Antares Stories brings you deep, soul-stirring short dramas and intense multilingual series. Inspired by the heart of the star, we curate powerful highlights and emotional tales from diverse cultures. Each story is short, impactful, and designed to leave a lasting impression on your soul. Discover the heart of drama.
#AntaresStories #DeepDrama #SoulfulStories #DramaSeries #IntenseCinema
#AntaresStories #DeepDrama #SoulfulStories #DramaSeries #IntenseCinema
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?
00:47:35If it is from you,
00:47:37it is always sweet.
00:47:40Watching them flirt so shamelessly right in front of him,
00:47:43dad's eyes turn a bloodshot vengeful red.
00:47:45He is losing his mind with jealousy.
00:47:48I hover above the dining table,
00:47:50watching him dad look so utterly pathetic and repressed.
00:47:53I can't resist adding a little fuel to the fire.
00:47:55Ugh,
00:47:56Liam,
00:47:56what is that smell?
00:47:57That is disgusting.
00:47:59Mom instantly covered her nose.
00:48:01Her face twisted in pure revulsion.
00:48:02Dad scrambles with a rag,
00:48:04trying to wipe himself down,
00:48:05but he only makes a bigger mess.
00:48:07He looks like a total clown,
00:48:09perched on the chandelier.
00:48:10I can't help but gigger.
00:48:16Dinner ends in a suffocating,
00:48:18awkward silence.
00:48:25Ryan looks flattered,
00:48:27casting a sidelight glance at dad,
00:48:29who's scrubbing dishes in the kitchen.
00:48:33Has been this a little awkward?
00:48:36Awkward?
00:48:36Why would it be?
00:48:38Liam is famous for being generous.
00:48:40He's so busy playing the good Samanerton.
00:48:42I'm sure he's thrilled I finally have someone to keep me company.
00:48:45Isn't that right,
00:48:46Liam?
00:48:48The loud break crack of a shattering plate echoes from the kitchen.
00:48:53Dad's completely heartbroken.
00:48:55It's getting late,
00:48:57Ryan.
00:48:57Don't you think it's time to head out?
00:49:01Mom grinned by his tie,
00:49:03pulling him close.
00:49:05Why leave so late?
00:49:07I can go to your room and give you a full body massage.
00:49:14You are a woman,
00:49:15and he is a grown man.
00:49:18Do you honestly think it's appropriate to go into his room dressed like that?
00:49:25Mom doesn't back back down.
00:49:27She steps closer,
00:49:29patting Dap's rigid cheek with her long, slender fingers.
00:49:33Don't be so jealous, Liam.
00:49:35Drop the pathetic act of possessiveness.
00:49:40She brushes past Dad,
00:49:41who stands frozen in place,
00:49:44and links arms with Ryan
00:49:45as they walk toward the guest room at the end of the hall.
00:49:50Dad stands in the dark corridor alone.
00:49:53The doors locked tight.
00:49:55Dad's entire world has collapsed.
00:50:00Early the next morning,
00:50:02Dad,
00:50:02who had spent the entire night
00:50:03being eaten live by jealousy and humiliation,
00:50:05receives a barrage of frantic calls from Serena.
00:50:08Watching Ad was sobbing
00:50:09with claiming Zion with dark area
00:50:10had suffered a heartache attack
00:50:12and needed media under his surgeries
00:50:13and a martyr-like expression.
00:50:15I know exactly what was coming.
00:50:16He is ready to play the savior again.
00:50:20Chloe,
00:50:21we need to talk.
00:50:21He took a deep breath,
00:50:24his tone dripping with self-righteousness.
00:50:27Back then,
00:50:28every time he started a sentence like that,
00:50:31it meant I was about to get a lecture.
00:50:33I know you are mad at me.
00:50:35I can take the humiliation you put me through last night.
00:50:38I can live with it.
00:50:40But Area's heart condition has flared up.
00:50:43She is in the ER right now.
00:50:46She is just a little girl,
00:50:47the same age as Mia.
00:50:48His voice is almost pleading,
00:50:50yet he still manages to sound so condescending.
00:50:54You are a good person.
00:50:56You have always been.
00:50:58Are you really going to let your hatred for me get in the way
00:51:01and let an innocent child die?
00:51:03An innocent child?
00:51:05Hovering in midair,
00:51:07I feel myself shaking with pure rage at those words.
00:51:11Dad,
00:51:12I am also innocent.
00:51:13Why did you abandon me?
00:51:15Did you ever give a single thought to me?
00:51:19Right then,
00:51:19I feel a strange surge of power.
00:51:22I look down and see my transparent fingertips.
00:51:27Frosting over with a layer of bone-chilling white ice.
00:51:31Fueled by my absolute fury.
00:51:34So my hatred actually has the power to touch this world.
00:51:38I lash out with my hands.
00:51:41A crystal goblet sitting right next to Mom shatters instantly.
00:51:48Red gash across Dad's hypocritical face.
00:51:52Dad clutches his bleeding cheek in terror,
00:51:55stumbling back with his eyes wide,
00:51:58looking like he had just seen a ghost.
00:52:01After Dad's self-rightness take the high road speech,
00:52:04Mom looks absolutely disgusted.
00:52:06She stands up,
00:52:07looking at him like he's a cockroach she just found in her soup.
00:52:10Kindness?
00:52:11Liam,
00:52:12how dare you say that?
00:52:13You want my money to save the one who killed my daughter?
00:52:15And I'm supposed to be reasonable?
00:52:17Chloe,
00:52:17how did you get this cold-blooded?
00:52:19Area is innocent!
00:52:21If Mia were looking down on us,
00:52:23she would never want to see her mother turn into a heartless murderer.
00:52:28Hearing him use my name to guilt-trap Mom,
00:52:30my blood boil,
00:52:31I channel every bit of my energy and slam a gust of freezing wind right into him.
00:52:36The firefighting hero award hanging on the wall,
00:52:38his pride and love,
00:52:40flies off and shatters right at his feet.
00:52:42Shut up!
00:52:42You don't get to say Mia's name!
00:52:44If you're so worried about your soulmate,
00:52:45then go save her yourself!
00:52:47Mom grabs the divorce papers she'd already prepared
00:52:49and hurls them straight at his face.
00:52:51Sign them and get the hell out of my house!
00:52:54I'm not giving you or them a single cent!
00:52:57Fine!
00:52:58Fine!
00:52:58Consider it signed!
00:53:00I don't want your dirty dunny anyway!
00:53:02He scribbles his name in a rage and storms out,
00:53:04slamming the door behind him.
00:53:06I drift down next to Mom,
00:53:08watching his back as he walks away,
00:53:10and I can't help but smile.
00:53:11Go ahead, Dad!
00:53:12Go save your precious Serena and her kid!
00:53:15I'm just getting started with them!
00:53:18The VIP hospital room is dead silent in the middle of the night.
00:53:21I drift inside,
00:53:22my transparent toes hovering just above Serena's bedside.
00:53:24She's curled up on the cat,
00:53:26probably having some beautiful dream.
00:53:27As I stare down at the two of them,
00:53:29who had nested in a life that wasn't theirs,
00:53:31I slowly raise my hand.
00:53:32I don't need to get back as the little trip down memory lane
00:53:34would be more than enough.
00:53:35The smell of disinfectant in the air begins to shift,
00:53:38turning into the suffocating scent of concrete dust
00:53:41mixed with the metallic tang of dried blood.
00:53:43Serena at brow and frows at the stench,
00:53:46and she tosses and turns uncomfortably.
00:53:48Who... who's under there?
00:53:50No answer.
00:53:51Her hand shakes as she reaches for the light switch,
00:53:53but her eyes accidentally catch the wall.
00:53:56At some point,
00:53:56a streak of blood appears on the white paint.
00:53:59Lean closer to her ear and let out a soft, icy breath.
00:54:01Auntie Serena,
00:54:03the rocks are so heavy, it hurts.
00:54:05Ah!
00:54:06No!
00:54:07Get away!
00:54:07Don't come after me!
00:54:08I didn't kill you!
00:54:09That's... that's on your father!
00:54:11Yeah, I kept Leon from going to the ruins to save you,
00:54:13but I didn't have a choice!
00:54:14I lost my husband!
00:54:15I had nothing!
00:54:16I had to hold on to him like he was all I had!
00:54:18He is the one who chose to play the hero and pick us!
00:54:20Listening to her speak without a shred of remorse,
00:54:23my gaze turned ice cold.
00:54:25She's still denying it!
00:54:32Fine, then let's show you what happens next.
00:54:36Let me go!
00:54:37Please, let me go!
00:54:39I'll tell you everything!
00:54:40It was me!
00:54:41I hurt Aria just to keep Liam!
00:54:43I'm a terrible mother!
00:54:44I don't deserve her!
00:54:46I'm sorry!
00:54:47I'm so sorry!
00:54:48Please, just let me go!
00:54:51The late night snacks hit the floor with a heavy thud,
00:54:53hot soup splashing everywhere.
00:54:54What did you just say?
00:54:55Every single word Sierra just spit out has pierced dad's ears.
00:54:58He uses a sense of heroism.
00:54:59He was saving a poor struggling of my death,
00:55:01telling himself it was the right thing to do in Spam and of blaming Zarina.
00:55:03But now, the brutal truth is like a rusty saw,
00:55:05hacking straight through his delusion.
00:55:06Liam!
00:55:07No!
00:55:08Let me explain!
00:55:09I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:15I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:16Get off me!
00:55:21Dad's massive hands wrap around Serena's neck, squeezing tight.
00:55:26It was you!
00:55:28You're the reason my Mia is dead!
00:55:31You've been lying to me this whole time!
00:55:34You poisonous bitch!
00:55:36Let go!
00:55:37Liam, I can't breathe!
00:55:39Her eyes roll back as she claws frantically at his arms,
00:55:41leaving behind rows of bloody scratches.
00:55:43I hover in the air, watching with cold and dents as this perfect couple tears each other apart.
00:55:47Dad, what's the point of choking her now?
00:55:49Even if you rip her to shreds, I'm never coming back.
00:55:51Just as Serena is one second away from taking her last breath,
00:55:56bam!
00:55:57The hospital door is slammed open once again.
00:56:01I told you I'd make you both pay.
00:56:07Pull them apart!
00:56:11Several burly officers rush in,
00:56:15forcibly dragging a frenzied dad off Serena
00:56:18and penning his arms behind his back against the wall.
00:56:22Serena Ellitz,
00:56:23we have received critical audio evidence provided by Mrs. Chloe Howard.
00:56:27You are under arrest for suspicion of murder,
00:56:29felsony child abuse, and large-scale fraud.
00:56:32The cold handcuffs snap shut, locking tight around Serena wrists.
00:56:35The fear finally sets in.
00:56:37Please, let me go!
00:56:39I can't go to prison!
00:56:41Aria needs her mother!
00:56:43Mom looks down at her,
00:56:44her eyes cold without sympathy.
00:56:47Take her away.
00:56:48Prison should give her plenty of time to think.
00:56:50On the hospital bed,
00:56:51Aria weakly opens her eyes,
00:56:53her face still deathly pale.
00:56:55Two stone-faced officers step forward and pick her up by force.
00:56:58Aria does not understand what is happening yet,
00:57:00but she starts struggling.
00:57:01I want Mommy!
00:57:02I want Uncle Liam!
00:57:04Let me go!
00:57:04This little brat,
00:57:05who used to brag in front of my mom
00:57:07and maliciously curse me to dead,
00:57:09is now crying like a pathetic beggar.
00:57:11I drift down to the hospital window and,
00:57:13from the other side of the glass,
00:57:15make a huge mocking face at her.
00:57:17Aria, did you not love stealing other people's dads?
00:57:20Well,
00:57:20now you do not have one anymore,
00:57:23not even your mom.
00:57:25And trust me,
00:57:27those hard beds in the orphanage?
00:57:29Nothing like your comfy VIP room.
00:57:37I watch as Serena is roughly dragged away by the police,
00:57:41her blood-catting screams echoing through the entire hallway.
00:57:45Meanwhile, Dad,
00:57:47the once-proud firefighting hero,
00:57:49is slumped on the floor tiles.
00:57:52He stares at the mess around him,
00:57:56his eyes as hollow as a completely broken puppet.
00:58:00Mom turns around,
00:58:02leaving without giving him a single glance.
00:58:12Mom, we won!
00:58:15The morning sun outside the courthouse
00:58:18feels cold and sterile.
00:58:23I've always hated the vibe of this place,
00:58:26so I just sit on the front steps and wait.
00:58:31Finally,
00:58:32Mom strides out those massive doors,
00:58:35her heels clicking against the stone
00:58:37with total confidence.
00:58:40She's holding the official divorce re-read,
00:58:42looking like she's finally shed a heavy skin.
00:58:46Dad comes stumbling out after her,
00:58:48looking like a total wreck.
00:58:50Chloe, wait!
00:58:54Can we please just talk for a second?
00:58:56His eyes are bloodshot,
00:58:58and his voice is thick with desperation.
00:59:03Mom stops and turns around.
00:59:06She looks down at him
00:59:07with the kind of icy stare
00:59:08you'd give a complete stranger.
00:59:11Tears stream down Liam's face,
00:59:14disappearing into his messy stubble.
00:59:17I know I've put you through hell,
00:59:18and I want to apologize for everything.
00:59:25I quit the fire department.
00:59:27I've signed up to be a volunteer teacher in the slums.
00:59:30I'm leaving tomorrow.
00:59:31Dad's voice breaks,
00:59:33trying that same old self-exhaustion act,
00:59:36hoping to wring one last bit of pity out of Mom.
00:59:38Mom, in his mind,
00:59:40if he looks miserable enough,
00:59:42she'll soften like she always used to.
00:59:44Maybe even give him a hug.
00:59:46Is that it?
00:59:48Dad looks stunned.
00:59:50He definitely didn't expect her to be this indifferent.
00:59:57All right, then.
00:59:58Safe travels.
01:00:00Goodbye.
01:00:01Without a hint of hesitation,
01:00:04Mom turns her back on him.
01:00:06She walks straight over to Ryan,
01:00:09who's been waiting by the curb,
01:00:11and slides into the back of his black Bentley.
01:00:16I hover in the air,
01:00:18watching Dad collapse onto the rough stone pavement of the courthouse,
01:00:22sobbing his heart out.
01:00:31Too little, too late, Dad.
01:00:41Your apology isn't worth a damn thing now.
01:00:47Mom drives off in the black Bentley with Ryan.
01:00:51I hover in midair,
01:00:52looking down at Dad kneeling on the rough pavement.
01:00:55Suddenly, I'm curious.
01:00:58I want to see what a hero who has lost everything does next.
01:01:02Dad stays on his knees for a long time
01:01:04before finally swaying to his feet.
01:01:06He wanders onto the street like a zombie,
01:01:08his soul completely hollowed out.
01:01:10I follow him,
01:01:11watching him walk from dawn until dusk.
01:01:14He doesn't eat a single bite or drink a drop of water.
01:01:17People on the street point and stare,
01:01:19but he is deaf to it all.
01:01:21He just keeps moving.
01:01:22It is late at night when he finally stops.
01:01:24He has reached the center of the city,
01:01:26standing at the very site of the collapse.
01:01:28Yellow police tape still surrounds the area.
01:01:30This is where I died.
01:01:31This is where it all began.
01:01:34I watch him pull that pink Barbie doll,
01:01:36the one he never got to give me,
01:01:38out from inside his jacket.
01:01:39Mia,
01:01:40Daddy's here now.
01:01:42I'm taking you home.
01:01:44Suddenly pulls out a large canister from somewhere
01:01:46and starts drenching himself,
01:01:48pouring it from his head down to his toes.
01:01:49Click.
01:01:50The crisp sound of metal breaks the dead silence.
01:01:53A tiny blue flame flickers on his lighter,
01:01:54and without a second thought,
01:01:56Liam lets it go.
01:01:57A massive wall of fire erupts instantly,
01:01:59swallowing Liam home.
01:02:00The roaring flames melt the firefighting uniform
01:02:02he was once so proud of.
01:02:03The fire chars the very arms he used to hold everyone but me.
01:02:06I drift just outside the heat of the blaze,
01:02:08quietly watching him struggle in the fire,
01:02:11until he finally collapses,
01:02:12turning into a blackened heap.
01:02:14Those eyes that used to look at me with warmth
01:02:16are now nothing but ash.
01:02:17Dad,
01:02:18I don't hate you anymore,
01:02:19because honestly,
01:02:20you're not even worth the effort.
01:02:21By the time the fire burns out,
01:02:24dawn has broken.
01:02:26I guess it is time for me to go, too.
01:02:29I turn into a golden breeze,
01:02:32drifting through the city streets,
01:02:34and floating to Mom's side one last time.
01:02:37Mom is leaning back in Uncle Ryan's arms,
01:02:39quietly watching the world outside the window.
01:02:41I lean in and leave a cold, weightless kiss on her cheek.
01:02:44Goodbye, Mom.
01:02:45I wish you every happiness.
01:02:47I don't say another word.
01:02:48I just brush past her hair and graze her cheek,
01:02:51like a shadow of a hug.
01:02:52The moment the breeze touches her,
01:02:54Mom's calm expression freezes.
01:02:56It is like she feels something.
01:02:58She intinctively reaches up,
01:02:59her fingertips brushing the exact spot
01:03:01where my phantom kiss landed.
01:03:03I see her eyes well up with tears.
01:03:05Chloe, what's wrong?
01:03:06Are you cold?
01:03:07Mom doesn't say anything.
01:03:09She just stares at the windowsill.
01:03:12Even though there is no wind,
01:03:14the potted sunflower suddenly tilts and sways just a little.
01:03:22Mom rests her head on Ryan's shoulder.
01:03:25As she watches a ray of sunlight pierce through the clouds,
01:03:29a smile spreads across her face.
01:03:34Mom, you felt that, didn't you?
01:03:37I close my eyes and let go,
01:03:39flying towards the warmest light.
01:03:42Finally at peace.
01:03:47Time, it has its own kind of gentle magic.
01:03:52They named me, Mia.
01:03:56My mom.
01:03:59My dad.
01:04:03They loved me so much.
01:04:13Through the haze,
01:04:15I hear a nursery rhyme,
01:04:17the one I loved most when I was five.
01:04:20Wait.
01:04:21Is this heaven?
01:04:23No, my sweet girl.
01:04:25This is where I will always wait for you.
01:04:56Welcome back, my little angel.
01:04:59Surrounded by the warmth of a steady heartbeat,
01:05:02I start to smile, too.
01:05:05This time, I know for sure,
01:05:09I have finally been born into a world of real love.
Comments