:01He followed another crying voice, turned without hesitation, and walked towards the corner.
00:01:06There she was, Aria, the daughter of his first love, Serena.
00:01:10She only had a few scratches, but hugging her knees and pretending to cry loudly.
00:01:14Chloe, listen to me.
00:01:17Serena and her daughter are in an extremely critical situation.
00:01:21I have to go to them now.
00:01:24What are you saying?
00:01:25What about our daughter? Can't you save your own daughter first?
00:01:29Dad frowned. He forcefully pried open Mom's blood-soaked fingers.
00:01:35Chloe, don't be difficult right now. My duty is to prioritize the people in the most danger.
00:01:41Mia, hang in there. Daddy will get them out first. Then I will come right back for you.
00:01:47I watch him walk against the light, holding someone else's daughter tightly in his arms, striding out of the rubble.
00:01:55I don't cry, because Dad is a hero. Heroes always save the weakest first, right?
00:02:01Dad taught me to be strong.
00:02:03Mom, don't cry. It doesn't hurt anymore.
00:02:16Mom's screams tore through my ears, but I couldn't hear them clearly anymore.
00:02:22My body grew lighter. I floated up into the air and turned into a transparent ghost.
00:02:29I look down at my own crushed, unrecognizable body.
00:02:33Then I look at Dad walking away. I watch him walking against the light, hold someone else's daughter against his
00:02:40chest.
00:02:40He walked so fast, too fast to hear Mom's cries for help.
00:02:48Dad, the girl in your arms is smiling so happily.
00:02:56But you don't know. Your own daughter, the one who waited for you every night to come home and tell
00:03:02her bedtime stories,
00:03:06died forever today.
00:03:13After becoming a ghost, I follow Mom, who looks like a walking corpse, all the way to the hospital.
00:03:20Under the harsh fluorescent lights, two metal paddles keep shocking my body.
00:03:24It must hurt, because Mom kept crying, but I couldn't feel the pain anymore until the cold machine screamed into
00:03:31a flat line.
00:03:32The doctor shook his head helplessly. He draped a white sheet over my dust-covered face.
00:03:38Mom collapsed onto the cold tiles of the emergency room.
00:03:41She cried so hard that she couldn't make a sound.
00:03:44But where was Dad?
00:03:47I float through the long hospital corridors, searching for him.
00:03:51Through the half-open moor, finally, I found him.
00:03:55In the most luxurious VIP room at the end of the hallway,
00:03:58I see Aria lying on a soft hospital bed.
00:04:01Then, next to her was a giant pink gift box.
00:04:05The limited edition Barbie doll I had dreamed of.
00:04:08I begged Dad for an entire month.
00:04:10You know what he said?
00:04:12Too expensive.
00:04:13Little kids shouldn't be so vain.
00:04:18But now, he buys it for someone else's daughter,
00:04:22even without looking at the price tag.
00:04:24Liam, the VIP room is too expensive.
00:04:27If Chloe finds out you used her card, she'll be angry.
00:04:31Dad gently strokes her hair.
00:04:32His voice was softer than I had ever heard.
00:04:35It is fine.
00:04:36A good environment will help Aria recover.
00:04:38Chloe has lots of money, and she will not mind.
00:04:41Float up to the ceiling.
00:04:43I shouted in protest.
00:04:45That is Mom's money!
00:04:47But he couldn't hear me.
00:04:48His phone screen lit up.
00:04:50Dad glances it, then turns it off.
00:04:52Right at moment, Mom is standing outside the slightly open door like a wandering ghost.
00:05:00Her once pure white dress is now stained dark red with my blood.
00:05:05Her body is covered in dirt and wounds.
00:05:08She just stares at the scene inside the room.
00:05:11Liam and Serena's family are like a real happy family.
00:05:14They are laughing and enjoying themselves.
00:05:17The cold wind in the roadway blew through Mom's hair.
00:05:20She is holding her phone, which is still ringing.
00:05:25The last glim of light in her eyes
00:05:28goes out completely.
00:05:32Mom pushes open the hospital room door.
00:05:35Covered in dust and blood,
00:05:37she looks like something dragged back from hell,
00:05:39shattering the warmth of the room.
00:05:42Dad sees Mom.
00:05:44He pulls away from Serena like he'd been electrocuted.
00:05:48Chloe, why do you look like this?
00:05:50What are you doing here?
00:05:51So this is what you have been so busy doing?
00:05:54Can't even answer the phone?
00:05:55I could see her injured leg was still limping.
00:05:59I wanted to float over to Dad,
00:06:02tell him Mom was in pain,
00:06:04tell him I was already dead.
00:06:06But instead,
00:06:08Dad instinctively stepped in front of Serena's bed,
00:06:11as if Mom was some crazy woman who might hurt them.
00:06:14Chloe, can you be reasonable for once?
00:06:16Serena is a single mother.
00:06:17She almost fainted from stride earlier.
00:06:19I'm just here helping to comfort Area.
00:06:21Helping?
00:06:23Helping?
00:06:24Liam, when you were saving them,
00:06:26did you think of Mia for even one second?
00:06:28Do you know whose blood this is?
00:06:30Chloe, enough.
00:06:31My job is to save the people in the most danger.
00:06:34You and Mia are fine now, aren't you?
00:06:37What's the big deal about a few minor injuries?
00:06:39You have to make it in the hospital?
00:06:41Fine.
00:06:42I float in mid-air, tears dripping down.
00:06:45Daddy, can't you see the blood on Mommy's clothes?
00:06:49That is my blood.
00:06:51Your own daughter is already covered with a white sheet.
00:06:55Liam, don't blame Chloe.
00:06:57It's all my fault.
00:06:58It's okay.
00:07:00This isn't your fault.
00:07:01Don't worry.
00:07:02I'll handle it.
00:07:03When Dad looks back at Mom,
00:07:05his eyes had turned ice cold.
00:07:06Go back to Mia.
00:07:07Take care of her.
00:07:08I will be home late.
00:07:09Mom looks at Dad's shameless face.
00:07:11Suddenly, she stops trembling,
00:07:13her eyes shifting from disappointment to calm.
00:07:16You'll never see Mia again.
00:07:18Mom walks away in disappointment.
00:07:20Dad shouts ridiculous a few times behind her back,
00:07:23but he doesn't chase after her at all,
00:07:25because area on the hospital bed calls out weekly.
00:07:28Uncle Liam, don't go.
00:07:31I'm scared.
00:07:32He immediately turns around,
00:07:34hurried back to her hospital bedside looking utterly anxious,
00:07:38and gently took her hand.
00:07:39No.
00:07:40I'm not leaving.
00:07:41Sleep peacefully.
00:07:42I don't follow Mom.
00:07:44I stay in the hospital room,
00:07:45floating quietly beside Dad.
00:07:47Late at night,
00:07:48the VIP room is so quiet you could only hear the humidizer.
00:07:51Aunt Serena and Aria are both asleep.
00:07:53Dad sits in the companion chair,
00:07:55rubbing his reddened eyes.
00:07:56He looks so, so tired.
00:07:58Daddy's just too busy.
00:08:00He's a big hero.
00:08:01Heroes never have time for their own families.
00:08:04I am still secretly making excuses for him in my heart.
00:08:08He didn't not love me.
00:08:10He just didn't hear my cries for help.
00:08:12Once he was done with his work,
00:08:14he would definitely come home and tell me a bedtime story, right?
00:08:17I float down and walk in front of him.
00:08:20Daddy, I'm not angry at you anymore.
00:08:22It was so dark and cold under the rubble.
00:08:25Hold me, please.
00:08:26Please, I stand on my tiptoes,
00:08:29reach out my transparent little hand.
00:08:33I want to touch his fore-oiled brow,
00:08:36just like when he used to tuck me in.
00:08:39However,
00:08:40my fingertips pass through his body,
00:08:43like a wisp of wind,
00:08:45without any resistance.
00:08:47I froze.
00:08:49Unwilling to give up,
00:08:50I try again.
00:08:52My entire arm went through his chest.
00:08:54I couldn't touch him anymore.
00:08:58Just then,
00:08:59Dad leans down.
00:09:02He gently tucks Area's blanket
00:09:04and plants a tender goodnight kiss on her forehead.
00:09:08Watching that kiss,
00:09:09my transparent body felt as if it has been crushed all over again.
00:09:13So this is it.
00:09:14The dead cannot hug the living.
00:09:16And I finally understood,
00:09:18in this world,
00:09:19I am already a ghost with no place to belong.
00:09:22The next day,
00:09:23the sun is shining brightly.
00:09:25Dad goes for a walk in the park across to the hospital with Serena and Aria.
00:09:30The three of chicks each other on the lawn.
00:09:33Their laughter echoes through the air,
00:09:36just like a real family.
00:09:38Once upon a time,
00:09:39my parents and I were that happy too.
00:09:43The harsh sunlight pierces through my soul.
00:09:46I feel inexplicably cold.
00:09:49Not far away,
00:09:50I see Mom sitting on a park bench.
00:09:53My baby Mia.
00:09:57Aunt Chloe!
00:09:59Aria waves brightly at Mom.
00:10:04Chloe?
00:10:06What's wrong with you?
00:10:07Where's Mia?
00:10:09Why didn't you bring her to the park?
00:10:13She's not coming.
00:10:15You didn't forget you promised to spend her birthday with her tomorrow, did you?
00:10:19Of course I didn't.
00:10:21I've already got her gift.
00:10:22I'll be there.
00:10:23On time.
00:10:24You'd better remember.
00:10:28I see Mom cry again.
00:10:31Aria!
00:10:38I'm totally fine, actually.
00:10:44It was all an act.
00:10:46I just didn't want Uncle Liam going to save Mia,
00:10:50so I clung to his leg and wouldn't let go.
00:11:02That collapse was in the middle.
00:11:05No way, you snake.
00:11:08No way she made it out.
00:11:10She's dead for sure by now, right?
00:11:14I float in mid-air and cover my mouth in horror.
00:11:18Uncle Liam!
00:11:19Hey, kiddo.
00:11:20I just gave Aunt Kama a lollipop.
00:11:24I hope she won't be angry anymore.
00:11:26Dad smiles proudly and pat Aria's head.
00:11:29He praises her for such a kind haute of a haise.
00:11:33Tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock.
00:11:36The downtown church.
00:11:37Don't be late.
00:11:39Sewing this, Mama turns around and Zota way.
00:11:43Okay.
00:11:44He has no idea at all.
00:11:48Tomorrow's party wouldn't have a birthday cake.
00:11:52Or birthday candles.
00:11:55Only a cold coffin.
00:11:58My coffin.
00:12:01The party is held as scheduled.
00:12:04No colorful balloons.
00:12:06No sweet strawberry cake.
00:12:08Only a cold, solemn church.
00:12:11In the center of the church, a small white wooden box.
00:12:15That is my new bed.
00:12:17My body lies quietly inside,
00:12:19wearing the most beautiful princess dress Mom had ever bought for me,
00:12:23surrounded by white flowers.
00:12:24Mom walks up to the coffin, hands trembling.
00:12:28She places my favorite fairy tale book beside me.
00:12:32Mia.
00:12:33I am sorry.
00:12:35I never got to finish those stories for you.
00:12:39Didn't you say you wanted to see the ocean?
00:12:42I just wanted to watch you grow up safe and happy.
00:12:46She leans against the edge of the coffin.
00:12:49Tears fell heavily onto my face.
00:12:52Mom, don't cry.
00:12:54I float beside her,
00:12:56desperately trying to wipe away her tears.
00:12:58But my hands only pass through her cheeks.
00:13:05It is already 9.50.
00:13:07Her father still is not here?
00:13:09I heard that man is at the hospital with his mistress' child.
00:13:13He won't even come to his own daughter's funeral.
00:13:19Chloe, maybe Liam is just stuck in traffic.
00:13:23Give him a call.
00:13:28Traffic jam?
00:13:30He completely forgot.
00:13:32I should have realized sooner.
00:13:34He never loved me.
00:13:36And he never loved Mia.
00:13:38Don't act impulsively.
00:13:40Liam is still Mia's father.
00:13:44I will give him one last chance.
00:13:47At Uncle Mason's pleading,
00:13:49Mom still dialed the number.
00:13:51The dialing screen shows calling for a long time.
00:13:55I pray devoutly.
00:13:57Dad, please.
00:13:58This is your last chance to see me.
00:14:03The call connects.
00:14:04I excitedly lean closer.
00:14:06I float in the air,
00:14:07hearing the chaotic background noise of a hospital from the phone.
00:14:11Chloe, I might be a little late.
00:14:12Dad's voice sounds so matter-of-fact,
00:14:14even with a hint of aneriation at being interrupted.
00:14:17I told you.
00:14:18Be here sharp at 10.
00:14:21Is Mia throwing a tantrum again?
00:14:24Calm her down first.
00:14:26Aria had some issues during her examination.
00:14:28I need to stay and handle it.
00:14:32Me?
00:14:33Throwing a tantrum?
00:14:34Again?
00:14:35I'm already a corpse, Daddy.
00:14:38How can I throw a tantrum?
00:14:39I instinctively look at Mom and for help.
00:14:42I see her close her eyes in utter disappointment and hang up the phone directly.
00:14:48The funeral will start on time.
00:14:50I won't wait for him anymore.
00:14:52I couldn't accept it.
00:14:55I want to see Dad.
00:14:57I want Dad to touch my cheek one last time.
00:15:01Driven by a strong desire,
00:15:03my soul followed the phone signal
00:15:06and traveled to Dad's side.
00:15:11Inside the VIP room,
00:15:14Aria is smugly winking at Aunt Serena.
00:15:16Then suddenly,
00:15:18she burst into loud sobs grabbing Dad's shirt tightly.
00:15:21I don't want Uncle Liam to go.
00:15:23I've never had a birthday.
00:15:25Mommy is always busy.
00:15:27No one stays with...
00:15:30Liam,
00:15:31you can go to celebrate Mia's birthday.
00:15:34Don't worry about us.
00:15:37A widow and her child.
00:15:39Liam holds Aria's hand,
00:15:41comforting her gently.
00:15:43No, no.
00:15:44I won't abandon you.
00:15:46It's fine.
00:15:47I'll stay a little longer,
00:15:48leaving until Aria falls asleep.
00:15:53Serena smiles with relief.
00:15:56How piercing that smile was.
00:15:58Just as Dad is holding Aria's hand,
00:16:00smiling with such affection,
00:16:02his phone on the night band lights up.
00:16:04A breaking news alert from a local news outlet.
00:16:06Dad glances at it casually,
00:16:08and was about to swipe it away.
00:16:09This is the moment it touched the screen,
00:16:11as if electrocuted.
00:16:13The headline read,
00:16:14Downtown Collapse,
00:16:15Latest Victim List Confirmed.
00:16:17Includes five-year-old girl.
00:16:19The photo attached to the news
00:16:21showed a blood-stained dress,
00:16:23hanging from the edge of a white sheet.
00:16:25The dress he bought for me,
00:16:27just last week.
00:16:27Liam's eyes locked onto that familiar hem.
00:16:32His throat bow bobs painly,
00:16:35and his face turns deathly pale in an instant.
00:16:39Uncle Liam?
00:16:41What's wrong with you?
00:16:46Mia!
00:16:56Uncle Liam?
00:16:58What's wrong?
00:16:59Aria shakes his hand.
00:17:00Dad's body begins to tremble violently.
00:17:03He stares at the photo.
00:17:04Eyes instantly turn red.
00:17:06Then, his lips jiver
00:17:07as he tries to click on the link.
00:17:09I float down,
00:17:10hovering above his finger.
00:17:12Click it, Dad.
00:17:13If you just click it,
00:17:14you'll see my name.
00:17:15Then you could know
00:17:16I've already turned into a cold,
00:17:18lifeless body.
00:17:18But just as his fingertip
00:17:20is about to touch the screen,
00:17:22Serena glances at the headline
00:17:23from the corner of her eye.
00:17:25Her expression shifts slightly.
00:17:27Then she suddenly waves her hand.
00:17:28A cup of boiling hot water
00:17:30is deliberately knocked over,
00:17:32all over Dad's pant leg.
00:17:34Oops!
00:17:34I'm so sorry, Liam!
00:17:36My hand slipped!
00:17:37Dad jumps up from the burn,
00:17:39and the phone fell onto the hospital bed.
00:17:41Serena reacts swiftly,
00:17:43snatching the phone
00:17:44and pressing the lock button at once.
00:17:46The screen become black instantly.
00:17:47Liam shoves Serena away in terror,
00:17:50his voice trembling.
00:17:53Wait, Serena.
00:17:55That news just now.
00:17:56That dress.
00:17:58Mia was wearing that same dress
00:18:00when she left today.
00:18:10Liam, you're too tired
00:18:12and overthinking things.
00:18:15That kind of fast fashion floral dress
00:18:17is sold everywhere.
00:18:19Thousands of little girls wear them.
00:18:21Liam shakes his head,
00:18:22panic filling his eyes.
00:18:24But what if-
00:18:24There's no what if!
00:18:25Serena stares into his eyes.
00:18:27Think about it.
00:18:28If something really had happened to Mia,
00:18:30would Chloe be so calm calling you?
00:18:32Would she tell you to show up at 10 o'clock
00:18:34for Mia's birthday party?
00:18:36The bloodshot red in his eyes,
00:18:38gradually fading.
00:18:40Liam gasps for breath.
00:18:43You're right.
00:18:44You're right.
00:18:46Chloe said she was throwing a tantrum.
00:18:49Dead people don't throw tantrums.
00:18:51The hospital room is warm,
00:18:52but I feel so cold.
00:18:54Maybe because I am too far from Mom.
00:18:56I watched Dad carefully tuck Aria's blanket,
00:19:00promising to stay with her for another 10 minutes.
00:19:03Suddenly, I don't want to wait for him anymore.
00:19:06I pass through the pure white walls of the ward.
00:19:09I'm going back.
00:19:12I return to Mom's side.
00:19:14The ceremony is coming to an end
00:19:15with the church bells rang.
00:19:17Sad hymns echo through the empty hall.
00:19:19Two staff members in black suits
00:19:21exchange grave glances
00:19:22and walk toward my body.
00:19:24They lift the pure white coffin lid,
00:19:26one on each side.
00:19:27They are about to seal me away
00:19:28in the darkness forever.
00:19:30Watching that slowly descending wooden bird,
00:19:32I suddenly feel so afraid.
00:19:34I still remembered the night of my fifth birthday.
00:19:36The power went out,
00:19:37and the room was as dark
00:19:39as a monster's gaping mouth.
00:19:40I hid in the closet,
00:19:41crying in fear.
00:19:42It was Dad,
00:19:43holding a flashlight,
00:19:44who rushed in like a knight
00:19:46and pulled me tightly into his arms.
00:19:48At that time,
00:19:49he stroked my head,
00:19:51gently promised me,
00:19:52Don't be afraid, Mia.
00:19:53Whenever you're in trouble,
00:19:55Dad will appear like a superhero
00:19:56to protect you.
00:19:58Dad,
00:19:58it's so dark and cold here.
00:20:01Where is your superhero cape?
00:20:03Did you forget about me?
00:20:05No!
00:20:06Please, don't!
00:20:07Mom rushes forward
00:20:08and holds onto the edge
00:20:10of the coffin desperately.
00:20:12I'm not ready to say goodbye to her yet!
00:20:14Please don't do this!
00:20:15Mom wails in despair.
00:20:16Her cries make everyone
00:20:18in the room tear up.
00:20:19The staff members look troubled,
00:20:21trying to pull her away,
00:20:22but she fights them off wildly.
00:20:24Stop!
00:20:25No!
00:20:25My Mia's afraid of the dark!
00:20:27Uncle Mason steps forward in tears,
00:20:29holding the struggling Chloe
00:20:30tightly from behind.
00:20:31Chloe,
00:20:32let go
00:20:33and give her peace.
00:20:34Mom collapses quickly
00:20:35into Uncle Mason's arms
00:20:37in tears.
00:20:38I float above the coffin,
00:20:39watching the lid closed
00:20:40inch by inch in despair.
00:20:42Dad,
00:20:43if you don't come soon,
00:20:44I'll really be locked away forever
00:20:46in this dark box!
00:20:52Just as the longest nail
00:20:54is about to be hammered in,
00:20:58sunlight mixed with cold wind
00:20:59pouring in,
00:21:00the crying in the hall
00:21:01stops abruptly.
00:21:02Everyone turns to look
00:21:03at the entrance.
00:21:04I float in midair,
00:21:06feeling as if my dead heart
00:21:07could beat again.
00:21:08The figure standing
00:21:09against the light
00:21:10at the door,
00:21:11could it be...
00:21:12Dad?
00:21:14The gate swings fully open,
00:21:16revealing nothing
00:21:17but emptiness inside.
00:21:19Just a strong gust of wind.
00:21:21My coffin is sealed shut for good.
00:21:23In the hospital room,
00:21:24Dad,
00:21:25who is watching Aria
00:21:26fall asleep so gently,
00:21:27suddenly clutches
00:21:28his chest in agony.
00:21:29A sharp,
00:21:30intense pain
00:21:30makes it almost impossible
00:21:31for him to sit still.
00:21:33Cold sweat pours
00:21:34down his forehead.
00:21:34Liam?
00:21:35Are you okay?
00:21:36I don't know,
00:21:37but it hurts so much here.
00:21:40Dad!
00:21:41It hurts,
00:21:43doesn't it?
00:21:44That's the same pain
00:21:45I felt when you left
00:21:46me under the rubble.
00:21:47Dad finally panics
00:21:49and forces himself
00:21:50to stand up.
00:21:52I have to go.
00:21:54Mia's birthday is today.
00:21:55I'll come back
00:21:56to see you tomorrow.
00:21:57He grabs the pink
00:21:59Barbie doll gift box
00:22:00and stumbles out
00:22:01of the hospital room.
00:22:03Back at the church,
00:22:04the staff member
00:22:05raises the cold hammer.
00:22:06Mom clings to the edge
00:22:07of my coffin,
00:22:08crying hysterically.
00:22:10Meanwhile,
00:22:10on the sunlit street,
00:22:12Dad slams the gas pedal
00:22:13to the floor.
00:22:14He looks at the pink gift box
00:22:15on the passenger seat.
00:22:17Guilt in his eyes
00:22:18slowly turns into anticipation.
00:22:20Mia,
00:22:21Daddy is almost there.
00:22:22Are you ready?
00:22:22But Dad,
00:22:23that Barbie doll
00:22:24in your hand
00:22:24is never bought for me
00:22:26in the church.
00:22:27The first long nail
00:22:28is mercilessly hammered
00:22:29into the wood.
00:22:30Dad hums softly
00:22:31as he turns the steering wheel,
00:22:33a look of anticipation
00:22:34on his face.
00:22:35The second heavy blow,
00:22:36the second nail fell.
00:22:38Mom lies across my coffin,
00:22:39crying in despair,
00:22:40calling my name
00:22:41over and over again.
00:22:42Outside the church doors,
00:22:44Dad runs up the steps,
00:22:45out of breath,
00:22:46holding the pink gift box.
00:22:47The third blow,
00:22:48my coffin is sealed shut
00:22:50for good.
00:22:50Mom has completely
00:22:51lost her strength.
00:22:52She collapses on the ground,
00:22:53letting my coffin
00:22:54be carried away.
00:22:55Outside the church doors,
00:22:57Dad takes a deep breath.
00:22:58Wearing a smile,
00:22:59he pushes open
00:22:59the heavy wooden doors
00:23:00with both hands.
00:23:01Mia!
00:23:02Daddy's here!
00:23:20No colorful balloons,
00:23:22no happy birthday song.
00:23:24The church is filled
00:23:26with guests in black.
00:23:27White candles flicker gently.
00:23:29A scene of solemn peace.
00:23:31In the center of the church,
00:23:33my black and white portrait
00:23:34is surrounded
00:23:35by pure white lilies.
00:23:39Dad breezes in place.
00:23:41His pupils dilate violently.
00:23:44No!
00:23:45This isn't possible!
00:23:47It can't be!
00:23:48He starts frantically weaving
00:23:50through the church pews,
00:23:52searching and rummaging.
00:23:53Not behind the curtains.
00:23:55Not under the tables.
00:23:59Not in the crowd.
00:24:03Mia!
00:24:04Mia, come out!
00:24:05Stop hiding from Daddy!
00:24:08Daddy bought you that doll
00:24:10you wanted so much!
00:24:12No one answers.
00:24:14Mom stands on the platform,
00:24:16calmly watching
00:24:17this absurd scene.
00:24:18The guests leave with sighs.
00:24:20As they go,
00:24:21they mutter with indignation.
00:24:23What a pathetic excuse
00:24:24for a father.
00:24:25Dad shoves aside
00:24:27the heavy pools roughly.
00:24:28He stumbles rushily
00:24:30to my portrait.
00:24:32His hands tremble
00:24:34as he reaches out
00:24:34to touch my bright
00:24:35smiling face
00:24:36in the photo.
00:24:37His eyes are bloodshot,
00:24:38staring at Mom
00:24:39like a mad beast.
00:24:40What the hell is going on?
00:24:41What did you do to Mia?
00:24:43Mom slowly raises her head.
00:24:45All that is left in her eyes
00:24:46is the calm of dead ash.
00:24:48You are late,
00:24:49Liam.
00:24:52You are playing a prank on me
00:24:54with Mia,
00:24:54are you not?
00:24:55Fine.
00:24:56I give up.
00:24:57Just tell me where Mia is!
00:25:00Mom yanks its dad
00:25:01his hand mercilessly.
00:25:03She speaks word by word
00:25:04in the coldest voice,
00:25:06delivering the final verdict.
00:25:09You will never see her again.
00:25:17My soul floats in mid-air,
00:25:20watching Dad fall
00:25:21into complete despair.
00:25:23That superhero,
00:25:25who once stood tall
00:25:26like a mountain,
00:25:27now kneels before my coffin,
00:25:29sobbing like a pile of mud.
00:25:31I reach out to wipe his tears.
00:25:36But suddenly I realize
00:25:40I don't feel sorry
00:25:41for him anymore.
00:25:43After my funeral,
00:25:45Dad becomes like an empty shell
00:25:47drained of his soul.
00:25:48He locks himself inside the house
00:25:50that once belonged
00:25:51to our little family,
00:25:53drinks himself into a stupor
00:25:54every day.
00:25:55I have never seen Dad
00:25:57so broken.
00:25:58I used to think heroes
00:26:00were invincible.
00:26:02But the bloody truth
00:26:03tells me.
00:26:05Heroes make mistakes too.
00:26:07They choose
00:26:08the wrong people too.
00:26:11I almost forgive Dad.
00:26:14But I soon regret
00:26:16my generosity.
00:26:17Because Aunt Serena
00:26:19moves in with Arya
00:26:21brazenly and openly.
00:26:23Liam,
00:26:24that earthquake
00:26:25destroyed everything.
00:26:26We are homeless now.
00:26:28If you don't take us in,
00:26:30Arya will die.
00:26:32Serena's eyes glister with tears,
00:26:34clings to Dad's arm.
00:26:36Dad looks at her.
00:26:38Then at Arya,
00:26:40who puts on her pitiful act.
00:26:43But he even gives in.
00:26:46He gives the door code
00:26:47to the woman
00:26:48who indirectly caused my death.
00:26:51I float on the chandelier
00:26:53in the living room,
00:26:54watching Serena
00:26:56and her daughter
00:26:56make themselves at home.
00:26:58The moment Dad turns
00:26:59and walks into the kitchen,
00:27:01Serena's fragile mask
00:27:03tears apart instantly.
00:27:04She looks at my photo
00:27:06on the wall
00:27:07and her eyes
00:27:08are full of disgust.
00:27:09Get rid of all this
00:27:10dead person's stuff.
00:27:11It's bad luck
00:27:12just looking at it.
00:27:13She orders Arya around.
00:27:15My photo frames,
00:27:17my paintbrushes,
00:27:18and even my favorite
00:27:19stuffed brunny.
00:27:21all swept
00:27:22into black garbage bags.
00:27:27I cry
00:27:28and try to stop them,
00:27:30but it is useless.
00:27:32My transparent hands
00:27:34pass through
00:27:35the disparted items
00:27:36over
00:27:37and over again.
00:27:39Little hands
00:27:40wave in the air
00:27:41desperately.
00:27:42Maybe God
00:27:43hears my crying.
00:27:44A gust of wind blows,
00:27:46and a flower pot
00:27:47on the window shell
00:27:48crashes to the floor.
00:27:49Dad hears the noise
00:27:50and comes out.
00:27:53Serena,
00:27:54what are you doing?
00:27:56Serena,
00:27:57what are you doing?
00:27:58Serena's face
00:27:59instantly puts
00:28:01a wounded expression.
00:28:05Liam,
00:28:06I just don't want you
00:28:08to feel sad
00:28:09every time you see
00:28:11these things.
00:28:12Arya chimes in too.
00:28:13Uncle Liam,
00:28:15Mom is just trying
00:28:16to help you move on.
00:28:17You're not mad at her.
00:28:19Are you?
00:28:20Dad looks at Arya
00:28:21and opens his mouth.
00:28:23However,
00:28:24he can't even get
00:28:25a single word
00:28:26of blame out.
00:28:27Sorry.
00:28:28It's my fault.
00:28:29I shouldn't take
00:28:30this out on you.
00:28:31You're innocent.
00:28:32Arya smiles brightly.
00:28:33Uncle Liam,
00:28:34can I be your daughter too?
00:28:36I've always dreamed of having
00:28:38a hero dad like you?
00:28:39Thank you, Arya.
00:28:41You're so thoughtful.
00:28:42I float in the air
00:28:43and keep screaming.
00:28:44No!
00:28:45Dad only has one daughter,
00:28:47me!
00:28:48But they can't hear
00:28:49my heart breaking.
00:28:51I watch dad hug
00:28:52Serena and Arya.
00:28:53In that moment,
00:28:55my heart dies completely.
00:28:57That afternoon,
00:28:58Mom comes back
00:28:59to this house.
00:29:00With her back
00:29:00is Uncle Ryan,
00:29:02the bodyguard.
00:29:02Die red light flashes.
00:29:04Wrong password.
00:29:05Mom freezes in place.
00:29:07This place used to be
00:29:08my warmest home,
00:29:09but now it won't even
00:29:10let her through
00:29:11the front door.
00:29:12Uncle Ryan kicks
00:29:13the door open.
00:29:15Mom rushes
00:29:16into the living room,
00:29:17but her footsteps
00:29:18freeze the moment
00:29:19she sees the house.
00:29:21Empty.
00:29:22Completely empty.
00:29:24The shelves
00:29:25that once held
00:29:26my photos,
00:29:27bare.
00:29:28The drawings
00:29:29I made on the walls,
00:29:30cruelly covered up
00:29:31by landscape paintings.
00:29:33Where are Mia's photos?
00:29:35Where did they all go?
00:29:37Mom's voice
00:29:38is angry and trembling.
00:29:43I don't know.
00:29:45Maybe the cleaners
00:29:46packed them away.
00:29:48Her eyes are full
00:29:50venomous provocation.
00:29:53I know where they went.
00:29:55Mom says keeping
00:29:56dead people's things
00:29:57brings bad luck,
00:29:58so we threw
00:29:59all the dead person's
00:30:01stuff into the trash.
00:30:06The room falls
00:30:07into dead silence.
00:30:08I float in midair,
00:30:09seeing Mom's body
00:30:11tremble like a leaf
00:30:12in the wind.
00:30:12She slowly turns her head.
00:30:14Her eyes are bloodshot,
00:30:16as if they might
00:30:17drip blood.
00:30:18You threw away
00:30:19the last traces
00:30:21of Mia in this world?
00:30:24How dare you!
00:30:26Mom lunges at Serena
00:30:28like a mad lioness.
00:30:30She grabs the woman's
00:30:31red hair
00:30:32and slams her
00:30:33onto the hard wooden floor.
00:30:36Let go of me!
00:30:38You crazy woman!
00:30:40Serena screams
00:30:41and tries to fight back,
00:30:42but Mom scrattles her
00:30:43and delivers a loud,
00:30:45sharp slap.
00:30:45The crisp sound
00:30:46echoes through the living room.
00:30:48What a beautiful sound!
00:30:51I float up to the ceiling,
00:30:53and I can't help but giggle.
00:30:55Just then,
00:30:56Dad comes home.
00:30:57He pushes the door open.
00:30:59Seeing the scene,
00:31:00Dad rushes over in panic,
00:31:02trying to pull Mom away.
00:31:04Chloe?
00:31:04Have you lost your mind?
00:31:06Stop it!
00:31:07Don't hurt innocent people!
00:31:09Innocent?
00:31:12Hearing those words,
00:31:14the hatred in Mom's eyes
00:31:15burns like fire.
00:31:17Before Dad can get close,
00:31:19Uncle Ryan blocks him
00:31:20like a mountain.
00:31:21His large hand
00:31:22grips Baz's shoulder tightly.
00:31:24Sir,
00:31:25Serena is currently trespassing,
00:31:27and Chloe is simply
00:31:29defending herself.
00:31:30Dad is completely restrained,
00:31:32but he can gently out.
00:31:35This is my house!
00:31:38Seize my guest!
00:31:39Mom stands up,
00:31:40looking down at Serena,
00:31:41who is sprawled on the floor
00:31:42like trash.
00:31:43Then she glances coldly at Dad.
00:31:44Your house?
00:31:45Liam Howard,
00:31:46have you forgotten?
00:31:47I'm the one paying the mortgage.
00:31:48Either you get Mia's things back,
00:31:49or you and these two bitches
00:31:50get the hell out.
00:31:51Dad's face cycles through shades
00:31:53of pale and red.
00:31:54He lowers his head,
00:31:55too humiliated to look up.
00:31:58The sun blazes overhead,
00:32:00and green flies buzz
00:32:01around the community trash bins.
00:32:04The air reeks of rotting garbage.
00:32:06My hero Dad is kneeling
00:32:08in the pile of waste,
00:32:10surrounded by leaking acidic liquid.
00:32:12Sweat pours down his face,
00:32:14and his hands are covered in black slud.
00:32:16He searches bag by bag
00:32:17for my belongings.
00:32:18My soul floats nearby,
00:32:20watching them reap what they sowed.
00:32:23Liam, this smell is unbearable.
00:32:25Can't we just buy her new things?
00:32:27Why do we have to dig through this dump?
00:32:29Dad ignores her.
00:32:30He carefully pulls a dirty,
00:32:31cracked photo frame from the trash.
00:32:34My baby picture,
00:32:35one month old.
00:32:36He wipes the frame
00:32:37with his hands shaking.
00:32:38None of these things.
00:32:40I never gave her a single one.
00:32:47I'm a complete failure of a father.
00:32:52I remember.
00:32:54Every time I asked Dad for a gift,
00:32:56he always had an excuse.
00:32:58Not practical,
00:32:59too expensive.
00:33:00You already have too many toys.
00:33:02He never understood.
00:33:04I didn't just want the toy.
00:33:06I wanted proof that he loved me.
00:33:08Just then,
00:33:09Mom walks over.
00:33:10Behind her are several servants,
00:33:13carrying huge black garbage bags.
00:33:16Bang.
00:33:16Bang, bang.
00:33:18The bags slam onto the ground at their feet.
00:33:21The contents spill out.
00:33:23Silk dresses,
00:33:24designer handbags,
00:33:25high-end cosmetics,
00:33:26and the giant stuffed bear Dad bought for Ara.
00:33:29Dirty water splashes all over Serena,
00:33:32but right now,
00:33:32she doesn't even care about the filth.
00:33:34My limited edition bags!
00:33:36My couture dresses!
00:33:38She desperately tries to pick up her luxury items,
00:33:41now soaked in stinking sewage.
00:33:44Mom crosses her arms,
00:33:46looking down at her.
00:33:49Does it hurt?
00:33:51Does it break your heart?
00:33:53Mom's sharp high heel
00:33:55presses mercilessly onto the designer bag.
00:33:59It doesn't feel good, does it?
00:34:04Watching the things you prejish
00:34:06get trampled like garbage?
00:34:08Liam!
00:34:09Look at her!
00:34:09I already brought everything back!
00:34:11What more does she want?
00:34:12Liam looks at Chloe and frowns.
00:34:14You think just bringing it back is enough?
00:34:16You're gonna clean every single item until it shines.
00:34:19Then you'll crawl to my daughter's grave,
00:34:21kneel down,
00:34:21and apologize to her.
00:34:25Dusk at the cemetery,
00:34:26the wind is bone-killingly cold.
00:34:28Bright sunflowers surround my tombstone.
00:34:30Dad and Serena kneel side by side
00:34:32on the cold stone slab.
00:34:33Mom strokes my name on the grave.
00:34:35Her voice is so gentle it breaks the heart.
00:34:37Mia,
00:34:38Mommy brought her here to atone for her sins.
00:34:40Mom's eyes turn razor sharp.
00:34:41She reaches out suddenly
00:34:43and grabs the back of Serena's head,
00:34:45forcing her face down against the stone steps.
00:34:47For Seduyan,
00:34:48the married man,
00:34:49and destroying my family!
00:34:50Let me go!
00:34:51Serena struggles pathetically.
00:34:53Her delicate makeup smears with dirt.
00:34:55Mom slams her head against the tombstone again.
00:34:57And this one,
00:34:58for my daughter who died so horribly!
00:35:00Blood seeps from Serena's forehead.
00:35:02She lets out a pig-like squeal.
00:35:03You are more responsible than anyone else!
00:35:06Take it out on me!
00:35:07Dad can't bear it anymore.
00:35:08He struggles to plead for her.
00:35:10She's fragile.
00:35:11Something bad will happen.
00:35:12Mom stops.
00:35:13She slowly turns her head,
00:35:15looking at Dad like he's already dead.
00:35:18Then let her die.
00:35:19A life for a life.
00:35:21Isn't that fair?
00:35:22Dad stares at Mom in disbelief.
00:35:25I sit on my tombstone,
00:35:26swinging my transparent legs,
00:35:28watching the scene.
00:35:29My heart feels nothing but pure satisfaction.
00:35:31But it's not the end.
00:35:32Mom stands up,
00:35:33taking out her phone.
00:35:34She points the camera at herself
00:35:35and presses the global livestream button on Instagram.
00:35:38Hell is only now opening its gates for them.
00:35:41The wind at the cemetery dries the tears on Mom's face.
00:35:45She stands tall,
00:35:46like a queen on her throne.
00:35:47She raises her phone,
00:35:48now broadcasting live to the world.
00:35:50The viewer count jumps wildly.
00:35:521,000,
00:35:5310,000,
00:35:54100,000.
00:35:55Dense comments scroll like falling snow.
00:35:57Mom turns the camera to Serena,
00:35:58who kneels on the ground,
00:36:00face covered in blood.
00:36:01And next to her,
00:36:02Dad,
00:36:02filthy and humiliated.
00:36:04Hello, everyone.
00:36:05My name is Chloe.
00:36:06Today,
00:36:07I want the whole world to see
00:36:08the true face of my husband,
00:36:09Liam Howard,
00:36:10the man they call a firefighting hero.
00:36:12Dad's face turns deathly pale.
00:36:14The rubble of the downtown collapse,
00:36:16this man abandoned our five-year-old daughter.
00:36:18He saved his first love's child instead.
00:36:20And while my daughter took her last breath,
00:36:22he was using our joint assets
00:36:24to buy that mistress a $100,000 apartment.
00:36:27The pain on Mom's face is raw and infectious.
00:36:30Chloe,
00:36:30you're insane.
00:36:31Turn it off.
00:36:32You'll ruin my career.
00:36:33Uncle Ryan kicks Dad hard
00:36:35in the back of his knee.
00:36:36Dad cries out in pain
00:36:38and falls to his knees again
00:36:40right in front of my tombstone.
00:36:42My soul looks down at him from above.
00:36:44I don't feel sorry for him anymore.
00:36:46The wind picks up around them.
00:36:48It blows Serena's hair into disarray.
00:36:50She looks utterly pathetic.
00:36:52Don't film me.
00:36:53This is invasion of privacy.
00:36:54I'll sue you.
00:36:55Her screams are deranged.
00:36:57I float in midair
00:36:58and watch the flood of hate comments
00:37:00on the screen.
00:37:03I lean close to Dad's ear.
00:37:05Blow a cold breath.
00:37:08Dad?
00:37:10Do you regret it now?
00:37:13I see Dad shiver.
00:37:15Strange.
00:37:16Why does it feel like cold air is blowing on my ear?
00:37:20Serena grabs Dad's arm,
00:37:22whimpers pitifully.
00:37:24Liam,
00:37:25please,
00:37:26take me away from here.
00:37:28In the end,
00:37:29Dad still chooses Serena
00:37:31and shields her as they flee the scene.
00:37:34But they underestimate the power of the internet.
00:37:38Within two hours,
00:37:40the video spreads across the entire city.
00:37:43Serena and Aria flee back to the apartment Mom paid for.
00:37:48They barely sit down
00:37:50when an angry mob of neighbors
00:37:52smashes through the front door.
00:37:55Bam!
00:37:56The door slams against the wall.
00:37:58A dozen furious people
00:38:00storm into the living room
00:38:02like a hurricane.
00:38:03The red-haired woman leading them
00:38:05points at Serena's face with disgust.
00:38:08Our community doesn't welcome
00:38:10home-wrecking murderers.
00:38:12Get out!
00:38:13A fruit bowl is overturned.
00:38:15Bright fruits roll across the floor,
00:38:17crushed under stomping feet.
00:38:19That giant pink teddy bear Dad
00:38:20spent a fortune on for Aria.
00:38:22A furious man grabs it.
00:38:24The seams burst.
00:38:25White cheap cotton fluff
00:38:27flies through the air like snow.
00:38:28No!
00:38:29That's my bear!
00:38:31Aria shrinks into the corner of the sofa
00:38:33and lets out a desperate scream.
00:38:35Serena tries desperately to shield her.
00:38:37Her designer closed hair
00:38:39and her face gets slapped multiple times.
00:38:42She doesn't even know who did it.
00:38:44I float in the swirling cotton flour,
00:38:46watching this chaotic scene.
00:38:53Aria, you only lost a teddy bear.
00:38:56I lost my life.
00:38:58The mob trashes everything.
00:39:00They grab Serena and her daughter
00:39:02and throw them out onto the cold street
00:39:04like garbage.
00:39:13The door locks shut behind them.
00:39:16Merciless.
00:39:18Serena holds trembling Aria in her arms,
00:39:22her gaze slowly shifting from pity
00:39:24to a viper-like madness.
00:39:30I'm genuinely curious to see what Serena will pull
00:39:33now that she's homeless.
00:39:35So, my spirit quietly follows her.
00:39:40Serena takes Aria
00:39:41to a cheap, run-deck motel.
00:39:45In the bathroom,
00:39:46the shower is running.
00:39:47I phase through the wall
00:39:48and hover over the tub.
00:39:49What I see next leaves me surprised.
00:39:52Aria is wearing nothing but a thin sundress.
00:39:55Serena is pinning her down in the bathtub
00:39:57and the poor girl is shaking uncontrollably from the cold.
00:40:01Mommy?
00:40:01What are you doing?
00:40:03I'm so cold.
00:40:05Serena has this crazy look in her eyes.
00:40:08She grabs a full bucket of ice
00:40:10and splash-dumps-dumps the whole thing into the tub
00:40:13without a second thought.
00:40:15No! Stop it! Please!
00:40:17Aria screams as the ice hits her.
00:40:20Serena holds her struggling shoulders down,
00:40:22her face twisting with the effort.
00:40:24Shut up!
00:40:25If we don't do this,
00:40:27we won't even be able to eat!
00:40:28We need Liam's sympathy!
00:40:31But Mommy,
00:40:32I can't breathe.
00:40:34My heart hurts.
00:40:37Aria's face turns deathly pale in seconds.
00:40:39Her lips turn blue
00:40:41and she thrashles in the icy water
00:40:43like a fish gosping for air.
00:40:45I watch from the ceiling,
00:40:47completely detached.
00:40:51The way Aria is crying and begging for her life,
00:40:55it's exactly how I looked under those ruins.
00:41:00The only difference is
00:41:02I was killed by Dad's neglect.
00:41:11She's being drowned by her mother's greed.
00:41:15Dad,
00:41:17if you knew you sacrificed your own daughter
00:41:20just to save people this twisted,
00:41:27would you finally feel a shred of regret?
00:41:30Serena watches her daughter's breathing fade
00:41:33until Aria finally blacks out.
00:41:41Only then,
00:41:42does she frantically dial Dad's number.
00:41:45Liam!
00:41:47Help!
00:41:48Aria!
00:41:49Had a heart attack!
00:41:51Chloe sent people to scare her
00:41:53and she collapsed!
00:41:56Outside the ER,
00:41:57the red light glares harshly.
00:41:59Dad comes charging in,
00:42:01drenched in sweat.
00:42:02The second Serena sees him,
00:42:04she collapses into his arms.
00:42:05Sobbing.
00:42:07Liam!
00:42:08If Aria doesn't make it,
00:42:09I don't want to live anymore!
00:42:11What a total hypocrite!
00:42:13I sit on the bench,
00:42:15watching Serena.
00:42:16It is all Chloe's fault.
00:42:18If she had not stirred up all that trouble online,
00:42:21those thugs never would have come after Aria.
00:42:23Dad holds her tight,
00:42:25staring at the ER doors
00:42:26with the veins in his forehead bolsting.
00:42:28The doctor says she needs surgery immediately.
00:42:32Liam,
00:42:32what am I going to do?
00:42:33Hearing Serena pin everything on mom
00:42:36makes me so mad I start stomping my feet in mid-air.
00:42:38Dad!
00:42:39She's a liar!
00:42:40Don't fall for it!
00:42:41I scream into his ear,
00:42:43but he doesn't hear a thing.
00:42:44He just squeezes Serena's shoulders.
00:42:47Don't worry.
00:42:47I'll handle the medical bills.
00:42:49Dad grits his teeth,
00:42:50giving every ounce of his sympathy to that snake,
00:42:53Serena.
00:42:54He doesn't even bother to double cheery check
00:42:56why Aria is actually sick.
00:42:58If he'd bothered to ask a single doctor,
00:43:01he'd know.
00:43:02Aria's heart stopped because of severe hypothermia.
00:43:06Being scared doesn't do that to a person.
00:43:09He stands up abruptly and storms out of the hospital in a blind rage.
00:43:14Watching him go,
00:43:15I feel a wave of pure nausea.
00:43:18Dad,
00:43:19you're not just blind.
00:43:21You're a complete and utter moron.
00:43:24Since you're so hell-dent on unpicking a fight with mom,
00:43:31go ahead.
00:43:34Go see exactly what kind of hell she has waiting for you.
00:43:39Dad kicks the front door of the villa open with a violent bang.
00:43:43Chloe,
00:43:43why can't you just leave Serena alone?
00:43:45They're innocent.
00:43:46He storms into the dining room,
00:43:47roaring at the top of his links.
00:43:49Aria is lying in a hospital bed unconscious right now.
00:43:52Is this what you wanted?
00:43:53My spirit drifts in right behind him.
00:43:55But instead of finding a guilty,
00:43:57sobbing wife,
00:43:58Har's met with the aroma of premium coffee
00:44:00and two faces full of cold mockery.
00:44:03Mom is sitting by the sun-dreamt kitchen island,
00:44:07elegantly flipping through some documents.
00:44:09And standing right next to her is a tall,
00:44:12handsome man.
00:44:13It's uncle.
00:44:14Ryan leans in close,
00:44:16thoughtfully tucking a stray lock of hair behind Chloe's ear.
00:44:20Seeing dad standing there all disheveled and fuming,
00:44:23mom doesn't even bother to look up.
00:44:25What exactly am I supposed to be satisfied with, Liam?
00:44:27I simply sent a few people over to take back a house that belongs to me.
00:44:30Chloe sets her documents down and fixes her gaze on Liam.
00:44:32A cold plays on mom's lips.
00:44:34She looks at dad like he's a piece of trash.
00:44:35If that little brat drops dead just because she got a little spooked,
00:44:38that's hardly my problem.
00:44:39Dad's eyes widen like he's seeing a stranger.
00:44:41How can you be so vicious?
00:44:43Aren't you afraid of having blood on your hands?
00:44:46Vicious?
00:44:47Mom stands up abruptly,
00:44:49her powerful aura forcing Liam to take a half-step back.
00:44:52You think I'm vicious?
00:44:53This is nothing compared to what my daughter went through.
00:44:56If it means making you suffer for the rest of your lives,
00:44:59I'll go to hell for it!
00:45:00Dad is left speechless,
00:45:02his face flushing with frustration.
00:45:03He turns and points a finger on Ryan,
00:45:05who is watching the scene with a faint,
00:45:07amused smile.
00:45:08And who the hell is he?
00:45:09You're bringing other men into our home?
00:45:11Instead of making excuses,
00:45:13Chloe links her arm through Ryan's
00:45:14and gives him a radiant, stunning smile.
00:45:16This is my house.
00:45:17It'll bring whoever I want back here.
00:45:19I perch myself on Ryan's shoulder,
00:45:21watching dad's face twist with a mix of jealousy and helplessness.
00:45:24I'm so happy I do a little flip in the air.
00:45:27Dad is raging,
00:45:28glaring daggers at Ryan.
00:45:30He originally came here to demand justice for Aria.
00:45:33She developed heart disease because of ice water.
00:45:36But now,
00:45:37with him nothing but pure unadulterated jealousy.
00:45:39Chloe, you cannot do this to me!
00:45:41We are not even divorced yet!
00:45:42Dad tries to reclaim his territory using his status as a husband.
00:45:47So what if we are not?
00:45:48We are just friends.
00:45:49Exactly like you and Serena.
00:45:53Surely you understand that kind of relationship better than anyone, right?
00:45:58Dad's face instantly turns a deep bruised purple.
00:46:01He stands there in total humiliation,
00:46:03his steps heavy,
00:46:04unable to move.
00:46:06I cannot help but cheer for...
00:46:07Without her money,
00:46:08dad can't even afford Aria's hospital bills.
00:46:11Knowing that Serena's little scheme is about to crash and burn
00:46:14makes me want to run laps around the living room.
00:46:16Since yours tone would determine to stay,
00:46:18go to the kitchen and fix us some dinner.
00:46:20Lemia's hands clenched into fists,
00:46:22the knuckles white with suppressed rage.
00:46:24And remember,
00:46:25take good care of my guest.
00:46:26The warning in her smile was unmistakable.
00:46:28He turned and walked away,
00:46:29his shoulders slumped in defeat.
00:46:31Ten minutes later,
00:46:32the big hero who used to wear a crisp firefighting uniform
00:46:35and rescue people from ruins?
00:46:36Now,
00:46:37he has got a ridiculous pink floral apron
00:46:39seashed around his waist,
00:46:40standing by the sink like a lowerly servant.
00:46:42He is scrubbing a cucumber so hard
00:46:44that water splashes all over his face.
00:46:46Meanwhile,
00:46:47just a wall away in the dining room,
00:46:49mom and Ryan are having a blast.
00:46:50Their laughter drifts into the kitchen.
00:46:52I hover in the air,
00:46:53watching dad's face turn a sickly shade of green.
00:46:56He grits his teeth,
00:46:57slamming the clear onto the cutting.
00:46:58You like a pathetic,
00:46:59stray dog right now.
00:47:01Dinner is finally served.
00:47:10Chloe,
00:47:11this stuff looks
00:47:12barely edible.
00:47:13It is burnt to a crisp.
00:47:16Dad's breathing turns heavy in an instant.
00:47:19His fists clench deep in his apron pockets,
00:47:21knuckles cracking under the strain.
00:47:22Just as he is about to blow over a fuse,
00:47:25mom casually stabs a slice of apple with her fork
00:47:27and holds it up to Ryan's...
00:47:28Then don't eat his garbage.
00:47:30Here,
00:47:31try this apple.
00:47:32Is it sweet?
00:47:38If it is from you,
00:47:40it is always sweet.
00:47:43Watching them flirt so shamelessly right in front of him,
00:47:46dad's eyes turn a bloodshot vengeful red.
00:47:48He is losing his mind with jealousy.
00:47:51I hover above the dining table,
00:47:53watching dad look so utterly pathetic and repressed.
00:47:56I can't resist adding a little fuel to the fire.
00:47:58Ugh, Liam,
00:47:59what is that smell?
00:48:00That is disgusting.
00:48:01Mom instantly covered her nose.
00:48:04Her face twisted in pure revulsion.
00:48:05Dad scrambles with a rag,
00:48:07trying to wipe himself down,
00:48:08but he only makes a bigger mess.
00:48:10He looks like a total clown,
00:48:12perched on the chandelier.
00:48:13I can't help but gigger.
00:48:19Dinner ends in a suffocating,
00:48:21awkward silence.
00:48:28Ryan looks flattered,
00:48:30casting a sidelight glance at dad,
00:48:32who's scrubbing dishes in the kitchen.
00:48:36Has been this a little awkward?
00:48:39Awkward?
00:48:39Why would it be?
00:48:41Liam is famous for being generous.
00:48:43He's so busy playing the good Samanerton.
00:48:45I'm sure he's thrilled I finally have someone to keep me company.
00:48:48Isn't that right, Liam?
00:48:51The loud break crack of a shattering plate
00:48:54echoes from the kitchen.
00:48:56Dad's completely heartbroken.
00:48:58It's getting late, Ryan.
00:49:00Don't you think it's time to head out?
00:49:04Mom grind by his tie,
00:49:06pulling him close.
00:49:08Why leave so late?
00:49:10I can go to your room
00:49:12and give you a full body massage.
00:49:17You are a woman
00:49:18and he is a grown man.
00:49:21Do you honestly think it's appropriate
00:49:23to go into his room
00:49:24dressed like that?
00:49:28Mom don't back back down.
00:49:30She steps closer,
00:49:33patting Dap's rigid cheek
00:49:34with her long, slender fingers.
00:49:36Don't be so jealous, Liam.
00:49:39Drop the pathetic act of possessiveness.
00:49:42She brushes past Dad,
00:49:44who stands frozen in place,
00:49:46and links arms with Ryan
00:49:48as they walk toward the guest room
00:49:50at the end of the hall.
00:49:53Dad stands in the dark corridor alone.
00:49:56The doors locked tight,
00:49:58Dad's entire world has collapsed.
00:50:03Early the next morning,
00:50:05Dad, who had spent the entire night
00:50:06being eaten live by jealousy and humiliation,
00:50:08receives a barrage of frantic calls from Serena.
00:50:11Watching I was sobbing
00:50:12with claiming Zion with dark area
00:50:13had suffered a heartache attack
00:50:15and needed media under his surgeries
00:50:16and a martyr-like expression.
00:50:18I know exactly what was coming.
00:50:19He is ready to play the savior again.
00:50:23Chloe, we need to talk.
00:50:24He took a deep breath,
00:50:27his tone dripping with self-righteousness.
00:50:30Back then,
00:50:31every time he started a sentence like that,
00:50:34it meant I was about to get a lecture.
00:50:36I know you are mad at me.
00:50:38I can take the humiliation
00:50:39you put me through last night.
00:50:41I can live with it.
00:50:43But Area's heart condition has flared up.
00:50:46She is in the ER right now.
00:50:49She is just a little girl,
00:50:50the same age as Mia.
00:50:51His voice is almost pleading,
00:50:53yet he still manages to sound so condescending.
00:50:57You are a good person.
00:50:59You have always been.
00:51:01Are you really going to let your hatred for me
00:51:03get in the way
00:51:04and let an innocent child die?
00:51:06An innocent child?
00:51:08Hovering in midair,
00:51:10I feel myself shaking with pure rage at those words.
00:51:14Dad, I am also innocent.
00:51:16Why did you abandon me?
00:51:18Did you ever give a single thought to me?
00:51:22Right then,
00:51:22I feel a strange surge of power.
00:51:25I look down and see my transparent fingertips,
00:51:30frosting over with a layer of bone-chilling white ice,
00:51:34fueled by my absolute fury.
00:51:36So my hatred actually has the power to touch this world.
00:51:41I lash out with my hands.
00:51:44A crystal goblet sitting right next to Mom shatters instantly.
00:51:51Red gash across Dad's hypocritical face.
00:51:55Dad clutches his bleeding cheek in terror,
00:51:58stumbling back with his eyes wide,
00:52:00looking like he had just seen a ghost.
00:52:04After Dad's self-rightness take the high road speech,
00:52:07Mom looks absolutely disgusted.
00:52:09She stands up,
00:52:10looking at him like he's a cockroach she'd just found in her soup.
00:52:13Kindness?
00:52:14Liam, how dare you say that?
00:52:16You want my money to save the one who killed my daughter?
00:52:18And I'm supposed to be reasonable?
00:52:20Chloe, how did you get this cold-blooded?
00:52:23Aria is innocent!
00:52:24If Mia were looking down on us,
00:52:26she would never want to see her mother turn into a heartless murderer.
00:52:31Hearing him use my name to guilt-trap Mom might blood boil.
00:52:35I channel every bit of my energy
00:52:36and slam a gust of freezing wind right into him.
00:52:39The Firefighting Hero Award hanging on the wall,
00:52:41his pride and love flies off and shatters right at his feet.
00:52:45Shut up!
00:52:45You don't get to say Mia's name!
00:52:47If you're so worried about your soulmate,
00:52:48then go save her yourself!
00:52:50Mom grabs the divorce papers she'd already prepared
00:52:52and hurls them straight at his face.
00:52:54Sign them and get the hell out of my house!
00:52:57I'm not giving you or them a single cent.
00:53:00Fine!
00:53:01Fine!
00:53:01Consider it signed!
00:53:03I don't want your dirty dunny anyway!
00:53:05He scribbles his name in a rage and storms out,
00:53:07slamming the door behind him.
00:53:09I drift down next to Mom,
00:53:11watching his back as he walks away,
00:53:13and I can't help but smile.
00:53:14Go ahead, Dad.
00:53:15Go save your precious Serena and her kid.
00:53:18I'm just getting started with them.
00:53:21The VIP hospital room is dead silent in the middle of the night.
00:53:24I drift inside,
00:53:25my transparent toes hovering just above Serena's bedside.
00:53:27She's curled up on the cat,
00:53:29probably having some beautiful dream.
00:53:30As I stare down at the two of them,
00:53:32who had nested in a life that wasn't theirs,
00:53:34I slowly raise my hand.
00:53:35I don't need to get back as the little trip down memory lane
00:53:37would be more than enough.
00:53:38The smell of disinfectant in the air begins to shift,
00:53:41turning into the suffocating scent of concrete dust
00:53:44mixed with the metallic tang of dried blood.
00:53:46Serena at brow and frows at the stench,
00:53:49and she tosses and turns uncomfortably.
00:53:51Who, who's under there?
00:53:53No answer.
00:53:54Her hand shakes as she reaches for the light switch,
00:53:56but her eyes accidentally catch the wall.
00:53:59At some point,
00:53:59a streak of blood appears on the white paint.
00:54:02Lean closer to her ear and let out a soft, icy breath.
00:54:04Auntie Serena,
00:54:06the rocks are so heavy,
00:54:07it hurts.
00:54:08Ah!
00:54:09No!
00:54:10Get away!
00:54:10Don't come after me!
00:54:11I didn't kill you!
00:54:12That's,
00:54:12that's on your father!
00:54:14Yeah,
00:54:14I kept Leon from going to the ruins to save you,
00:54:16but I didn't have a choice!
00:54:17I lost my husband!
00:54:18I had nothing!
00:54:19I had to hold on to him like he was all I had!
00:54:21He is the one who chose to play the hero and pick us!
00:54:23Listening to her speak without a shred of remorse,
00:54:26my gaze turned ice cold.
00:54:28She's still denying it!
00:54:35Fine,
00:54:36then let's show you what happens next.
00:54:38Ah!
00:54:39Let me go!
00:54:40Please,
00:54:41let me go!
00:54:42I'll tell you everything!
00:54:43It was me!
00:54:44I hurt Aria just to keep Liam!
00:54:46I'm a terrible mother!
00:54:47I don't deserve her!
00:54:49I'm sorry!
00:54:50I'm so sorry!
00:54:51Please,
00:54:52just let me go!
00:54:54The late night snacks hit the floor with a heavy thud,
00:54:56hot soup splashing everywhere.
00:54:57What did you just say?
00:54:58Every single word Sierra just spit out has pierced dad's ears.
00:55:01He uses a sense of heroism.
00:55:02He was saving a poor struggling of my death,
00:55:04telling himself it was the right thing to do in Spam and of blaming Zarina.
00:55:06But now,
00:55:06the brutal truth is like a rusty saw,
00:55:08hacking straight through his delusion.
00:55:09Liam,
00:55:10no,
00:55:11let me explain!
00:55:12I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:17I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:20Get off me!
00:55:24Dad's massive hands wrap around Serena's neck,
00:55:27squeezing tight.
00:55:29It was you!
00:55:31You're the reason my Mia is dead!
00:55:34You've been lying to me this whole time!
00:55:37You poisonous bitch!
00:55:39Let go!
00:55:40Liam,
00:55:41I can't breathe!
00:55:42Her eyes roll back as she claws frantically at his arms,
00:55:44leaving behind rows of bloody scratches.
00:55:46I hover in the air,
00:55:47watching with cold indents as this perfect couple tears each other apart.
00:55:50Dad,
00:55:50what's the point of choking her now?
00:55:52Even if you rip her to shreds,
00:55:53I'm never coming back.
00:55:54Just as Serena is one second away from taking her last breath,
00:55:59bam!
00:55:59The hospital door is slammed open once again.
00:56:04I told you I'd make you both pay.
00:56:10Pull them apart!
00:56:14Several burly officers rush in,
00:56:18forcibly dragging a frenzied dad off Serena
00:56:21and pinning his arms behind his back against the wall.
00:56:25Serena Elleds,
00:56:26we have received critical audio evidence provided by Mrs. Chloe Howard.
00:56:30You are under arrest for suspicion of murder,
00:56:32felsiny child abuse,
00:56:33and large-scale fraud.
00:56:35The cold handcuffs snap shut,
00:56:36locking tight around Serena wrists.
00:56:38The fear finally sets in.
00:56:40Please, let me go!
00:56:42I can't go to prison!
00:56:44Aria needs her mother!
00:56:46Mom looks down at her,
00:56:47her eyes cold without sympathy.
00:56:49Take her away.
00:56:51Prison should give her plenty of time to think.
00:56:53On the hospital bed,
00:56:54Aria weakly opens her eyes,
00:56:56her face still deathly pale.
00:56:58Two stone-faced officers step forward and pick her up by force.
00:57:01Aria does not understand what is happening yet,
00:57:03but she starts struggling.
00:57:04I want mommy!
00:57:05I want uncle Liam!
00:57:07Let me go!
00:57:07This little brat,
00:57:08who used to brag in front of my mom
00:57:10and maliciously curse me to dead,
00:57:12is now crying like a pathetic beggar.
00:57:14I drift down to the hospital window and,
00:57:16from the other side of the glass,
00:57:18make a huge mocking face at her.
00:57:20Aria, did you not love stealing other people's dads?
00:57:23Well, now you do not have one anymore,
00:57:26not even your mom.
00:57:28And trust me,
00:57:30those hard beds in the orphanage?
00:57:32Nothing like your comfy VIP room.
00:57:40I watch as Serena is roughly dragged away by the police,
00:57:44her blood-catting screams echoing through the entire hallway.
00:57:48Meanwhile, Dad,
00:57:50the once-proud firefighting hero,
00:57:52is slumped on the floor tiles.
00:57:55He stares at the mess around him,
00:57:59his eyes as hollow as a completely broken puppet.
00:58:02Mom turns around,
00:58:05leaving without giving him a single glance.
00:58:15Mom, we won!
00:58:18The morning sun outside the courthouse feels cold and sterile.
00:58:26I've always hated the vibe of this place,
00:58:29so I just sit on the front steps and wait.
00:58:34Finally, Mom strides out those massive doors,
00:58:38her heels clicking against the stone with total confidence.
00:58:43She's holding the official divorce re-read,
00:58:46looking like she's finally shed a heavy skin.
00:58:49Dad comes stumbling out after her,
00:58:51looking like a total wreck.
00:58:53Chloe, wait!
00:58:57Can we please just talk for a second?
00:58:59His eyes are bloodshot,
00:59:01and his voice is thick with desperation.
00:59:06Mom stops and turns around.
00:59:08She looks down at him
00:59:10with the kind of icy stare
00:59:11you'd give a complete stranger.
00:59:14Tears stream down Liam's face,
00:59:17disappearing into his messy stebble.
00:59:19I know I've put you through hell,
00:59:21and I want to apologize for everything.
00:59:28I quit the fire department.
00:59:30I've signed up to be a volunteer teacher in the slums.
00:59:33I'm leaving tomorrow.
00:59:34Dad's voice breaks,
00:59:36trying that same old self-exhaustion act,
00:59:39hoping to wring one last bit of pity out of Mom.
00:59:42In his mind,
00:59:43if he looks miserable enough,
00:59:45she'll soften like she always used to.
00:59:47Maybe even give him a hug.
00:59:49Is that it?
00:59:51Dad looks stunned.
00:59:53He definitely didn't expect her to be this indifferent.
01:00:00All right then.
01:00:01Safe travels.
01:00:03Goodbye.
01:00:04Without a hint of hesitation,
01:00:07Mom turns her back on him.
01:00:09She walks straight over to Ryan,
01:00:12who's been waiting by the curb,
01:00:14and slides into the back of his black Bentley.
01:00:19I hover in the air,
01:00:21watching Dad collapse onto the rough stone pavement of the courthouse,
01:00:25sobbing his heart out.
01:00:49Mom drives off in the black Bentley with Ryan.
01:00:54I hover in mid-air,
01:00:56looking down at Dad kneeling on the rough pavement.
01:00:59Suddenly,
01:01:00I'm curious.
01:01:01I want to see what a hero who has lost everything does next.
01:01:05Dad stays on his knees for a long time before finally swaying to his feet.
01:01:09He wanders onto the street like a zombie,
01:01:11his soul completely hollowed out.
01:01:13I follow him,
01:01:14watching him walk from dawn until dusk.
01:01:17He doesn't eat a single bite or drink a drop of water.
01:01:20People on the street point and stare,
01:01:22but he is deaf to it all.
01:01:24He just keeps moving.
01:01:25It is late at night when he finally stops.
01:01:27He has reached the center of the city,
01:01:29standing at the very site of the collapse.
01:01:31Yellow police tape still surrounds the area.
01:01:33This is where I died.
01:01:34This is where it all began.
01:01:37I watch him pull that pink Barbie doll,
01:01:39the one he never got to give me,
01:01:41out from inside his jacket.
01:01:42Mia,
01:01:44Daddy's here now.
01:01:45I'm taking you home.
01:01:47Suddenly pulls out a large canister from somewhere,
01:01:49and starts drenching himself,
01:01:51pouring it from his head down to his toes.
01:01:52Click.
01:01:53The crisp sound of metal breaks the dead silence.
01:01:56A tiny blue flame flickers on his lighter,
01:01:58and without a second thought,
01:01:59Liam lets it go.
01:02:00A massive wall of fire erupts instantly,
01:02:02swallowing Liam home.
01:02:03The roaring flames melt the firefighting uniform
01:02:05he was once so proud of.
01:02:06The fire chars the very arms he used to hold everyone but me.
01:02:09I drift just outside the heat of the blaze,
01:02:11quietly watching him struggle in the fire,
01:02:14until he finally collapses,
01:02:15turning into a blackened heap.
01:02:17Those eyes that used to look at me with warmth
01:02:19are now nothing but ash.
01:02:20Dad,
01:02:21I don't hate you anymore,
01:02:22because honestly,
01:02:23you're not even worth the effort.
01:02:25By the time the fire burns out,
01:02:27dawn has broken.
01:02:29I guess it is time for me to go,
01:02:31too.
01:02:32I turn into a golden breeze,
01:02:35drifting through the city streets,
01:02:37and floating to Mom's side one last time.
01:02:40Mom is leaning back in Uncle Ryan's arms,
01:02:42quietly watching the world outside the window.
01:02:44I lean in and leave a cold, weightless kiss on her cheek.
01:02:47Goodbye, Mom.
01:02:48I wish you every happiness.
01:02:50I don't say another word.
01:02:51I just brush past her hair and graze her cheek,
01:02:54like a shadow of a hug.
01:02:55The moment the breeze touches her,
01:02:57Mom's calm expression freezes.
01:02:59It is like she feels something.
01:03:01She intinctively reaches up,
01:03:02her fingertips brushing the exact spot
01:03:04where my phantom kiss landed.
01:03:06I see her eyes well up with tears.
01:03:08Chloe, what's wrong?
01:03:09Are you cold?
01:03:10Mom doesn't say anything.
01:03:12She just stares at the windowsill.
01:03:15Even though there is no wind,
01:03:17the potted sunflower suddenly tilts and sways just a little.
01:03:25Mom rests her head on Ryan's shoulder.
01:03:28As she watches a ray of sunlight pierce through the clouds,
01:03:32a smile spreads across her face.
01:03:37Mom, you felt that, didn't you?
01:03:40Mom, I close my eyes and let go,
01:03:42flying towards the warmest light,
01:03:45finally at peace.
01:03:50Time, it has its own kind of gentle magic.
01:03:55They named me, Mia.
01:03:59My mom.
01:04:02My dad.
01:04:06They loved me so much.
01:04:16Through the haze,
01:04:18I hear a nursery rhyme,
01:04:20the one I loved most when I was five.
01:04:23Wait,
01:04:24is this heaven?
01:04:26No,
01:04:27my sweet girl.
01:04:28This is where I will always wait for you.
01:04:58Welcome back,
01:05:00my little angel.
01:05:02Surrounded by the warmth of a steady heartbeat,
01:05:05I start to smile,
01:05:07too.
01:05:08This time,
01:05:10I know for sure,
01:05:12I have finally been born
01:05:14into a world of real love.
01:05:16I know for us,
01:05:16You'll be back,
01:05:16you know,
01:05:17I know for sure,
Comments