- il y a 10 heures
The Birthday Funeral- My Hero Dad Left Me To Die
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00:00:00My dad used to be my superhero.
00:00:02He 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.
00:00:15It 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.
00:00:26It hurt so much.
00:00:27Every breath felt like swallowing broken glass.
00:00:30Mom shielded me with her body.
00:00:32Her 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!
00:00:42He 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.
00:01:07Aria, 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.
00:01:20I have to go to them now.
00:01:24What are you saying?
00:01:25What about our daughter?
00:01:27Can't you save your own daughter first?
00:01:29Dad frowned.
00:01:30He forcefully pried open Mom's blood-soaked fingers.
00:01:35Chloe, don't be difficult right now.
00:01:37Mom. My duty is to prioritize the people in the most danger.
00:01:41Mia, hang in there. Daddy will get them out first.
00:01:45Then 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.
00:02:07The concrete slab crushed my chest completely.
00:02:11No! No! No!
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.
00:02:36I watch him walking against the light, hold someone else's daughter against his chest.
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,
00:03:29until the cold machine screamed into a flat line.
00:03:32The doctor shook his head helplessly.
00:03:35He 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!
00:04:46But he couldn't hear me.
00:04:48His phone screen lit up.
00:04:50Dad glances it.
00:04:51Then, turns it off.
00:04:53Right at moment,
00:04:55Mom is standing outside the slightly open door,
00:04:57like a wandering ghost.
00:04:59Her once pure white dress is now stained dark red.
00:05:04With 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.
00:05:16The cold wind in the roadway blew through Mom's hair.
00:05:21She 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.
00:05:47Chloe?
00:05:48Why 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,
00:06:03tell 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?
00:06:22Helping?
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?
00:06:40You have to make it in the hospital?
00:06:41Fine?
00:06:42I float in midair, tears dripping down.
00:06:45Daddy, can't you see the blood on Mommy's clothes?
00:06:49That is my blood.
00:06:50Your own daughter is already covered with a white sheet.
00:06:54Liam, 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, his 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, I'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, the 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.
00:08:27I 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.
00:08:51My 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,
00:09:35just like a real family.
00:09:38Once upon a time,
00:09:39my parents and I were that happy too.
00:09:42The 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?
00:10:05What's wrong with you?
00:10:07Where's Mia?
00:10:08Why 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!
00:10:39I'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.
00:11:10She'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.
00:11:21I 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 vahisa.
00:11:32Tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock.
00:11:36The downtown church.
00:11:37Don't be late.
00:11:39Sewing this, Mama turns around and zowed away.
00:11:43Okay.
00:11:44He has no idea at all.
00:11:49Tomorrow's party wouldn't have a birthday cake.
00:11:53Or 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.
00:12:25Mom 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.
00:12:47She 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, desperately trying to wipe away her tears.
00:12:59But 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.
00:13:14He 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, Mom still dialed the number.
00:13:51The dialing screen shows calling for a long time.
00:13:55I pray devoutly.
00:13:57Dad, please, this 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, hearing 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, even with a hint of aneriation at being interrupted.
00:14:17I told you, be 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 and traveled to Dad's side.
00:15:11Inside the VIP room, Aria is smugly winking at Aunt Serena.
00:15:16Then suddenly, she 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, you 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, comforting 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, leaving 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, smiling 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 and was about to swipe it away.
00:16:09This is the moment it touched the screen, as if electrocuted.
00:16:13The headline read,
00:16:14Downtown Collapse, Latest Victim List Confirmed.
00:16:17Includes five-year-old girl.
00:16:19The photo attached to the news showed a blood-stained dress
00:16:22hanging from the edge of a white sheet.
00:16:25The dress he bought for me just last week.
00:16:28Liam's eyes locked onto that familiar hem.
00:16:32His throat bow bobs pain relief.
00:16:35And his face turns deathly pale in an instant.
00:16:38Uncle 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.
00:17:05Eyes instantly turn red.
00:17:06Then, his lips jiver as he tries to click on the link.
00:17:09I float down, hovering above his finger.
00:17:12Click it, Dad.
00:17:13If you just click it, you'll see my name.
00:17:15Then you could know I've already turned into a cold, lifeless body.
00:17:18But just as his fingertip is about to touch the screen,
00:17:22Serena glances at the headline from 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 is 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!
00:17:36Dad 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 and pressing the lock button at once.
00:17:45The 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 when she left today.
00:18:10Liam, you're too tired and overthinking things.
00:18:15That kind of fast fashion floral dress is sold everywhere.
00:18:19Thousands of little girls wear them.
00:18:21Liam shakes his head, panic 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 for 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.
00:18:57I watch Dad carefully tuck Area's blanket,
00:18:59promising 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,
00:19:16with the church bells rang.
00:19:17Sad hymns echo through the empty hall.
00:19:19Two staff members in black suits exchange 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 in 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 as a monster's gaping mouth.
00:19:40I hid in the closet, crying in fear.
00:19:42It was Dad, holding 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.
00:19:54Whenever you're in trouble,
00:19:55Dad will appear like a superhero to protect you.
00:19:57Dad,
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 of 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.
00:20:17Her cries make everyone in 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!
00:20:24No!
00:20:25My Mia's afraid of the dark!
00:20:27Uncle Mason steps forward in tears,
00:20:29holding the struggling Chloe tightly from behind.
00:20:31Chloe, let go and give her peace.
00:20:34Mom collapses lightly into Uncle Mason's arms in tears.
00:20:37I float above the coffin,
00:20:39watching the lid closed inch by inch in despair.
00:20:42Dad,
00:20:43if you don't come soon,
00:20:44I'll really be locked away forever in this dark box!
00:20:52Just as the longest nail is about to be hammered in,
00:20:57sunlight mixed with cold wind pouring in.
00:21:00The crying in the hall stops abruptly.
00:21:02Everyone turns to look at the entrance.
00:21:04I float in mid-air,
00:21:06feeling as if my dead heart could beat again.
00:21:08The figure standing against the light at the door.
00:21:11Could it be...
00:21:12Dad?
00:21:14The gate swings fully open,
00:21:16revealing nothing but 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 fall asleep so gently,
00:21:27suddenly clutches his chest in agony.
00:21:29A sharp, intense pain makes it almost impossible for him to sit still.
00:21:33Cold sweat pours down his forehead.
00:21:34Liam,
00:21:35Liam, are you okay?
00:21:36I don't know,
00:21:37but it hurts so much here.
00:21:40Dad,
00:21:41it hurts, doesn't it?
00:21:44That's the same pain I felt when you left me under the rubble.
00:21:47Dad finally panics,
00:21:49and forces himself to stand up.
00:21:52I have to go.
00:21:53Mia's birthday is today.
00:21:56I'll come back to see you tomorrow.
00:21:58He grabs the pink Barbie doll gift box
00:22:00and stumbles out of the hospital room.
00:22:03Back at the church,
00:22:04the staff member raises the cold hammer.
00:22:06Mom clings to the edge of my coffin,
00:22:08crying hysterically.
00:22:10Meanwhile,
00:22:10on the sunlit street,
00:22:12Dad slams the gas pedal to the floor.
00:22:14He looks at the pink gift box on the passenger seat.
00:22:17Guilt in his eyes slowly 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 in 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 into the wood.
00:22:30Dad hums softly
00:22:31as he turns the steering wheel,
00:22:33a look of anticipation on 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 over 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 for good.
00:22:50Mom has completely lost her strength.
00:22:52She collapses on the ground,
00:22:53letting my coffin be carried away.
00:22:55Outside the church doors,
00:22:56Dad takes a deep breath.
00:22:58Wearing a smile,
00:22:59he pushes open the heavy wooden doors
00:23:00with both hands.
00:23:01Mia!
00:23:02Daddy's here!
00:23:15Mia!
00:23:20No colorful balloons,
00:23:22no happy birthday song.
00:23:24The church is filled with 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 by pure white lilies.
00:23:39Dad breathes 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 this 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 for a father.
00:24:26Dad 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 smiling 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 into complete despair.
00:25:23That superhero,
00:25:25who once stood tall like 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 for 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 to our little family,
00:25:53drinks himself into a stupor every day.
00:25:55I have never seen Dad so broken.
00:25:58I used to think heroes were invincible.
00:26:02But the bloody truth tells me.
00:26:05Heroes make mistakes too.
00:26:07They choose the wrong people too.
00:26:11I almost forgive Dad.
00:26:14But I soon regret my generosity.
00:26:17Because Aunt Serena moves in
00:26:19with Aria,
00:26:21brazenly and openly.
00:26:23Liam,
00:26:24that earthquake destroyed everything.
00:26:26We are homeless now.
00:26:28If you don't take us in,
00:26:30Aria 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 Aria,
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 and 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 on the wall,
00:27:07and her eyes are full of disgust.
00:27:09Get rid of all this dead person's stuff.
00:27:11It's bad luck just looking at it.
00:27:13She orders Aria around.
00:27:15My photo frames,
00:27:16my paintbrushes,
00:27:18and even my favorite stuffed brunny.
00:27:21All swept into black garbage bags.
00:27:27I cry,
00:27:29and try to stop them,
00:27:30but it is useless.
00:27:32My transparent hands
00:27:34pass through the disparted items,
00:27:37over and over again.
00:27:39Little hands wave in the air desperately.
00:27:42Maybe God hears my crying.
00:27:44A gust of wind blows,
00:27:46and a flower pot on the window shell
00:27:48crashes to the floor.
00:27:49Dad hears the noise and comes out.
00:27:53Serena,
00:27:54what are you doing?
00:27:56Serena, what are you doing?
00:27:58Serena's face instantly puts a wounded expression.
00:28:05Liam,
00:28:06I just don't want you to feel sad
00:28:09every time you see these things.
00:28:12Aria chimes in too.
00:28:13Uncle Liam,
00:28:15Mom is just trying to help you move on.
00:28:17You're not mad at her,
00:28:19are you?
00:28:20Dad looks at Aria,
00:28:21and opens his mouth.
00:28:23However,
00:28:24he can't even get a single word of blame out.
00:28:27Sorry.
00:28:28It's my fault.
00:28:29I shouldn't take this out on you.
00:28:31You're innocent.
00:28:32Aria smiles brightly.
00:28:33Uncle Liam,
00:28:34Can I be your daughter too?
00:28:36I've always dreamed of having a hero dad like you.
00:28:39Thank you, Aria.
00:28:40You'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 my heart breaking.
00:28:51I watch Dad hug Serena and Aria.
00:28:53In that moment,
00:28:55my heart dies completely.
00:28:57That afternoon,
00:28:58Mom comes back to this house.
00:29:00With her back is Uncle Ryan,
00:29:02the bodyguard.
00:29:03Die red light flashes.
00:29:04Wrong password.
00:29:05Mom freezes in place.
00:29:07This place used to be my warmest home,
00:29:09but now it won't even let her through the front door.
00:29:12Uncle Ryan kicks the door open.
00:29:15Mom rushes into the living room,
00:29:17but her footsteps freeze the moment she sees the house.
00:29:21Empty.
00:29:22Completely empty.
00:29:24The shelves that once held my photos bare.
00:29:28The drawings I made on the walls,
00:29:30cruelly covered up by landscape paintings.
00:29:33Where are Mia's photos?
00:29:35Where did they all go?
00:29:37Mom's voice is angry and trembling.
00:29:43I don't know.
00:29:45Maybe the cleaners packed them away.
00:29:48Her eyes are full venomous provocation.
00:29:53I know where they went.
00:29:55Mom says keeping dead people's things brings bad luck.
00:29:58So we threw all the dead person's stuff into the trash.
00:30:06The room falls into dead silence.
00:30:08I float in midair,
00:30:09seeing Mom's body tremble like a leaf in the wind.
00:30:12She slowly turns her head.
00:30:14Her eyes are bloodshot,
00:30:16as if they might drip blood.
00:30:17You threw away the last traces of Mia in this world?
00:30:24How dare you!
00:30:26Mom lunges at Serena like a mad lioness.
00:30:30She grabs the woman's red hair
00:30:32and slams her onto the hard wooden floor.
00:30:36Let go of me!
00:30:38You crazy woman!
00:30:40Serena screams and tries to fight back,
00:30:42but Mom scrattles her and delivers a loud sharp slap.
00:30:45The crisp sound echoes 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, Dad 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,
00:31:13the hatred in Mom's eyes burns like fire.
00:31:16Before Dad can get close,
00:31:19Uncle Ryan blocks him like a mountain.
00:31:21His large hand grips Baz's shoulder tightly.
00:31:25Sir, Serena is currently trespassing,
00:31:27and Chloe is simply defending herself.
00:31:30Dad is completely restrained,
00:31:33but 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 like 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 get the hell out.
00:31:51Dad's face cycles through shades of 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 around the community trash bins.
00:32:03The air reeks of rotting garbage.
00:32:06My hero Dad is kneeling in the pile of waste,
00:32:09surrounded 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 for 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, cracked 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.
00:32:57Not 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.
00:33:11Behind her are several servants,
00:33:13carrying huge black garbage bags.
00:33:16Bang!
00:33:16Bang!
00:33:17Bang!
00:33:18The bags slam onto the ground at their feet.
00:33:21The contents spill out.
00:33:22Silk dresses,
00:33:24designer handbags,
00:33:25high-end cosmetics,
00:33:26and the giant stuffed bear Dad bought for Aura.
00:33:29Dirty water splashes all over Serena.
00:33:31But right now,
00:33:33she 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.
00:33:48Does it hurt?
00:33:51Does it break your heart?
00:33:53Mom's sharp high heel presses mercilessly onto the designer bag.
00:34:00It doesn't feel good, does it?
00:34:04Watching the things you prejish get 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 on 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.
00:34:42She reaches out suddenly and 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.
00:35:04You 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 this 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.
00:35:44She 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 the 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 in 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 mid-air
00:36:58and watch the flood of hate comments on 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 like 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 home-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.
00:38:38Her designer closed hair
00:38:39and her face gets slapped multiple times.
00:38:42She doesn't even know who did it.
00:38:43I float in the swirling cotton flour,
00:38:46watching this chaotic scene.
00:38:52Aria,
00:38:53you 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 like 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 to a cheap, run-deck motel.
00:39:45In the bathroom, the shower is running.
00:39:47I phase through the wall and hover over the tub.
00:39:50What 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.
00:40:00Mommy?
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!
00:40:18Aria 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!
00:40:26If we don't do this,
00:40:27we won't even be able to eat!
00:40:28We need Liam's sympathy!
00:40:30But 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 thrashels 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?
00:42:34Hearing 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
00:42:52to that snake, Serena.
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
00:43:03because of severe hypothermia.
00:43:06Being scared doesn't do that to a person.
00:43:09He stands up abruptly
00:43:10and storms out of the hospital
00:43:12in 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
00:43:26on unpicking a fight with Mom,
00:43:31go ahead.
00:43:34Go see exactly what kind of hell
00:43:36she has waiting for you.
00:43:39Dad kicks the front door
00:43:41of the villa open
00:43:41with 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 length.
00:43:49Aria is lying in a hospital bed
00:43:50unconscious 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
00:43:59of premium coffee
00:44:00and two faces full of cold mockery.
00:44:03Mom is sitting by the sun-dreamt
00:44:06kitchen island,
00:44:07elegantly flipping through
00:44:08some documents.
00:44:09and standing right next to her
00:44:11is a tall, handsome man.
00:44:13It's uncle.
00:44:14Ryan leans in close,
00:44:16thoughtfully tucking
00:44:16a stray lock of hair
00:44:17behind Chloe's ear.
00:44:20Seeing Dad standing there
00:44:21all disheveled and fuming,
00:44:23Mom doesn't even bother
00:44:24to look up.
00:44:25What exactly am I supposed
00:44:26to be satisfied with, Liam?
00:44:27I simply sent a few people over
00:44:28to take back a house
00:44:29that belongs to me.
00:44:30Chloe sets her documents down
00:44:31and fixes her gaze on Liam.
00:44:32A cold plays on Mom's lips.
00:44:34She looks at Dad
00:44:34like he's a piece of trash.
00:44:35If that little brat drops dead
00:44:36just because she got a little spooked,
00:44:38that's hardly my problem.
00:44:39Dad's eyes widen
00:44:39like he's seeing a stranger.
00:44:41How can you be so vicious?
00:44:43Aren't you afraid
00:44:44of having blood on your hands?
00:44:46Vicious?
00:44:47Mom stands up abruptly,
00:44:49her powerful aura
00:44:50forcing Liam
00:44:50to take a half-step back.
00:44:52You think I'm vicious?
00:44:53This is nothing compared
00:44:55to what my daughter
00:44:56went through.
00:44:56If it means making you suffer
00:44:58for 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
00:45:03with frustration.
00:45:03He turns and points
00:45:04a finger on Ryan,
00:45:05who is watching the scene
00:45:06with a faint, amused smile.
00:45:08And who the hell is he?
00:45:09You're bringing other men
00:45:10into our home?
00:45:11Instead of making excuses,
00:45:13Chloe links her arm
00:45:13through Ryan's
00:45:14and gives him a radiant,
00:45:15stunning smile.
00:45:16This is my house.
00:45:17It'll bring whoever
00:45:18I want back here.
00:45:19I perch myself
00:45:20on Ryan's shoulder,
00:45:21watching Dad's face twist
00:45:22with a mix of jealousy
00:45:23and helplessness.
00:45:24I'm so happy
00:45:25I do a little flip
00:45:26in the air.
00:45:27Dad is raging,
00:45:28glaring daggers at Ryan.
00:45:30He originally came here
00:45:31to demand justice for Aria.
00:45:33She developed heart disease
00:45:35because of ice water,
00:45:36but now,
00:45:37with him nothing
00:45:37but 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
00:45:44using his status as a husband.
00:45:46So what if we are not?
00:45:48We are just friends,
00:45:49exactly like you and Serena.
00:45:53Surely you understand
00:45:54that kind of relationship
00:45:55better than anyone, right?
00:45:58Dad's face instantly
00:45:59turns a deep bruised purple.
00:46:01He stands there
00:46:02in total humiliation,
00:46:04his 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
00:46:09Aria's hospital bills.
00:46:11Knowing that Serena's
00:46:12little scheme is about
00:46:13to crash and burn
00:46:14makes me want to run laps
00:46:15around the living room.
00:46:16Since yours tone
00:46:17would determine to stay,
00:46:18go to the kitchen
00:46:18and fix us some dinner.
00:46:19Lemia's hands clenched
00:46:21into fists,
00:46:22the knuckles white
00:46:23with suppressed rage.
00:46:24And remember,
00:46:24take good care of my guest.
00:46:26The warning in her smile
00:46:27was 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
00:46:34a crisp firefighting uniform
00:46:35and rescue people from ruins?
00:46:37Now, he has got a ridiculous
00:46:38pink floral apron
00:46:39seashed around his waist,
00:46:40standing by the sink
00:46:41like a lowerly servant.
00:46:43He is scrubbing a cucumber
00:46:44so hard that water
00:46:45splashes all over his face.
00:46:46Meanwhile,
00:46:47just a wall away
00:46:48in the dining room,
00:46:48Mom and Ryan
00:46:49are having a blast.
00:46:50Their laughter
00:46:51drifts into the kitchen.
00:46:52I hover in the air,
00:46:53watching Dad's face
00:46:54turn a sickly shade of green.
00:46:56He grits his teeth,
00:46:57slamming the clear
00:46:57onto the cutting.
00:46:58You like a pathetic
00:46:59stray dog right now.
00:47:01Dinner is finally served.
00:47:10Chloe, this stuff looks
00:47:12barely edible.
00:47:13It is burnt to a crisp.
00:47:16Dad's breathing
00:47:17turns heavy in an instant.
00:47:19His fists clench deep
00:47:20in his apron pockets,
00:47:21knuckles cracking
00:47:21under the strain.
00:47:22Just as he is about
00:47:23to blow over a fuse,
00:47:25Mom casually stabs
00:47:26a slice of apple
00:47:26with her fork
00:47:27and holds it up
00:47:28to Ryan's...
00:47:28Then don't eat
00:47:29his garbage.
00:47:30Here,
00:47:30try 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
00:47:44so shamelessly
00:47:45right in front of him,
00:47:46Dad's eyes turn
00:47:47a bloodshot vengeful red.
00:47:48He is losing his mind
00:47:50with jealousy.
00:47:51I hover above
00:47:51the dining table,
00:47:53watching Dad look
00:47:54so utterly pathetic
00:47:55and repressed.
00:47:56I can't resist
00:47:56adding a little fuel
00:47:58to the fire.
00:47:58Ugh, Liam,
00:47:59what is that smell?
00:48:00That is disgusting.
00:48:01Mom instantly
00:48:02covered her nose,
00:48:04her face twisted
00:48:04in pure revulsion.
00:48:05Dad scrambles
00:48:06with a rag,
00:48:07trying to wipe himself down,
00:48:08but he only makes
00:48:09a bigger mess.
00:48:10He looks like
00:48:11a total clown,
00:48:12perched on the chandelier.
00:48:13I can't help but gigger.
00:48:19Dinner ends
00:48:20in a suffocating,
00:48:21awkward silence.
00:48:24This is for you.
00:48:26I think the scent
00:48:27really suits you.
00:48:28Ryan looks flattered,
00:48:30casting a sidelight glance
00:48:31at Dad
00:48:32who's scrubbing dishes
00:48:33in the kitchen.
00:48:36Has been this
00:48:37a little awkward?
00:48:39Awkward?
00:48:39Why would it be?
00:48:41Liam is famous
00:48:42for being generous.
00:48:43He's so busy
00:48:44playing the good
00:48:44Samanerton.
00:48:45I'm sure he's thrilled
00:48:46I finally have someone
00:48:47to keep me company.
00:48:48Isn't that right,
00:48:49Liam?
00:48:51The loud break
00:48:52crack of a shattering
00:48:53plate echoes
00:48:54from the kitchen.
00:48:56Dad's completely
00:48:57heartbroken.
00:48:58It's getting late,
00:48:59Ryan.
00:49:00Don't you think
00:49:01it's time
00:49:02to head out?
00:49:04Mom,
00:49:04Ryan by his tie
00:49:05pulling him close.
00:49:08Why leave
00:49:09so late?
00:49:10I can go to your room
00:49:12and give you
00:49:12a full body massage.
00:49:17You are a woman
00:49:18and he is a grown man!
00:49:21Do you honestly
00:49:22think it's appropriate
00:49:23to go into his room
00:49:24dressed like that?
00:49:28Mom don't
00:49:29back back down.
00:49:30She steps closer,
00:49:33patting Dap's
00:49:33rigid cheek
00:49:34with her long,
00:49:35slender fingers.
00:49:37Don't be so jealous,
00:49:38Liam.
00:49:39Drop the pathetic
00:49:40act of possessiveness.
00:49:42She brushes
00:49:43past Dad
00:49:44who stands
00:49:45frozen in place
00:49:46and links arms
00:49:48with Ryan
00:49:48as they walk
00:49:49toward the guest room
00:49:50at the end
00:49:51of the hall.
00:49:53Dad stands
00:49:54in the dark
00:49:54corridor alone.
00:49:56The doors
00:49:57lock tight.
00:49:58Dad's entire
00:49:59world has
00:50:00collapsed.
00:50:03Early the next
00:50:04morning,
00:50:05Dad,
00:50:05who had spent
00:50:05the entire night
00:50:06being eaten live
00:50:07by jealousy
00:50:08and humiliation,
00:50:08receives a barrage
00:50:09of frantic calls
00:50:10from Serena.
00:50:11Watching Ad
00:50:11was sobbing
00:50:12with claiming
00:50:12Zion with dark
00:50:13area had suffered
00:50:14a heartache attack
00:50:15and needed immediate
00:50:15under his surgeries
00:50:16and a martyr-like
00:50:17expression.
00:50:18I know exactly
00:50:18what was coming.
00:50:19He is ready
00:50:20to play the Savior
00:50:21again.
00:50:23Chloe,
00:50:24we need to talk.
00:50:25He took a deep breath,
00:50:26his tone dripping
00:50:27with self-righteousness.
00:50:30Back then,
00:50:31every time he started
00:50:32a sentence like
00:50:33like that,
00:50:34it meant I was
00:50:35about to get a lecture.
00:50:36I know you are
00:50:37mad at me.
00:50:38I can take the
00:50:39humiliation you put
00:50:40me through last night.
00:50:41I can live with it.
00:50:43But Area's heart
00:50:45condition has
00:50:45flared up.
00:50:46She is in the ER
00:50:48right now.
00:50:49She is just a little
00:50:50girl, the same age
00:50:51as Mia.
00:50:51His voice is almost
00:50:53pleading, yet he still
00:50:54manages to sound
00:50:55so condescending.
00:50:57You are a good
00:50:58person.
00:50:59You have always
00:51:00been.
00:51:01Are you really
00:51:02going to let your
00:51:02hatred for me
00:51:03get in the way
00:51:04and let an innocent
00:51:05child die?
00:51:06An innocent child?
00:51:08Hovering in midair,
00:51:10I feel myself shaking
00:51:11with pure rage
00:51:12at those words.
00:51:13Dad, I am also
00:51:16innocent.
00:51:17Why did you
00:51:17abandon me?
00:51:19Did you ever
00:51:20give a single
00:51:21thought to me?
00:51:22Right then, I feel
00:51:23a strange surge
00:51:24of power.
00:51:25I look down and
00:51:27see my transparent
00:51:28fingertips.
00:51:30Frosting over with a
00:51:32layer of bone-chilling
00:51:33white ice,
00:51:34fueled by my
00:51:35absolute fury.
00:51:36so my hatred
00:51:37actually has the
00:51:39power to touch
00:51:40this world.
00:51:41I lash out
00:51:42with my hands.
00:51:44A crystal goblet
00:51:45sitting right next
00:51:47to mom shatters
00:51:48instantly.
00:51:51Red gash
00:51:52across dad's
00:51:53hypocritical face.
00:51:55Dad clutches
00:51:56his bleeding
00:51:57cheek in terror,
00:51:58stumbling back
00:51:59with his eyes
00:52:00wide, looking
00:52:01like he had
00:52:02just seen a ghost.
00:52:04After dad's
00:52:05self-rightness
00:52:06take the high
00:52:06road speech,
00:52:07mom looks
00:52:08absolutely
00:52:08disgusted.
00:52:09She stands up,
00:52:10looking at him
00:52:11like he's a
00:52:11cockroach she'd
00:52:12just found
00:52:12in her soup.
00:52:13Kindness?
00:52:14Liam, how
00:52:15dare you say
00:52:15that?
00:52:16You want my
00:52:16money to save
00:52:17the one who
00:52:17killed my
00:52:18daughter?
00:52:18And I'm
00:52:19supposed to
00:52:19be reasonable?
00:52:20Chloe, how
00:52:21did you get
00:52:21this cold-blooded?
00:52:23Aria is
00:52:23innocent!
00:52:24If Mia were
00:52:25looking down
00:52:25on us, she
00:52:27would never
00:52:27want to see
00:52:28her mother turn
00:52:28into a heartless
00:52:29murderer.
00:52:31Hearing him
00:52:31use my name
00:52:32to guilt-trap
00:52:33mom might
00:52:34blood boil.
00:52:34I channel
00:52:35every bit
00:52:36of my energy
00:52:36and slam
00:52:37a gust of
00:52:37freezing wind
00:52:38right into
00:52:39him.
00:52:39The firefighting
00:52:40hero award
00:52:40hanging on
00:52:41the wall,
00:52:41his pride
00:52:42and love
00:52:42flies off
00:52:43and shatters
00:52:44right at
00:52:44his feet.
00:52:45Shut up!
00:52:45You don't
00:52:46get to
00:52:46say Mia's
00:52:46name!
00:52:47If you're
00:52:47so worried
00:52:48about your
00:52:48soulmate,
00:52:48then go
00:52:49save her
00:52:49yourself!
00:52:50Mom grabs
00:52:50the divorce
00:52:51paper she'd
00:52:52already prepared
00:52:52and hurls
00:52:53them straight
00:52:53at his face.
00:52:54Sign them
00:52:55and get the
00:52:55hell out of
00:52:56my house!
00:52:57I'm not
00:52:58giving you
00:52:58or them
00:52:58a single
00:52:59cent!
00:53:00Fine!
00:53:01Fine!
00:53:01Consider it
00:53:02signed!
00:53:03I don't
00:53:03want your
00:53:04dirty
00:53:04dunny
00:53:04anyway!
00:53:05He scribbles
00:53:05his name
00:53:06in a rage
00:53:06and storms
00:53:07out,
00:53:07slamming
00:53:08the door
00:53:08behind him.
00:53:09I drift
00:53:10down next
00:53:10to mom,
00:53:11watching his
00:53:11back as he
00:53:12walks away,
00:53:13and I can't
00:53:13help but
00:53:14smile.
00:53:14Go ahead,
00:53:15dad,
00:53:15go save
00:53:16your precious
00:53:16Serena and
00:53:17her kid.
00:53:18I'm just
00:53:18getting started
00:53:19with them.
00:53:21The VIP hospital
00:53:22room is dead
00:53:23silent in the
00:53:23middle of the
00:53:24night.
00:53:24I drift
00:53:24inside,
00:53:25my transparent
00:53:25toe is hovering
00:53:26just above
00:53:26Serena's
00:53:27bedside.
00:53:27She's curled
00:53:29probably having
00:53:29some beautiful
00:53:30dream.
00:53:30As I stare
00:53:31down at the
00:53:31two of them,
00:53:32who had nested
00:53:32in a life that
00:53:33wasn't theirs,
00:53:34I slowly raise
00:53:35my hand.
00:53:35I don't need
00:53:36to get back
00:53:36as the little
00:53:36trip down
00:53:37memory lane
00:53:37would be
00:53:37more than
00:53:38enough.
00:53:38The smell
00:53:38of disinfectant
00:53:39in the air
00:53:40begins to
00:53:41shift,
00:53:41turning into
00:53:42the suffocating
00:53:42scent of
00:53:43concrete dust
00:53:44mixed with
00:53:44the metallic
00:53:45tang of
00:53:45dried blood.
00:53:46Serena
00:53:47at brow
00:53:47and frowes
00:53:48at the
00:53:48stench,
00:53:49and she
00:53:49tosses and
00:53:50turns
00:53:50uncomfortably.
00:53:51Who?
00:53:52Who's under
00:53:53there?
00:53:53No answer.
00:53:54Her hand shakes
00:53:55as she reaches
00:53:58at some point,
00:54:00a streak of
00:54:00blood appears
00:54:01on the white
00:54:01paint.
00:54:02Lean closer
00:54:02to her ear
00:54:03and let out
00:54:03a soft icy
00:54:04breath.
00:54:04Auntie Serena,
00:54:06the rocks are
00:54:06so heavy,
00:54:07it hurts.
00:54:09No!
00:54:10Get away!
00:54:10Don't come
00:54:11after me!
00:54:11I didn't kill
00:54:12you!
00:54:12That's on your
00:54:13father!
00:54:14Yeah, I kept
00:54:14Leon from going
00:54:15to the ruins
00:54:15to save you,
00:54:16but I didn't
00:54:16have a choice.
00:54:17I lost my
00:54:17husband!
00:54:18I had nothing!
00:54:19I had to hold
00:54:19on to him like
00:54:20he was all I
00:54:20had!
00:54:21He is the one
00:54:21who chose to
00:54:22play the hero
00:54:22and pick us!
00:54:23Listening to
00:54:24her speak
00:54:24without a shred
00:54:25of remorse,
00:54:26my gaze turned
00:54:27ice cold.
00:54:28She's still
00:54:29denying it!
00:54:35Fine,
00:54:36then let's
00:54:36show you
00:54:37what happens
00:54:37next.
00:54:39Let me go!
00:54:40Please,
00:54:41let me go!
00:54:42I'll tell you
00:54:42everything!
00:54:43It was me!
00:54:44I hurt Aria
00:54:45just to keep
00:54:45Liam!
00:54:46I'm a terrible
00:54:47mother!
00:54:47I don't
00:54:48deserve her!
00:54:49I'm sorry!
00:54:50I'm so sorry!
00:54:51Please,
00:54:52just let me
00:54:53go!
00:54:53The late
00:54:54night snacks
00:54:55hit the floor
00:54:55with a heavy
00:54:56thud,
00:54:56hot soup
00:54:56splashing
00:54:57everywhere.
00:54:57What did
00:54:58you just
00:54:58say?
00:54:58Every single
00:54:59word Sierra
00:54:59just spit
00:54:59out has
00:55:00pierced
00:55:00dad's
00:55:00ears.
00:55:01He uses
00:55:01a sense
00:55:01of heroism
00:55:02who's saving
00:55:02a poor
00:55:03struggling
00:55:03of my
00:55:03death,
00:55:04telling himself
00:55:04it was the
00:55:04right thing
00:55:05to do
00:55:05in Spam
00:55:05and of
00:55:05blaming
00:55:05Zarina.
00:55:06But now,
00:55:06the brutal
00:55:07truth is
00:55:07like a
00:55:07rusty
00:55:07saw,
00:55:08hacking
00:55:08straight
00:55:08through
00:55:08his
00:55:08delusion.
00:55:09Liam,
00:55:10no,
00:55:11let me
00:55:11explain!
00:55:12I was
00:55:12just having
00:55:13a nightmare!
00:55:18I was
00:55:18just having
00:55:19a nightmare!
00:55:20Get off
00:55:20me!
00:55:24dad's
00:55:24massive
00:55:25hands
00:55:25wrap
00:55:26around
00:55:26Serena's
00:55:27neck,
00:55:27squeezing
00:55:28tight.
00:55:29It was
00:55:30you!
00:55:31You're
00:55:31the reason
00:55:32my
00:55:32Mia is
00:55:33dead!
00:55:34You've
00:55:35been lying
00:55:35to me
00:55:36this whole
00:55:36time!
00:55:37You
00:55:37poisonous
00:55:38bitch!
00:55:39Let go!
00:55:40Liam,
00:55:41I can't
00:55:41breathe!
00:55:42Her eyes
00:55:42roll back
00:55:42as she
00:55:43claws
00:55:43frantically
00:55:43at his
00:55:44arms,
00:55:44leaving
00:55:44behind
00:55:45rows
00:55:45of
00:55:45bloody
00:55:45scratches.
00:55:46I hover
00:55:46in the
00:55:47air,
00:55:47watching
00:55:47with cold
00:55:48indents
00:55:48as this
00:55:48perfect
00:55:49couple
00:55:49tears
00:55:49each
00:55:49other
00:55:49apart.
00:55:50Dad,
00:55:50what's
00:55:51the
00:55:51point
00:55:51of
00:55:51choking
00:55:51her
00:55:51now?
00:55:52Even
00:55:52if
00:55:52you
00:55:52rip
00:55:52her
00:55:53to
00:55:53shreds,
00:55:53I'm
00:55:53never
00:55:54coming
00:55:54back.
00:55:54Just
00:55:54as
00:55:55Serena
00:55:55is
00:55:55one
00:55:56second
00:55:56away
00:55:56from
00:55:57taking
00:55:57her
00:55:57last
00:55:58breath,
00:55:59bam!
00:56:00The
00:56:00hospital
00:56:01door
00:56:01is
00:56:02slammed
00:56:02open
00:56:02once
00:56:03again.
00:56:04I
00:56:05told
00:56:05you
00:56:05I'd
00:56:06make
00:56:06you
00:56:06both
00:56:06pay.
00:56:10Pull
00:56:11them
00:56:11apart!
00:56:14Several
00:56:15burly
00:56:15officers
00:56:16rush
00:56:16in,
00:56:18forcibly
00:56:19dragging
00:56:19a
00:56:20frenzied
00:56:20dad
00:56:21off
00:56:21Serena
00:56:21and
00:56:22pinning
00:56:22his arms
00:56:22behind
00:56:23his
00:56:23back
00:56:23against
00:56:24the
00:56:24wall.
00:56:25Serena
00:56:26Elleds,
00:56:26we have
00:56:27received
00:56:27critical audio
00:56:28evidence
00:56:28provided by
00:56:29Mrs.
00:56:29Chloe Howard.
00:56:30You are
00:56:30under arrest
00:56:31for suspicion
00:56:31of murder,
00:56:32felsony
00:56:32child abuse,
00:56:33and large
00:56:34scale fraud.
00:56:35The cold
00:56:35handcuffs
00:56:36snap shut
00:56:36locking
00:56:37tight around
00:56:37Serena
00:56:38wrists.
00:56:38The fear
00:56:39finally sets
00:56:40in.
00:56:40Please let
00:56:41me go!
00:56:42I can't
00:56:42go to
00:56:42prison!
00:56:44Aria needs
00:56:45her mother!
00:56:46looks down
00:56:47at her,
00:56:47her eyes
00:56:48cold
00:56:48without
00:56:49sympathy.
00:56:50Take
00:56:50her
00:56:50away.
00:56:51Prison
00:56:51should
00:56:51give
00:56:52her
00:56:52plenty
00:56:52of
00:56:52time
00:56:52to
00:56:53think.
00:56:53On
00:56:53the
00:56:53hospital
00:56:54bed,
00:56:54Aria
00:56:54weakly
00:56:55opens
00:56:55her
00:56:55eyes,
00:56:56her
00:56:56face
00:56:56still
00:56:57deathly
00:56:57pale.
00:56:58Two
00:56:58stone-faced
00:56:59officers
00:56:59step
00:56:59forward
00:57:00and pick
00:57:00her
00:57:00up
00:57:00by
00:57:01force.
00:57:01Aria
00:57:01does
00:57:02not
00:57:02understand
00:57:02what
00:57:02is
00:57:02happening
00:57:03yet,
00:57:03but
00:57:03she
00:57:03starts
00:57:04struggling.
00:57:04I
00:57:05want
00:57:05mommy!
00:57:05I
00:57:05want
00:57:06uncle
00:57:06Liam!
00:57:07Let
00:57:07me
00:57:07go!
00:57:07This
00:57:08little
00:57:08brat,
00:57:08who
00:57:09used
00:57:09brag
00:57:09in
00:57:09front
00:57:10of
00:57:10my
00:57:10mom
00:57:10and
00:57:10maliciously
00:57:11curse
00:57:11me
00:57:11to
00:57:12dead,
00:57:12is
00:57:12now
00:57:12crying
00:57:13like
00:57:13a
00:57:13pathetic
00:57:13beggar.
00:57:14I
00:57:14drift
00:57:15down
00:57:15to
00:57:15the
00:57:15hospital
00:57:15window
00:57:16and,
00:57:16from
00:57:16the
00:57:16other
00:57:17side
00:57:17of
00:57:17the
00:57:17glass,
00:57:18make
00:57:18a
00:57:18huge
00:57:18mocking
00:57:19face
00:57:19at
00:57:19her.
00:57:20Aria,
00:57:20did
00:57:20you
00:57:21not
00:57:21love
00:57:21stealing
00:57:21other
00:57:22people's
00:57:22dads?
00:57:23Well,
00:57:23now
00:57:24you
00:57:24do
00:57:24not
00:57:24have
00:57:25one
00:57:25anymore,
00:57:26not
00:57:26even
00:57:27your
00:57:27mom.
00:57:27and
00:57:29trust
00:57:29me,
00:57:30those
00:57:30hard
00:57:30beds
00:57:31in
00:57:31the
00:57:31orphanage?
00:57:32Nothing
00:57:33like
00:57:33your
00:57:34comfy
00:57:34VIP
00:57:35room.
00:57:40I
00:57:41watch
00:57:41as
00:57:41Serena
00:57:42is
00:57:42roughly
00:57:42dragged
00:57:43away
00:57:43by
00:57:43the
00:57:43police,
00:57:44her
00:57:44blood
00:57:45catting
00:57:45screams
00:57:46echoing
00:57:46through
00:57:46the
00:57:47entire
00:57:47hallway.
00:57:48Meanwhile,
00:57:49Dad,
00:57:49the
00:57:50once
00:57:50proud
00:57:51firefighting
00:57:52hero,
00:57:52is
00:57:53slumped
00:57:53on
00:57:54the
00:57:54floor
00:57:54tiles.
00:57:56He
00:57:56stares
00:57:57at
00:57:57the
00:57:57mess
00:57:57around
00:57:58him,
00:57:59his
00:57:59eyes
00:57:59as
00:58:00hollow
00:58:00as
00:58:01a
00:58:01completely
00:58:01broken
00:58:02puppet.
00:58:03Mom
00:58:03turns
00:58:04around,
00:58:05leaving
00:58:05without
00:58:05giving
00:58:06him
00:58:06a
00:58:06single
00:58:07glance.
00:58:15Mom,
00:58:16we
00:58:16won.
00:58:18The
00:58:19morning
00:58:19sun
00:58:20outside
00:58:20the
00:58:20courthouse
00:58:21feels
00:58:22cold
00:58:22and
00:58:22sterile.
00:58:27I've
00:58:27always
00:58:27hated
00:58:28the
00:58:28vibe
00:58:28of
00:58:28this
00:58:29place,
00:58:29so I
00:58:30just
00:58:30sit
00:58:30on
00:58:30the
00:58:30front
00:58:31steps
00:58:31and
00:58:31wait.
00:58:34Finally,
00:58:35Mom
00:58:35strides
00:58:36out
00:58:36those
00:58:37massive
00:58:37doors,
00:58:38her
00:58:38heels
00:58:39clicking
00:58:39against
00:58:40the
00:58:40stone
00:58:40with
00:58:41total
00:58:41confidence.
00:58:43She's
00:58:43holding
00:58:44the
00:58:44official
00:58:44divorce
00:58:45reread,
00:58:46looking
00:58:46like
00:58:46she's
00:58:47finally
00:58:47shed
00:58:47a
00:58:48heavy
00:58:48skin.
00:58:49Dad
00:58:49comes
00:58:49stumbling
00:58:50out
00:58:50after
00:58:51her,
00:58:51looking
00:58:52like
00:58:52a
00:58:52total
00:58:52wreck.
00:58:53Chloe,
00:58:54wait!
00:58:57Can we
00:58:58please
00:58:58just
00:58:58talk
00:58:58for a
00:58:59second?
00:58:59His
00:59:00eyes
00:59:00are
00:59:00bloodshot
00:59:01and
00:59:02his
00:59:02voice
00:59:02is
00:59:02thick
00:59:03with
00:59:03desperation.
00:59:06Mom
00:59:07stops
00:59:07and
00:59:07turns
00:59:08around.
00:59:09She
00:59:09looks
00:59:09down
00:59:10at
00:59:10him
00:59:10with
00:59:10the
00:59:10kind
00:59:10of
00:59:11icy
00:59:11stare
00:59:11you'd
00:59:12give
00:59:12a
00:59:12complete
00:59:12stranger.
00:59:14Tears
00:59:15stream
00:59:15down
00:59:15Liam's
00:59:16face,
00:59:17disappearing
00:59:17into
00:59:18his
00:59:18messy
00:59:18stubble.
00:59:19I
00:59:20know
00:59:20I've
00:59:20put
00:59:20you
00:59:20through
00:59:21hell.
00:59:22and I
00:59:22want
00:59:22to
00:59:22apologize
00:59:23for
00:59:24everything.
00:59:28I
00:59:28quit
00:59:28the
00:59:29fire
00:59:29department.
00:59:30I've
00:59:30signed
00:59:30up
00:59:31to
00:59:31be
00:59:31a
00:59:31volunteer
00:59:31teacher
00:59:32in
00:59:32the
00:59:32slums.
00:59:33I'm
00:59:33leaving
00:59:33tomorrow.
00:59:34Dad's
00:59:35voice
00:59:35breaks,
00:59:36trying
00:59:36that
00:59:36same
00:59:37old
00:59:37self-exhaustion
00:59:38act,
00:59:39hoping
00:59:39to wring
00:59:39one
00:59:40last
00:59:40bit
00:59:40of
00:59:40pity
00:59:41out
00:59:41of
00:59:41Mom.
00:59:42In
00:59:42his
00:59:42mind,
00:59:43if
00:59:43he
00:59:43looks
00:59:43miserable
00:59:44enough,
00:59:45she'll
00:59:45soften
00:59:45like
00:59:45she
00:59:46always
00:59:46used
00:59:46to.
00:59:47Maybe
00:59:48even
00:59:48give
00:59:48him
00:59:48a
00:59:48hug.
00:59:49Is
00:59:52stunned?
00:59:53He
00:59:53definitely
00:59:54didn't
00:59:54expect
00:59:55her
00:59:55to
00:59:55be
00:59:55this
00:59:56indifferent.
01:00:00Alright
01:00:00then.
01:00:01Safe
01:00:02travels.
01:00:03Goodbye.
01:00:04Without
01:00:05a hint
01:00:05of
01:00:05hesitation,
01:00:06Mom
01:00:07turns
01:00:08her
01:00:08back
01:00:08on
01:00:08him.
01:00:09She
01:00:10walks
01:00:10straight
01:00:11over
01:00:11to
01:00:11Ryan,
01:00:12who's
01:00:13been
01:00:13waiting
01:00:13by
01:00:13the
01:00:14curb,
01:00:15and
01:00:15slides
01:00:15into
01:00:16the
01:00:16back
01:00:16of
01:00:17his
01:00:17black
01:00:17Bentley.
01:00:19I
01:00:20hover
01:00:20in
01:00:20the
01:00:20air,
01:00:21watching
01:00:21dad
01:00:22collapse
01:00:22onto
01:00:23the
01:00:23rough
01:00:23stone
01:00:23pavement
01:00:24of
01:00:24the
01:00:24courthouse,
01:00:25sobbing
01:00:26his
01:00:26heart
01:00:26out.
01:00:34Too
01:00:35little,
01:00:35too
01:00:36late,
01:00:36dad.
01:00:44Your
01:00:45apology
01:00:46isn't
01:00:47worth
01:00:47a
01:00:47damn
01:00:47thing
01:00:48now.
01:00:50Mom
01:00:51drives
01:00:51off
01:00:51in
01:00:52the
01:00:52black
01:00:52Bentley
01:00:52with
01:00:53Ryan.
01:00:54I
01:00:54hover
01:00:54in
01:00:55mid
01:00:55air,
01:00:55looking
01:00:56down
01:00:56at
01:00:56dad
01:00:56kneeling
01:00:57on
01:00:57the
01:00:57rough
01:00:57pavement.
01:00:59Suddenly,
01:00:59I'm
01:01:00curious.
01:01:01I want
01:01:02to see
01:01:02what a
01:01:02hero who
01:01:03has lost
01:01:04everything
01:01:04does
01:01:05next.
01:01:05Dad
01:01:06stays
01:01:06on his
01:01:06knees
01:01:07for a
01:01:07long
01:01:07time
01:01:07before
01:01:08finally
01:01:08swaying
01:01:09to
01:01:09his
01:01:09feet.
01:01:09He
01:01:09wanders
01:01:10onto
01:01:10the
01:01:10street
01:01:10like
01:01:11a
01:01:11zombie,
01:01:11his
01:01:12soul
01:01:12completely
01:01:12hollowed
01:01:13out.
01:01:13I
01:01:13follow
01:01:14him,
01:01:14watching
01:01:15him
01:01:15walk
01:01:15from
01:01:15dawn
01:01:16until
01:01:16dusk.
01:01:17He
01:01:17doesn't
01:01:17eat
01:01:17a
01:01:17single
01:01:18bite
01:01:18or
01:01:19drink
01:01:19a
01:01:19drop
01:01:19of
01:01:19water.
01:01:20People
01:01:21on
01:01:21the
01:01:21street
01:01:21point
01:01:22and
01:01:22stare,
01:01:22but
01:01:22he
01:01:23is
01:01:23deaf
01:01:23to
01:01:23it
01:01:23all.
01:01:24He
01:01:24just
01:01:24keeps
01:01:24moving.
01:01:25It
01:01:25is
01:01:25late
01:01:25at
01:01:25night
01:01:26when
01:01:26he
01:01:26finally
01:01:26stops.
01:01:27He
01:01:27has
01:01:27reached
01:01:27the
01:01:28center
01:01:28of
01:01:28the
01:01:28city,
01:01:29standing
01:01:29at
01:01:29the
01:01:29very
01:01:29site
01:01:30of
01:01:30the
01:01:30collapse.
01:01:30yellow
01:01:31police
01:01:31tape
01:01:31still
01:01:32surrounds
01:01:32the
01:01:32area.
01:01:33This
01:01:33is
01:01:33where
01:01:33I
01:01:34died.
01:01:34This
01:01:34is
01:01:35where
01:01:35it
01:01:35all
01:01:35began.
01:01:37I
01:01:37watch
01:01:38him
01:01:38pull
01:01:38that
01:01:38pink
01:01:38Barbie
01:01:39doll,
01:01:39the
01:01:39one
01:01:39he
01:01:40never
01:01:40got
01:01:40to
01:01:40give
01:01:40me,
01:01:41out
01:01:41from
01:01:41inside
01:01:41his
01:01:42jacket.
01:01:42Mia,
01:01:43daddy's
01:01:44here
01:01:44now.
01:01:45I'm
01:01:45taking
01:01:46you
01:01:46home.
01:01:47Suddenly
01:01:47pulls
01:01:47out a
01:01:48large
01:01:48canister
01:01:48from
01:01:49somewhere
01:01:49and
01:01:49starts
01:01:50drenching
01:01:50himself,
01:01:51pouring
01:01:51it
01:01:51from
01:01:51his
01:01:51head
01:01:51down
01:01:52to
01:01:52his
01:01:52toes.
01:01:52Click.
01:02:00of
01:02:01fire
01:02:01erupts
01:02:02instantly
01:02:02swallowing
01:02:03Liam
01:02:03whole.
01:02:03The
01:02:03roaring
01:02:03flames
01:02:04melt
01:02:04the
01:02:04firefighting
01:02:05uniform
01:02:05he
01:02:05was
01:02:05once
01:02:05so
01:02:06proud
01:02:06of.
01:02:06The
01:02:06fire
01:02:07chars
01:02:07the
01:02:07very
01:02:07arms
01:02:08he
01:02:08used
01:02:08to
01:02:08hold
01:02:08everyone
01:02:09but
01:02:09me.
01:02:09I
01:02:09drift
01:02:10just
01:02:10outside
01:02:10the
01:02:10heat
01:02:11of
01:02:11the
01:02:11blaze,
01:02:11quietly
01:02:12watching
01:02:12him
01:02:12struggle
01:02:13in
01:02:13the
01:02:13fire,
01:02:14until
01:02:14he
01:02:14finally
01:02:14collapses,
01:02:15turning
01:02:16into
01:02:16a
01:02:16blackened
01:02:16heap.
01:02:17Those
01:02:17eyes
01:02:17that
01:02:17used
01:02:18to
01:02:18look
01:02:18at
01:02:18me
01:02:18with
01:02:18warmth
01:02:19are
01:02:19now
01:02:19nothing
01:02:19but
01:02:20ash.
01:02:20Dad,
01:02:21I
01:02:21don't
01:02:21hate
01:02:21you
01:02:21anymore
01:02:22because
01:02:22honestly
01:02:23you're
01:02:23not
01:02:23even
01:02:23worth
01:02:24the
01:02:24effort.
01:02:25By
01:02:25the
01:02:25time
01:02:25the
01:02:26fire
01:02:26burns
01:02:26out,
01:02:27dawn
01:02:27has
01:02:28broken.
01:02:29I
01:02:30guess
01:02:30it
01:02:30is
01:02:30time
01:02:30for
01:02:31me
01:02:31to
01:02:31go,
01:02:31too.
01:02:32I
01:02:33turn
01:02:33into
01:02:33a
01:02:33golden
01:02:34breeze,
01:02:35drifting
01:02:35through
01:02:36the
01:02:36city
01:02:36streets
01:02:37and
01:02:37floating
01:02:37to
01:02:38mom's
01:02:38side
01:02:38one
01:02:39last
01:02:39time.
01:02:40Mom
01:02:40is
01:02:40leaning
01:02:41back
01:02:41in
01:02:41Uncle
01:02:41Ryan's
01:02:42arms,
01:02:42quietly
01:02:42watching
01:02:43the
01:02:43world
01:02:43outside
01:02:43the
01:02:44window.
01:02:44I
01:02:44lean
01:02:45in
01:02:45and
01:02:45leave
01:02:45a
01:02:45cold,
01:02:46weightless
01:02:46kiss
01:02:46on her
01:02:47cheek.
01:02:47Goodbye
01:02:48mom,
01:02:48I wish
01:02:49you
01:02:49every
01:02:49happiness.
01:02:50I
01:02:50don't
01:02:50say
01:02:51another
01:02:51word,
01:02:51I
01:02:52just
01:02:52brush
01:02:52past
01:02:52her
01:02:52hair
01:02:53and
01:02:53graze
01:02:53her
01:02:53cheek
01:02:54like
01:02:54a
01:02:54shadow
01:02:54of
01:02:54a
01:02:55hug.
01:02:55The
01:02:55moment
01:02:55the
01:02:56breeze
01:02:56touches
01:02:56her,
01:02:57mom's
01:02:57calm
01:02:57expression
01:02:58freezes.
01:02:59It
01:02:59is
01:02:59like
01:02:59she
01:03:00feels
01:03:00something.
01:03:01She
01:03:01intinctively
01:03:02reaches
01:03:02up,
01:03:02her
01:03:03fingertips
01:03:03brushing
01:03:03the
01:03:04exact
01:03:04spot
01:03:04where
01:03:04my
01:03:05phantom
01:03:05kiss
01:03:05landed.
01:03:06I
01:03:06see
01:03:06her
01:03:06eyes
01:03:07well
01:03:07up
01:03:07with
01:03:07tears.
01:03:08Chloe,
01:03:08what's
01:03:09wrong?
01:03:09Are
01:03:09you
01:03:10cold?
01:03:10Mom
01:03:11doesn't
01:03:11say
01:03:11anything.
01:03:12She
01:03:13just
01:03:13stares
01:03:13at
01:03:14the
01:03:14windowsill.
01:03:15Even
01:03:15though
01:03:16there
01:03:16is
01:03:16no
01:03:16wind,
01:03:17the
01:03:17potted
01:03:18sunflower
01:03:19suddenly
01:03:19tilts
01:03:20and
01:03:20sways
01:03:21just
01:03:21a
01:03:22little.
01:03:25Mom
01:03:25rests
01:03:26her head
01:03:26on
01:03:26Ryan's
01:03:27shoulder
01:03:27as
01:03:28she
01:03:29watches
01:03:29a
01:03:29ray
01:03:29of
01:03:30sunlight
01:03:30pierce
01:03:31through
01:03:31the
01:03:31clouds.
01:03:32A
01:03:32smile
01:03:33spreads
01:03:33across
01:03:34her
01:03:34face.
01:03:37Mom,
01:03:39you
01:03:39felt
01:03:39that,
01:03:39didn't
01:03:40you?
01:03:40I
01:03:40close
01:03:41my
01:03:41eyes
01:03:41and
01:03:41let
01:03:42go,
01:03:42flying
01:03:43towards
01:03:43the
01:03:44warmest
01:03:44light,
01:03:45finally
01:03:45at
01:03:45peace.
01:03:50Time,
01:03:52it
01:03:52has
01:03:52its
01:03:53own
01:03:53kind
01:03:53of
01:03:53gentle
01:03:54magic.
01:03:55They
01:03:56named
01:03:56me
01:03:56Mia.
01:03:59My
01:04:00mom,
01:04:02my
01:04:03dad,
01:04:06they
01:04:07loved
01:04:07me
01:04:07so
01:04:08much.
01:04:16Through
01:04:17the
01:04:17haze,
01:04:18I hear
01:04:18a
01:04:19nursery rhyme,
01:04:20the one
01:04:20I loved
01:04:21most when
01:04:21I was
01:04:22five.
01:04:23Wait,
01:04:24is this
01:04:24heaven?
01:04:26No,
01:04:27my sweet
01:04:27girl,
01:04:28this is
01:04:29where I
01:04:30will always
01:04:30wait for
01:04:31you.
01:04:31I
01:04:59always
01:05:00wait for
01:05:00my
01:05:01little
01:05:01angel.
01:05:02Surrounded
01:05:02by the
01:05:03warmth of
01:05:03a steady
01:05:04heartbeat,
01:05:05I start
01:05:06to smile,
01:05:07too.
01:05:08This
01:05:09time,
01:05:10I know
01:05:11for sure,
01:05:12I have
01:05:12finally been
01:05:13born into
01:05:14a world
01:05:15of real
01:05:15love.
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