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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.
00:00:14The 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.
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.
00:01:15Chloe, 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.
00:01:37My duty is to prioritize the people in the most danger.
00:01:41Mia, hang in there. Daddy will get them out first.
00:01:44Then 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.
00:02:04Mom, 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.
00:02:24I floated up into the air and turned into a transparent ghost.
00:02:29I look down at my own crushed, unrecognizable body.
00:02:34Then I look at Dad walking away.
00:02:36I watch him walking against the light, hold someone else's daughter against his chest.
00:02:41He 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.
00:02:58Your own daughter, the one who waited for you every night to come home and tell her bedtime stories,
00:03:06died forever today.
00:03:14After 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.
00:03:25It 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,
00:03:59I 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, then turns it off.
00:04:52Right at moment, Mom is standing outside the slightly open door, like a wandering ghost.
00:04:59The 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.
00:05:21She is holding her phone, which is still ringing.
00:05:25The last glim of light in her eyes goes out completely.
00:05:32Mom pushes open the hospital room door.
00:05:35Covered in dust and blood, she looks like something dragged back from hell, shattering 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, tell him Mom was in pain, tell him I was already dead.
00:06:06But instead, Dad instinctively stepped in front of Serena's bed, as if Mom was some crazy woman who might hurt
00:06:14them.
00:06:14Chloe, can you be reasonable for once?
00:06:16Since Serena is a single mother, she almost fainted from stride earlier.
00:06:19I'm just here helping to comfort Area.
00:06:21Helping? Helping?
00:06:24Liam, when you were saving them, did 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 midair, tears dripping down.
00:06:45Mom, Daddy, 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.
00:06:55Liam, 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, 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, her 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, but 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, hurried 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, floating 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, rubbing 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, he 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, reach out my transparent little hand.
00:08:33I want to touch his furrowed brow, just like when he used to tuck me in.
00:08:39However, my fingertips passed through his body, like a wisp of wind, without any resistance.
00:08:47I froze.
00:08:48Unwilling to give up, I try again.
00:08:51My entire arm went through his chest.
00:08:54I couldn't touch him anymore.
00:08:58Just then, Dad leans down.
00:09:01He gently tucks Area's blanket and plants a tender goodnight kiss on her forehead.
00:09:08Watching that kiss, my 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, I am already a ghost with no place to belong.
00:09:22The next day, the 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, my parents and I were that happy too.
00:09:43The harsh sunlight pierces through my soul.
00:09:46I feel inexplicably cold.
00:09:48Not far away, I 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?
00:10:12She'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.
00:10:43It 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.
00:11:20I just gave Aunt Kama a lollipop.
00:11:23I 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.
00:11:35The 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.
00:11:57My coffin.
00:12:01The party is held as scheduled.
00:12:04No colorful balloons.
00:12:05No sweet strawberry cake.
00:12:07Only a cold, solemn church.
00:12:10In the center of the church, a small white wooden box.
00:12:15That is my new bed.
00:12:16My body lies quietly inside,
00:12:19wearing the most beautiful princess dress Mom had ever bought for me,
00:12:22surrounded by white flowers.
00:12:24Mom walks up to the coffin,
00:12:27hands trembling.
00:12:27She places my favorite fairytale book beside me.
00:12:31Mia.
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, desperately 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?
00:13:29He completely forgot.
00:13:31I 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.
00:13:56Dad, please.
00:13:58This is your last chance to see me.
00:14:02The 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.
00:14:10Chloe, 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.
00:14:25Aria 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.
00:14:37How 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
00:14:45and 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.
00:14:54I want to see Dad.
00:14:57I want Dad to touch my cheek one last time.
00:15:00Driven by a strong desire,
00:15:03my soul followed the phone signal
00:15:05and traveled to Dad's side.
00:15:11Inside the VIP room,
00:15:14Aria is smugly winking at Aunt Serena.
00:15:16Then suddenly,
00:15:17she burst into loud sobs
00:15:19grabbing 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...
00:15:29Liam,
00:15:30you 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.
00:15:42No, no.
00:15:44I won't abandon you.
00:15:45It's fine.
00:15:47I'll stay a little longer,
00:15:48leaving until Aria falls asleep.
00:15:53Serena smiles with relief.
00:15:55How piercing that smile was.
00:15:57Just as Dad is holding Aria's hand,
00:16:00smiling with such affection,
00:16:01his phone on the night band lights up.
00:16:03A 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.
00:16:12The 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
00:16:22hanging from the edge of a white sheet.
00:16:24The dress he bought for me just last week.
00:16:28Liam's eyes locked onto that familiar hem.
00:16:32His throat bow bobs painly,
00:16:34and his face turns deathly pale in an instant.
00:16:38Uncle Liam?
00:16:41What's wrong with you?
00:16:45Mia!
00:16:56Uncle Liam?
00:16:57What's wrong?
00:16:58Aria 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.
00:17:12If you just click it,
00:17:13you'll see my name.
00:17:14Then you could know
00:17:15I've already turned into a cold,
00:17:17lifeless body.
00:17:18But just as his fingertip
00:17:20is about to touch the screen,
00:17:21Serena glances at the headline
00:17:23from the corner of her eye.
00:17:24Her expression shifts slightly.
00:17:26Then she suddenly waves her hand.
00:17:28A cup of boiling hot water
00:17:30is deliberately knocked over,
00:17:31all over Dad's pant leg.
00:17:33Oops!
00:17:34I'm so sorry, Liam!
00:17:35My hand slipped!
00:17:36Dad jumps up from the burn,
00:17:38and the phone fell onto the hospital bed.
00:17:41Serena reacts swiftly,
00:17:42snatching the phone
00:17:43and 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.
00:17:54That 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.
00:18:14That kind of fast fashion floral dress
00:18:17is sold everywhere.
00:18:19Thousands of little girls wear them.
00:18:20Liam shakes his head,
00:18:22panic filling his eyes.
00:18:23But what if-
00:18:24There's no what if!
00:18:25Serena stares into his eyes.
00:18:27Think about it.
00:18:27If 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?
00:18:35The bloodshot red in his eyes,
00:18:38gradually fading.
00:18:40Liam gasps for breath.
00:18:42You're right.
00:18:44You're right.
00:18:45Chloe said she was throwing a tantrum.
00:18:48Dead people don't throw tantrums.
00:18:50The 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,
00:18:59promising to stay with her for another 10 minutes.
00:19:03Suddenly, I don't want to wait for him anymore.
00:19:05I pass through the pure white walls of the ward.
00:19:08I'm going back.
00:19:11I return to Mom's side.
00:19:13The 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.
00:19:23They 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
00:19:45and pulled me tightly into his arms.
00:19:48At that time,
00:19:49he stroked my head,
00:19:50gently promised home.
00:19:52Don't be afraid, Mia.
00:19:53Whenever you're in trouble,
00:19:54Dad 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?
00:20:04No!
00:20:05Please, don't!
00:20:07Mom rushes forward
00:20:08and holds onto the edge of the coffin desperately.
00:20:11I'm not ready to say goodbye to her yet!
00:20:13Please don't do this!
00:20:15Mom wails in despair.
00:20:16Her cries make everyone in the room tear up.
00:20:18The staff members look troubled,
00:20:20trying to pull her away,
00:20:22but she fights them off wildly.
00:20:23Stop!
00:20:24No!
00:20:25My Mia's afraid of the dark!
00:20:26Uncle Mason steps forward in tears,
00:20:28holding the struggling Chloe tightly from behind.
00:20:31Chloe,
00:20:32let go
00:20:32and give her peace.
00:20:34Mom collapses quickly into Uncle Mason's arms,
00:20:36in tears.
00:20:37I float above the coffin,
00:20:39watching the lid closed inch by inch in despair.
00:20:42Dad,
00:20:42if 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 midair,
00:21:05feeling 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?
00:21:13The gate swings fully open,
00:21:15revealing nothing but emptiness inside.
00:21:18Just a strong gust of wind.
00:21:21My coffin is sealed shut for good.
00:21:23In the hospital room,
00:21:24Dad,
00:21:24who is watching Area fall asleep so gently,
00:21:27suddenly clutches his chest in agony.
00:21:28A sharp, intense pain makes it almost impossible for him to sit still.
00:21:32Cold sweat pours down 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,
00:21:42doesn't it?
00:21:43That's the same pain I felt when you left me under the rubble.
00:21:47Dad finally panics,
00:21:48and forces himself to stand up.
00:21:51I have to go.
00:21:53Mia's birthday is today.
00:21:55I'll come back to see you tomorrow.
00:21:57He grabs the pink Barbie doll gift box
00:22:00and stumbles out of the hospital room.
00:22:02Back at the church,
00:22:03the staff member raises the cold hammer.
00:22:06Mom clings to the edge of my coffin,
00:22:08crying hysterically.
00:22:09Meanwhile,
00:22:10on the sunlit street,
00:22:11Dad slams the gas pedal to the floor.
00:22:13He looks at the pink gift box on the passenger seat.
00:22:16Guilt in his eyes slowly turns into anticipation.
00:22:19Mia,
00:22:20Daddy is almost there.
00:22:21Are you ready?
00:22:22But Dad,
00:22:23that Barbie doll in your hand
00:22:24is never bought for me.
00:22:25In the church,
00:22:26the first long nail is mercilessly hammered into the wood.
00:22:29Dad hums softly as he turns the steering wheel,
00:22:32a look of anticipation on his face.
00:22:35The second heavy blow,
00:22:36the second nail fell.
00:22:37Mom lies across my coffin,
00:22:39crying in despair,
00:22:40calling my name over and over again.
00:22:42Outside the church doors,
00:22:43Dad runs up the steps,
00:22:44out of breath,
00:22:45holding 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.
00:22:51She 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.
00:22:57Wearing a smile,
00:22:58he pushes open the heavy wooden doors
00:23:00with both hands.
00:23:01Mia!
00:23:02Daddy's here!
00:23:15Mia!
00:23:15Mia!
00:23:17Mia!
00:23:18Mia!
00:23:19Mia!
00:23:20Mia!
00:23:21No colorful balloons,
00:23:22no happy birthday song.
00:23:24The church is filled with guests in black,
00:23:27white candles flicker gently.
00:23:28A scene of solemn peace.
00:23:30In the center of the church,
00:23:32my black and white portrait is surrounded by pure white lilies.
00:23:38Dad breathes in place.
00:23:40Dad breathes in place.
00:23:40His pupils dilate violently.
00:23:44No!
00:23:45This is impossible!
00:23:46It can't be!
00:23:48He starts frantically weaving through the church pews,
00:23:51searching and rummaging.
00:23:53Not behind the curtains.
00:23:55Not under the tables.
00:23:59Not in the crowd.
00:24:02Mia!
00:24:03Mia!
00:24:04Come out!
00:24:05Stop hiding from Daddy!
00:24:07Daddy bought you that doll you wanted so much!
00:24:11No one answers.
00:24:13Mom stands on the platform,
00:24:15calmly watching this absurd scene.
00:24:17The guests leave with sighs.
00:24:19As they go,
00:24:20they mutter with indignation.
00:24:23What a pathetic excuse for a father.
00:24:25Dad shoves aside the heavy pools roughly.
00:24:28He stumbles rushily to my portrait.
00:24:32His hands tremble as he reaches out
00:24:34to touch my bright, smiling face in the photo.
00:24:36His eyes are bloodshot,
00:24:38staring at Mom like a mad beast.
00:24:40What the hell is going on?
00:24:41What did you do to Mia?
00:24:42Mom slowly raises her head.
00:24:44All that is left in her eyes
00:24:45is the calm of dead ash.
00:24:47You are late, Liam.
00:24:51You are playing a prank on me with Mia, are you not?
00:24:55Fine.
00:24:56I give up.
00:24:57Just tell me where Mia is!
00:24:59Mom yanks its dad's hand mercilessly.
00:25:02She speaks word by word,
00:25:04in the coldest voice,
00:25:06delivering the final verdict.
00:25:08You will never see her again.
00:25:17My soul floats in mid-air,
00:25:19watching Dad fall into complete despair.
00:25:22That superhero,
00:25:24who once stood tall like a mountain,
00:25:26now kneels before my coffin,
00:25:29sobbing like a pile of mud.
00:25:30I reach out to wipe his tears.
00:25:36But suddenly I realize,
00:25:39I don't feel sorry for him anymore.
00:25:42After my funeral,
00:25:44Dad becomes like an empty shell drained of his soul.
00:25:47He locks himself inside the house
00:25:49that once belonged to our little family.
00:25:52Drinks himself into a stupor every day.
00:25:55I have never seen Dad so broken.
00:25:57I used to think heroes were invincible.
00:26:01But the bloody truth tells me,
00:26:04heroes make mistakes too.
00:26:07They choose the wrong people too.
00:26:10I almost forgive Dad.
00:26:14But I soon regret my generosity.
00:26:17Because Aunt Serena moves in,
00:26:19with Arya,
00:26:20brazenly and openly.
00:26:22Liam,
00:26:23that earthquake destroyed everything.
00:26:26We are homeless now.
00:26:28If you don't take us in,
00:26:29Arya will die.
00:26:31Serena's eyes glister with tears,
00:26:33clings to Dad's arm.
00:26:36Dad looks at her,
00:26:37then at Arya,
00:26:39who puts on her pitiful act.
00:26:43But he even gives in.
00:26:45He gives the door code to the woman,
00:26:48who indirectly caused my death.
00:26:50I float on the chandelier,
00:26:52in the living room,
00:26:54watching Serena and her daughter,
00:26:56make themselves at home.
00:26:58The moment Dad turns and walks into the kitchen,
00:27:01Serena's fragile mask tears apart instantly.
00:27:04She looks at my photo on the wall,
00:27:06and her eyes are full of disgust.
00:27:08Get rid of all this dead person's stuff.
00:27:11It's bad luck just looking at it.
00:27:12She orders Arya around.
00:27:14My photo frames,
00:27:16my paintbrushes,
00:27:17and even my favorite stuffed brunny.
00:27:20All swept into black garbage bags.
00:27:27I cry and try to stop them,
00:27:30but it is useless.
00:27:32My transparent hands pass through the disfarted items,
00:27:36over 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,
00:27:45and a flower pot on the window shell crashes to the floor.
00:27:48Dad hears the noise and comes out.
00:27:52Serena,
00:27:53what are you doing?
00:27:56Serena,
00:27:56what are you doing?
00:27:58Serena's face instantly puts a wounded expression.
00:28:04Liam,
00:28:06I just don't want you to feel sad.
00:28:08Every time you see these things...
00:28:11Arya chimes in too.
00:28:13Uncle Liam,
00:28:14mom is just trying to help you move on.
00:28:17You're not mad at her,
00:28:18are you?
00:28:19Dad looks at Arya,
00:28:21and opens his mouth.
00:28:22However,
00:28:23he can't even get a single word of blame out.
00:28:26Sorry,
00:28:27it's my fault.
00:28:28I shouldn't take this out on you.
00:28:30You're innocent.
00:28:31Arya 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, Arya.
00:28:40You're so thoughtful.
00:28:41I float in the air,
00:28:42and keep screaming.
00:28:44No!
00:28:44Dad only has one daughter,
00:28:46me!
00:28:47But they can't hear my heart breaking.
00:28:50I watch dad hug Serena and Arya.
00:28:53In that moment,
00:28:54my heart dies completely.
00:28:56That afternoon,
00:28:57mom comes back to this house.
00:28:59With her back is Uncle Ryan,
00:29:01the bodyguard.
00:29:02Die red light flashes.
00:29:04Wrong password.
00:29:05Mom freezes in place.
00:29:06This place used to be my warmest home,
00:29:08but now it won't even let her through the front door.
00:29:11Uncle Ryan kicks the door open.
00:29:14Mom rushes into the living room,
00:29:16but her footsteps freeze the moment she sees the house.
00:29:21Empty.
00:29:22Completely empty.
00:29:23The shelves that once held my photos,
00:29:26bare.
00:29:27The drawings I made on the walls,
00:29:30cruelly covered up by landscape paintings.
00:29:33Where are Mia's photos?
00:29:34Where did they all go?
00:29:36Mom's voice is angry and trembling.
00:29:43I don't know.
00:29:44Maybe the cleaners packed them away.
00:29:48Her eyes are full venomous provocation.
00:29:52I know where they went.
00:29:54Mom says keeping dead people's things brings bad luck.
00:29:58So we threw all the dead person's stuff into the trash.
00:30:05The room falls into dead silence.
00:30:07I float in midair,
00:30:09seeing Mom's body tremble like a leaf in the wind.
00:30:12She slowly turns her head.
00:30:13Her eyes are bloodshot,
00:30:15as if they might drip blood.
00:30:17You threw away
00:30:18the last traces of Mia in this world?
00:30:25Mom lunges at Serena like a mad lioness.
00:30:29She grabs the woman's red hair
00:30:31and slams her onto the hard wooden floor.
00:30:34Mom!
00:30:36Let go of me!
00:30:37You crazy woman!
00:30:39Serena screams and tries to fight back,
00:30:41but Mom scrattles her and delivers a loud sharp slap.
00:30:45The crisp sound echoes through the living room.
00:30:47What a beautiful sound.
00:30:50I float up to the ceiling,
00:30:52and I can't help but giggle.
00:30:54Just then,
00:30:55Dad comes home.
00:30:56He pushes the door open.
00:30:58Seeing the scene,
00:30:59Dad rushes over in panic,
00:31:01trying to pull Mom away.
00:31:03Chloe!
00:31:04Have you lost your mind?
00:31:06Stop it!
00:31:06Don't hurt innocent people!
00:31:09Innocent?
00:31:11Hearing those words,
00:31:13the hatred in Mom's eyes burns like fire.
00:31:16Before Dad can get close,
00:31:17Uncle Ryan blocks him like a mountain.
00:31:20His large hand grips Baz's shoulder tightly.
00:31:24Sir,
00:31:24Serena is currently trespassing,
00:31:27and Chloe is simply defending herself.
00:31:29Dad is completely restrained,
00:31:32but he can gently out.
00:31:34This is my house!
00:31:37Seize my guest!
00:31:39Mom stands up,
00:31:39looking down at Serena,
00:31:41who is sprawled on the floor like trash.
00:31:42Then she glances coldly at Dad.
00:31:44Your house?
00:31:44Liam Howard,
00:31:45have you forgotten?
00:31:46I'm the one paying the mortgage.
00:31:47Either you get Mia's things back,
00:31:48or you and these two bitches get the hell out.
00:31:50Dad's face cycles through shades of pale and red.
00:31:53He lowers his head,
00:31:54too humiliated to look up.
00:31:57The sun blazes overhead,
00:31:59and green flies buzz around the community trash bins.
00:32:02The air reeks of rotting garbage.
00:32:05My hero Dad is kneeling in the pile of waste,
00:32:09surrounded by leaking acidic liquid.
00:32:11Sweat pours down his face,
00:32:13and his hands are covered in black slud.
00:32:15He searches bag by bag for my belongings.
00:32:18My soul floats nearby,
00:32:19watching them reap what they sowed.
00:32:22Liam,
00:32:23this smell is unbearable!
00:32:25Can't we just buy her new things?
00:32:26Why do we have to dig through this dump?
00:32:28Dad ignores her.
00:32:29He carefully pulls a dirty, cracked photo frame from the trash.
00:32:33My baby picture.
00:32:34One month old.
00:32:35He wipes the frame,
00:32:36with his hands shaking.
00:32:37None of these things.
00:32:39I never gave her a single one.
00:32:46I'm a complete failure of a father.
00:32:51I remember.
00:32:53Every time I asked Dad for a gift,
00:32:55he always had an excuse.
00:32:57Not practical.
00:32:58Too expensive.
00:32:59You already have too many toys.
00:33:01He never understood.
00:33:03I didn't just want the toy.
00:33:05I wanted proof that he loved me.
00:33:07Just then,
00:33:08Mom walks over.
00:33:10Behind her are several servants,
00:33:12carrying huge black garbage bags.
00:33:15Bang!
00:33:16Bang!
00:33:16The bags slam onto the ground at their feet.
00:33:20The contents spill out.
00:33:22Silk dresses,
00:33:23designer handbags,
00:33:24high-end cosmetics,
00:33:26and the giant stuffed bear Dad bought for Ara.
00:33:28Dirty water splashes all over Serena,
00:33:31but right now,
00:33:32she doesn't even care about the filth.
00:33:34My limited edition bags!
00:33:35My couture dresses!
00:33:37She desperately tries to pick up her luxury items,
00:33:40now soaked in stinking sewage.
00:33:43Mom crosses her arms,
00:33:46looking down at her.
00:33:48Does it hurt?
00:33:50Does it break your heart?
00:33:52Mom's sharp high heel presses mercilessly onto the designer bag.
00:33:59It doesn't feel good, does it?
00:34:03Watching the things you prejish get trampled like garbage?
00:34:07Liam!
00:34:08Look at her!
00:34:09I already brought everything back!
00:34:10What more does she want?
00:34:11Liam looks at Chloe and frowns.
00:34:13You think just bringing it back is enough?
00:34:15You're gonna clean every single item until it shines.
00:34:18Then you'll crawl to my daughter's grave,
00:34:20kneel down,
00:34:21and apologize to her.
00:34:24Dusk at the cemetery,
00:34:26the wind is bone-killingly cold.
00:34:27Bright sunflowers surround my tombstone.
00:34:29Dad and Serena kneel side by side on the cold stone slab.
00:34:32Mom strokes my name on the grave.
00:34:34Her voice is so gentle it breaks the heart.
00:34:36Mia,
00:34:37Mommy brought her here to atone for her sins.
00:34:39Mom's eyes turn razor sharp.
00:34:41She reaches out suddenly
00:34:42and grabs the back of Serena's head,
00:34:44forcing her face down against the stone steps.
00:34:46For Sidon, the married man,
00:34:48and destroying my family.
00:34:49Let me go!
00:34:50Serena struggles pathetically.
00:34:52Her delicate makeup smears with dirt.
00:34:54Mom slams her head against the tombstone again.
00:34:56And this one,
00:34:57for my daughter who died so horribly!
00:34:59Blood seeps from Serena's forehead.
00:35:01She lets out a pig-like squeal.
00:35:03You are more responsible than anyone else!
00:35:05Take it out on me!
00:35:06Dad can't bear it anymore.
00:35:08He struggles to plead for her.
00:35:09She's fragile.
00:35:10Something bad will happen.
00:35:11Mom stops.
00:35:12She slowly turns her head,
00:35:14looking at Dad like he's already dead.
00:35:17Then let her die.
00:35:18A life for a life?
00:35:20Isn't that fair?
00:35:21Dad stares at Mom in disbelief.
00:35:24I sit on my tombstone,
00:35:25swinging my transparent legs.
00:35:27Watching this scene,
00:35:28my heart feels nothing but pure satisfaction.
00:35:30But it's not the end.
00:35:31Mom stands up,
00:35:32taking out her phone.
00:35:33She points the camera at herself
00:35:34and presses the global livestream button on Instagram.
00:35:37Hell is only now opening its gates for them.
00:35:40The wind at the cemetery dries the tears on Mom's face.
00:35:44She stands tall,
00:35:45like a queen on her throne.
00:35:46She raises her phone,
00:35:47now broadcasting live to the world.
00:35:49The viewer count jumps wildly.
00:35:511,000,
00:35:5210,000,
00:35:53100,000.
00:35:54Dense comments scroll like falling snow.
00:35:56Mom turns the camera to Serena,
00:35:57who kneels on the ground,
00:35:59face covered in blood.
00:36:00And next to her,
00:36:01Dad,
00:36:01filthy and humiliated.
00:36:03Hello, everyone.
00:36:04My name is Chloe.
00:36:05Today,
00:36:06I want the whole world to see the true face of my husband,
00:36:08Liam Howard,
00:36:09the man they call a firefighting hero.
00:36:11Dad's face turns deathly pale.
00:36:13The rubble of the downtown collapse,
00:36:15this man abandoned our five-year-old daughter.
00:36:17He saved his first love's child instead.
00:36:19And while my daughter took her last breath,
00:36:21he was using our joint assets
00:36:23to buy that mistress a $100,000 apartment.
00:36:26The pain on Mom's face is raw and infectious.
00:36:29Chloe,
00:36:29you're insane.
00:36:30Turn it off.
00:36:31You'll ruin my career.
00:36:32Uncle Ryan kicks Dad hard in the back of his knee.
00:36:35Dad cries out in pain
00:36:37and falls to his knees again,
00:36:39right in front of my tombstone.
00:36:41My soul looks down at him from above.
00:36:43I don't feel sorry for him anymore.
00:36:45The wind picks up around them.
00:36:47It blows Serena's hair into disarray.
00:36:49She looks utterly pathetic.
00:36:51Don't film me!
00:36:52This is invasion of privacy!
00:36:54I'll sue you!
00:36:54Her screams are deranged.
00:36:56I float in midair
00:36:57and watch the flood of hate comments on the screen.
00:37:02I lean close to Dad's ear.
00:37:04Blow a cold breath.
00:37:07Dad?
00:37:09Do you regret it now?
00:37:12I see Dad shiver.
00:37:14Strange.
00:37:15Why does it feel like cold air is blowing on my ear?
00:37:19Serena grabs Dad's arm,
00:37:21whimpers pitifully.
00:37:23Liam,
00:37:24please,
00:37:25take me away from here.
00:37:27In the end,
00:37:28Dad still chooses Serena
00:37:30and shields her as they flee the scene.
00:37:33But they underestimate the power of the internet.
00:37:37Within two hours,
00:37:39the video spreads across the entire city.
00:37:42Serena and Aria flee back to the apartment Mom paid for.
00:37:47They barely sit down
00:37:49when an angry mob of neighbors
00:37:51smashes through the front door.
00:37:54Bam!
00:37:55The door slams against the wall.
00:37:57A dozen furious people
00:37:59storm into the living room like a hurricane.
00:38:02The red-haired woman leading them
00:38:04points at Serena's face with disgust.
00:38:07Our community doesn't welcome home-wrecking murderers!
00:38:11Get out!
00:38:12A fruit bowl is overturned.
00:38:14Bright fruits roll across the floor.
00:38:16Crushed under stomping feet.
00:38:18That giant pink teddy bear Dad spent a fortune on for Aria.
00:38:21A furious man grabs it.
00:38:23The seams burst.
00:38:24White cheap cotton fluff flies through the air like snow.
00:38:27No!
00:38:28That's my bear!
00:38:30Aria shrinks into the corner of the sofa
00:38:32and lets out a desperate scream.
00:38:34Serena tries desperately to shield her.
00:38:37Her designer closed hair
00:38:38and her face gets slapped multiple times.
00:38:40She doesn't even know who did it.
00:38:42I float in the swirling cotton flour
00:38:45watching this chaotic scene.
00:38:51Aria.
00:38:52You only lost a teddy bear.
00:38:55I lost my life.
00:38:57The mob trashes everything.
00:38:59They grab Serena and her daughter
00:39:01and throw them out onto the cold street like garbage.
00:39:12The door locks shut behind them.
00:39:15Merciless.
00:39:17Serena holds trembling Aria in her arms.
00:39:21Her gaze slowly shifting from pity
00:39:23to a viper-like madness.
00:39:29I'm genuinely curious to see what Serena will pull
00:39:32now that she's homeless.
00:39:34So, my spirit quietly follows her.
00:39:39Serena takes Aria
00:39:40to a cheap, run-deck motel.
00:39:43In the bathroom,
00:39:45the shower is running.
00:39:46I phase through the wall
00:39:47and hover over the tub.
00:39:49What I see next leaves me surprised.
00:39:51Aria is wearing nothing but a thin sundress.
00:39:54Serena is pinning her down in the bathtub
00:39:56and the poor girl is shaking uncontrollably from the cold.
00:39:59Mommy?
00:40:00What are you doing?
00:40:02I'm so cold.
00:40:04Serena has this crazy look in her eyes.
00:40:07She grabs a full bucket of ice
00:40:09and splash-dumps-dumps the whole thing
00:40:12into the tub without a second thought.
00:40:14No!
00:40:15Stop it!
00:40:16Please!
00:40:16Aria screams as the ice hits her.
00:40:18Serena holds her struggling shoulders down,
00:40:21her face twisting with the effort.
00:40:23Shut up!
00:40:24If we don't do this,
00:40:26we won't even be able to eat!
00:40:27We need Liam's sympathy!
00:40:29But Mommy,
00:40:30I can't breathe.
00:40:33My heart hurts.
00:40:36Aria's face turns deathly pale in seconds.
00:40:38Her lips turn blue,
00:40:40and she thrashels in the icy water
00:40:42like a fish gossiping for air.
00:40:44I watch from the ceiling,
00:40:46completely detached.
00:40:50The way Aria is crying and begging for her life,
00:40:54it's exactly how I looked under those ruins.
00:40:59The only difference is,
00:41:01I was killed by Dad's neglect.
00:41:10She's being drowned by her mother's greed.
00:41:14Dad,
00:41:16if you knew you sacrificed your own daughter
00:41:19just to save people this twisted,
00:41:26would you finally feel a shred of regret?
00:41:29Serena watches her daughter's breathing fade
00:41:32until Aria finally blacks out.
00:41:40Only then,
00:41:41does she frantically dial Dad's number.
00:41:44Liam!
00:41:46Help!
00:41:47Aria had a heart attack!
00:41:50Chloe sent people to scare her,
00:41:52and she collapsed!
00:41:55Outside the ER,
00:41:56the red light glares harshly.
00:41:58Dad comes charging in,
00:42:00drenched in sweat.
00:42:01The second Serena sees him,
00:42:03she collapses into his arms,
00:42:04sobbing.
00:42:05Liam!
00:42:06If Aria doesn't make it,
00:42:08I don't want to live anymore!
00:42:10What a total hypocrite!
00:42:12I sit on the bench,
00:42:14watching Serena...
00:42:15It is all Chloe's fault!
00:42:16If she had not stirred up
00:42:18all that trouble online,
00:42:20those thugs never would have come after Aria!
00:42:22Dad holds her tight,
00:42:24staring at the ER doors
00:42:25with the veins in his forehead bolsting.
00:42:27The doctor says she needs surgery immediately.
00:42:30Liam,
00:42:31what am I going to do?
00:42:33Hearing Serena pin everything on Mom
00:42:35makes me so mad I start stomping my feet in mid-air.
00:42:37Dad!
00:42:38She's a liar!
00:42:39Don't fall for it!
00:42:40I scream into his ear,
00:42:42but he doesn't hear a thing.
00:42:43He just squeezes Serena's shoulders.
00:42:45Don't worry.
00:42:46I'll handle the medical bills.
00:42:48Dad grits his teeth,
00:42:49giving every ounce of his sympathy
00:42:51to that snake,
00:42:52Serena.
00:42:52He doesn't even bother to double-cheery check
00:42:55why Aria is actually sick.
00:42:57If he'd bothered to ask a single doctor,
00:43:00he'd know.
00:43:01Aria's heart stopped because of severe hypothermia.
00:43:05Being scared doesn't do that to a person.
00:43:07He stands up abruptly and storms out of the hospital
00:43:10in a blind rage.
00:43:12Watching him go,
00:43:14I feel a wave of pure nausea.
00:43:17Dad!
00:43:17You're not just blind.
00:43:20You're a complete and utter moron.
00:43:23Since you're so hell-tent on
00:43:25unpicking a fight with Mom,
00:43:29go ahead.
00:43:32Go see exactly what kind of hell
00:43:35she has waiting for you.
00:43:38Dad kicks the front door of the villa open
00:43:40with a violent bang.
00:43:41Chloe!
00:43:42Why can't you just leave Serena alone?
00:43:44They're innocent!
00:43:44He storms into the dining room,
00:43:46roaring at the top of his length.
00:43:48Aria is lying in a hospital bed
00:43:49unconscious right now.
00:43:50Is this what you wanted?
00:43:51My spirit drifts in right behind him.
00:43:53But instead of finding a guilty,
00:43:55sobbing wife,
00:43:57Har's met with the aroma of premium coffee
00:43:59and two faces full of cold mockery.
00:44:02Mom is sitting by the sun-dreamt kitchen island,
00:44:06elegantly flipping through some documents.
00:44:08And standing right next to her
00:44:10is a tall, handsome man.
00:44:12It's Uncle.
00:44:13Ryan leans in close,
00:44:14thoughtfully tucking a stray lock of hair
00:44:16behind Chloe's ear.
00:44:18Seeing Dad standing there
00:44:20all disheveled and fuming,
00:44:22Mom doesn't even bother to look up.
00:44:23What exactly am I supposed to be satisfied with, Liam?
00:44:26I simply sent a few people over
00:44:27to take back a house that belongs to me.
00:44:28Chloe sets her documents down
00:44:30and fixes her gaze on Liam.
00:44:31A cold plays on Mom's lips.
00:44:32She looks at Dad like he's a piece of trash.
00:44:34If that little brat drops dead
00:44:35just because she got a little spooked,
00:44:37that's hardly my problem.
00:44:37Dad's eyes widen
00:44:38like he's seeing a stranger.
00:44:40How can you be so vicious?
00:44:41Aren't you afraid of having blood on your hands?
00:44:45Vicious?
00:44:46Mom stands up abruptly,
00:44:47her powerful aura forcing Liam
00:44:49to take a half-step back.
00:44:51You think I'm vicious?
00:44:52This is nothing compared
00:44:54to what my daughter went through.
00:44:55If it means making you suffer
00:44:56for the rest of your lives,
00:44:57I'll go to hell for it!
00:44:59Dad is left speechless,
00:45:00his face flushing with frustration.
00:45:02He turns and points a finger on Ryan,
00:45:04who is watching the scene
00:45:05with a faint, amused smile.
00:45:07And who the hell is he?
00:45:08You're bringing other men into our home?
00:45:10Instead of making excuses,
00:45:11Chloe links her arm through Ryan's
00:45:13and gives him a radiant, stunning smile.
00:45:15This is my house.
00:45:16It'll bring whoever I want back here.
00:45:18I perch myself on Ryan's shoulder,
00:45:19watching Dad's face twist
00:45:21with a mix of jealousy and helplessness.
00:45:23I'm so happy I do a little flip in the air.
00:45:25Dad is raging, glaring daggers at Ryan.
00:45:29He originally came here
00:45:30to demand justice for Aria.
00:45:32She developed heart disease
00:45:33because of ice water.
00:45:35But now, with him nothing
00:45:36but pure unadulterated jealousy.
00:45:38Chloe, you cannot do this to me!
00:45:40We are not even divorced yet!
00:45:41Dad tries to reclaim his territory
00:45:43using his status as a husband.
00:45:45So what if we are not?
00:45:47We are just friends.
00:45:48Exactly like you and Serena.
00:45:52Surely you understand
00:45:53that kind of relationship
00:45:54better than anyone, right?
00:45:57Dad's face instantly
00:45:58turns a deep bruised purple.
00:46:00He stands there in total humiliation,
00:46:02his steps heavy,
00:46:03unable to move.
00:46:04I cannot help but cheer for...
00:46:06Without her money,
00:46:07Dad can't even afford
00:46:08Aria's hospital bills.
00:46:10Knowing that Serena's little scheme
00:46:11is about to crash and burn
00:46:13makes me want to run laps
00:46:14around the living room.
00:46:15Since Yura's tone
00:46:15would determine to stay,
00:46:17go to the kitchen
00:46:17and fix us some dinner.
00:46:18Lemia's hands clenched into fists,
00:46:21the knuckles white
00:46:21with suppressed rage.
00:46:22And remember,
00:46:23take good care of my guest.
00:46:25The warning in her smile
00:46:26was unmistakable.
00:46:27He turned and walked away,
00:46:28his shoulders slumped in defeat.
00:46:30Ten minutes later,
00:46:31the big hero who used to wear
00:46:32a crisp firefighting uniform
00:46:34and rescue people from ruins?
00:46:35Now,
00:46:36he has got a ridiculous
00:46:37pink floral apron
00:46:38seashed around his waist,
00:46:39standing by the sink
00:46:40like a lowerly servant.
00:46:41He is scrubbing a cucumber
00:46:42so hard that water
00:46:43splashes all over his face.
00:46:45Meanwhile,
00:46:46just a wall away
00:46:46in the dining room,
00:46:47Mom and Ryan
00:46:48are having a blast.
00:46:49Their laughter drifts
00:46:50into the kitchen.
00:46:51I hover in the air,
00:46:52watching Dad's face
00:46:53turn a sickly shade of green.
00:46:54He grits his teeth,
00:46:55slamming the clear
00:46:56onto the cutting.
00:46:57You like a pathetic,
00:46:58stray dog right now.
00:47:00Dinner is finally served.
00:47:09Chloe,
00:47:09this stuff looks
00:47:11barely edible.
00:47:12It is burnt to a crisp.
00:47:15Dad's breathing
00:47:16turns heavy in an instant.
00:47:17His fists clench deep
00:47:18in his apron pockets,
00:47:19knuckles cracking
00:47:20under the strain.
00:47:21Just as he is about
00:47:22to blow over a fuse,
00:47:23Mom casually stabs
00:47:24a slice of apple
00:47:25with her fork
00:47:26and holds it up to Ryan's
00:47:27Then don't eat his garbage.
00:47:28Here,
00:47:29try this apple.
00:47:30Is it sweet?
00:47:37If it is from you,
00:47:38it is always sweet.
00:47:42Watching them flirt
00:47:43so shamelessly
00:47:44right in front of him,
00:47:45Dad's eyes turn
00:47:45a bloodshot vengeful red.
00:47:47He is losing his mind
00:47:48with jealousy.
00:47:49I hover above
00:47:50the dining table,
00:47:51watching Dad look
00:47:52so utterly pathetic
00:47:53and repressed.
00:47:54I can't resist
00:47:55adding a little fuel
00:47:56to the fire.
00:47:57Ugh, Liam,
00:47:58what is that smell?
00:47:59That is disgusting.
00:48:00Mom instantly
00:48:01covered her nose,
00:48:02her face twisted
00:48:03in pure revulsion.
00:48:04Dad scrambles
00:48:05with a rag,
00:48:06trying to wipe himself down,
00:48:07but he only makes
00:48:08a bigger mess.
00:48:09He looks like
00:48:09a total clown,
00:48:10perched on the chandelier.
00:48:12I can't help
00:48:12but gigger.
00:48:17Dinner ends
00:48:18in a suffocating,
00:48:20awkward silence.
00:48:23This is for you.
00:48:24I think the scent
00:48:25really suits you.
00:48:27Ryan looks flattered,
00:48:28casting a sidelight glance
00:48:30at Dad,
00:48:30who's scrubbing dishes
00:48:31in the kitchen.
00:48:35Has been this
00:48:36a little awkward?
00:48:37Awkward?
00:48:38Why would it be?
00:48:39Liam is famous
00:48:40for being generous.
00:48:41He's so busy
00:48:42playing the good
00:48:43Samanerton.
00:48:44I'm sure he's thrilled
00:48:45I finally have someone
00:48:46to keep me company.
00:48:47Isn't that right,
00:48:48Liam?
00:48:49The loud break
00:48:51crack of a shattering plate
00:48:52echoes from the kitchen.
00:48:54Dad's
00:48:55completely heartbroken.
00:48:57It's getting late,
00:48:58Ryan.
00:48:59Don't you think
00:49:00it's time to head out?
00:49:02Mom grinned
00:49:03by his tie,
00:49:04pulling him close.
00:49:06Why leave
00:49:07so late?
00:49:09I can go to your room
00:49:10and give you
00:49:11a full body massage.
00:49:15You are a woman
00:49:17and he is a grown man.
00:49:20Do you honestly
00:49:21think it's appropriate
00:49:22to go into his room
00:49:23dressed like that?
00:49:27Mom dunked back
00:49:28back down.
00:49:29She steps closer,
00:49:31patting Dap's
00:49:32rigid cheek
00:49:33with her long,
00:49:34slender fingers.
00:49:35Don't be so jealous,
00:49:37Liam.
00:49:38Drop the pathetic
00:49:38act of possessiveness.
00:49:41She brushes
00:49:42past Dad,
00:49:43who stands
00:49:44frozen in place
00:49:45and links arms
00:49:46with Ryan
00:49:47as they walk
00:49:48toward the guest room
00:49:49at the end
00:49:50of the hall.
00:49:51Dad stands
00:49:52in the dark
00:49:53corridor alone.
00:49:54The doors
00:49:55lock tight,
00:49:56Dad's entire world
00:49:58has collapsed.
00:50:02early the next morning,
00:50:03Dad,
00:50:04who had spent
00:50:04the entire night
00:50:05being eaten live
00:50:06by jealousy
00:50:06and humiliation,
00:50:07receives a barrage
00:50:08of frantic calls
00:50:09from Serena.
00:50:09Watching I was sobbing
00:50:10with claiming
00:50:11Zion with dark
00:50:12area had suffered
00:50:12a heartache attack
00:50:13and needed media
00:50:14under his surgeries
00:50:15and a martyr-like expression.
00:50:16I know exactly
00:50:17what was coming.
00:50:18He is ready
00:50:18to play the savior again.
00:50:21Chloe,
00:50:22we need to talk.
00:50:23He took a deep breath,
00:50:25his tone dripping
00:50:26with self-righteousness.
00:50:28Back then,
00:50:29every time he started
00:50:30a sentence like like that,
00:50:32it meant I was about
00:50:34to get a lecture.
00:50:35I know you are mad at me.
00:50:36I can take the humiliation
00:50:38you put me through
00:50:39last night.
00:50:40I can live with it.
00:50:42But Area's heart condition
00:50:44has flared up.
00:50:45She is in the ER right now.
00:50:47She is just a little girl
00:50:48the same age as Mia.
00:50:50His voice is almost pleading,
00:50:52yet he still manages
00:50:53to sound so condescending.
00:50:55You are a good person.
00:50:57You have always been.
00:50:59Are you really going
00:51:00to let your hatred
00:51:01for me get in the way
00:51:02and let an innocent child die?
00:51:05An innocent child?
00:51:07Hovering in mid-air,
00:51:08I feel myself shaking
00:51:10with pure rage
00:51:11at those words.
00:51:13Dad,
00:51:13I am also innocent.
00:51:15Why did you abandon me?
00:51:17Did you ever give
00:51:19a single thought to me?
00:51:20Right then,
00:51:21I feel a strange surge
00:51:23of power.
00:51:24I look down
00:51:25and see my transparent fingertips.
00:51:29Frosting over
00:51:30with a layer of
00:51:31bone-chilling white ice,
00:51:33fueled by my absolute fury.
00:51:35So my hatred
00:51:36actually has the power
00:51:38to touch this world.
00:51:40I lash out with my hands.
00:51:42A crystal goblet
00:51:44sitting right next to mom
00:51:45shatters instantly.
00:51:50Red gash
00:51:51across dad's
00:51:52hypocritical face.
00:51:53Dad clutches
00:51:54his bleeding cheek
00:51:56in terror,
00:51:57stumbling back
00:51:58with his eyes wide,
00:51:59looking like he had
00:52:00just seen a ghost.
00:52:03After dad's self-rightness
00:52:04take the high road speech,
00:52:06mom looks absolutely disgusted.
00:52:07She stands up,
00:52:08looking at him
00:52:09like he's a cockroach
00:52:10she just found in her soup.
00:52:11Kindness?
00:52:12Liam,
00:52:13how dare you say that?
00:52:14You want my money
00:52:15to save the one
00:52:16who killed my daughter?
00:52:17And I'm supposed
00:52:17to be reasonable?
00:52:18Chloe,
00:52:19how did you get
00:52:20this cold-blooded?
00:52:21Arya is innocent.
00:52:22If Mia were looking
00:52:24down on us,
00:52:25she would never want
00:52:26to see her mother
00:52:26turn into a heartless murderer.
00:52:29Hearing him use my name
00:52:31to guilt-trap mom
00:52:32might blood boil.
00:52:33I channel every bit
00:52:34of my energy
00:52:35and slam a gust
00:52:36of freezing wind
00:52:37right into him.
00:52:37The Firefighting Hero Award
00:52:39hanging on the wall,
00:52:40his pride and love,
00:52:41flies off
00:52:42and shatters
00:52:42right at his feet.
00:52:43Shut up!
00:52:44You don't get
00:52:44to say Mia's name!
00:52:45If you're so worried
00:52:46about your soulmate,
00:52:47then go save her yourself!
00:52:48Mom grabs the divorce papers
00:52:50she'd already prepared
00:52:51and hurls them
00:52:51straight at his face.
00:52:53Sign them
00:52:53and get the hell
00:52:54out of my house!
00:52:55I'm not giving you
00:52:56or them a single cent!
00:52:58Fine!
00:52:59Fine!
00:53:00Consider it signed!
00:53:01I don't want
00:53:02your dirty dunny anyway!
00:53:03He scribbles his name
00:53:04in a rage
00:53:05and storms out,
00:53:06slamming the door
00:53:07behind him.
00:53:07I drift down
00:53:08next to Mom,
00:53:09watching his back
00:53:10as he walks away,
00:53:11and I can't help
00:53:12but smile.
00:53:13Go ahead Dad,
00:53:14go save your precious
00:53:15Serena and her kid.
00:53:16I'm just getting
00:53:17started with them.
00:53:19The VIP hospital room
00:53:21is dead silent
00:53:21in the middle of the night.
00:53:22I drift inside,
00:53:23my transparent toes
00:53:24hovering just above
00:53:25Serena's bedside.
00:53:26She's curled up on the cat,
00:53:27probably having
00:53:28some beautiful dream.
00:53:29As I stare down
00:53:29at the two of them,
00:53:30who had nested
00:53:31in a life that wasn't theirs,
00:53:32I slowly raise my hand.
00:53:34I don't need to get back
00:53:34as the little trip down
00:53:35memory lane
00:53:36would be more than enough.
00:53:36The smell of disinfectant
00:53:38in the air
00:53:38begins to shift,
00:53:40turning into the suffocating
00:53:41scent of concrete dust
00:53:42mixed with the metallic
00:53:43tang of dried blood.
00:53:44Serena at brow
00:53:46and frowls at the stench
00:53:47and she tosses
00:53:48and turns uncomfortably.
00:53:50Who,
00:53:50who's under there?
00:53:51No answer.
00:53:52Her hand shakes
00:53:53as she reaches
00:53:54for the light switch,
00:53:55but her eyes
00:53:55accidentally catch the wall.
00:53:57At some point,
00:53:58a streak of blood
00:53:59appears on the white paint.
00:54:00Lean closer to her ear
00:54:01and let out
00:54:01a soft icy breath.
00:54:03Auntie Serena,
00:54:04the rocks are so heavy,
00:54:06it hurts.
00:54:07Ah!
00:54:08No!
00:54:08Get away!
00:54:09Don't come after me!
00:54:09I didn't kill you!
00:54:10That's,
00:54:11that's on your father!
00:54:12Yeah,
00:54:12I kept Leon
00:54:13from going to the ruins
00:54:14to save you,
00:54:14but I didn't have a choice!
00:54:15I lost my husband!
00:54:16I had nothing!
00:54:17I had to hold on to him
00:54:18like he was all I had!
00:54:19He is the one
00:54:20who chose to play the hero
00:54:21and pick us!
00:54:21Listening to her speak
00:54:23without a shred of remorse,
00:54:24my gaze turned ice cold.
00:54:26She's still denying it!
00:54:33Fine,
00:54:34then let's show you
00:54:35what happens next.
00:54:37Ah!
00:54:37Let me go!
00:54:38Please,
00:54:39let me go!
00:54:40I'll tell you everything!
00:54:41It was me!
00:54:42I hurt Aria
00:54:43just to keep Liam!
00:54:44I'm a terrible mother!
00:54:46I don't deserve her!
00:54:47I'm sorry!
00:54:48I'm so sorry!
00:54:50Please,
00:54:50just let me go!
00:54:52The late night snacks
00:54:53hit the floor
00:54:53with a heavy thud,
00:54:54hot soup splashing everywhere.
00:54:56What did you just say?
00:54:56Every single word
00:54:57Sierra just spit out
00:54:58has pierced Dad's ears.
00:54:59He uses a sense of heroism
00:55:00who is saving
00:55:01a poor struggling of my death,
00:55:02telling himself
00:55:02it was the right thing
00:55:03to do in Spam
00:55:03and of blaming Zarina.
00:55:04But now,
00:55:05the brutal truth
00:55:05is like a rusty saw,
00:55:06hacking straight through
00:55:07his delusion.
00:55:08Liam,
00:55:09no!
00:55:09Let me explain!
00:55:10I was just having
00:55:11a nightmare!
00:55:15I was just having
00:55:17a nightmare!
00:55:18Get off me!
00:55:22Dad's massive hands
00:55:24wrap around
00:55:24Serena's neck,
00:55:25squeezing tight.
00:55:27It was you!
00:55:29You're the reason
00:55:30my Mia is dead!
00:55:32You've been lying
00:55:34to me this whole time!
00:55:35You poisonous bitch!
00:55:37Let go!
00:55:38Liam,
00:55:39I can't breathe!
00:55:40Her eyes roll back
00:55:41as she claws frantically
00:55:42at his arms,
00:55:42leaving behind rows
00:55:43of bloody scratches.
00:55:44I hover in the air,
00:55:45watching with cold indents
00:55:46as this perfect couple
00:55:47tears each other apart.
00:55:48Dad,
00:55:49what's the point
00:55:49of choking her now?
00:55:50Even if you rip her
00:55:51to shreds,
00:55:51I'm never coming back.
00:55:53Just as Serena
00:55:53is one second away
00:55:55from taking her last breath,
00:55:57bam!
00:55:58The hospital door
00:56:00is slammed open
00:56:01once again.
00:56:03I told you
00:56:04I'd make you both pay.
00:56:09Pull them apart!
00:56:12Several burly officers
00:56:14rush in,
00:56:17forcibly dragging
00:56:18a frenzied dad
00:56:19off Serena
00:56:19and penning his arms
00:56:21behind his back
00:56:22against the wall.
00:56:23Serena Ellitz,
00:56:24we have received
00:56:25critical audio evidence
00:56:26provided by
00:56:27Mrs. Chloe Howard.
00:56:28You are under arrest
00:56:29for suspicion of murder,
00:56:30felsony child abuse,
00:56:32and large-scale fraud.
00:56:33The cold handcuffs
00:56:34snap shut,
00:56:35locking tight
00:56:35around Serena wrists.
00:56:37The fear finally sets in.
00:56:39Please,
00:56:39let me go!
00:56:40I can't go to prison!
00:56:42Aria needs her mother!
00:56:44Mom looks down at her,
00:56:46her eyes cold
00:56:47without sympathy.
00:56:48Take her away.
00:56:49Prison should give her
00:56:50plenty of time to think.
00:56:51On the hospital bed,
00:56:52Aria weakly opens her eyes,
00:56:54her face still deathly pale.
00:56:56Two stone-faced officers
00:56:57step forward
00:56:58and pick her up by force.
00:56:59Aria does not understand
00:57:00what is happening yet,
00:57:01but she starts struggling.
00:57:02I want mommy!
00:57:04I want Uncle Liam!
00:57:05Let me go!
00:57:06This little brat,
00:57:07who used brag in front of my mom
00:57:08and maliciously curse me to dead,
00:57:10is now crying like a pathetic beggar.
00:57:12I drift down to the hospital window
00:57:14and,
00:57:14from the other side of the glass,
00:57:16make a huge mocking face at her.
00:57:18Aria,
00:57:19did you not love stealing
00:57:20other people's dads?
00:57:21Well,
00:57:22now you do not have one anymore,
00:57:24not even your mom.
00:57:26And trust me,
00:57:28those hard beds in the orphanage?
00:57:30Nothing like your comfy VIP room.
00:57:38I watch as Serena
00:57:40is roughly dragged away by the police,
00:57:42her blood-catting screams
00:57:44echoing through the entire hallway.
00:57:46Meanwhile,
00:57:47Dad,
00:57:48the once-proud firefighting hero,
00:57:51is slumped on the floor tiles.
00:57:53He stares at the mess around him,
00:57:57his eyes as hollow
00:57:58as a completely broken puppet.
00:58:01Mom turns around,
00:58:03leaving without giving him a single glance.
00:58:13Mom,
00:58:14we won!
00:58:17The morning sun outside the courthouse
00:58:19feels cold and sterile.
00:58:25I've always hated the vibe of this place,
00:58:27so I just sit on the front steps and wait.
00:58:32Finally,
00:58:33Mom strides out those massive doors,
00:58:36her heels,
00:58:37clicking against the stone,
00:58:39with total confidence.
00:58:41She's holding the official divorce reed,
00:58:44looking like she's finally shed a heavy skin.
00:58:47Dad comes stumbling out after her,
00:58:50looking like a total wreck.
00:58:51Chloe,
00:58:52wait!
00:58:55Can we please just talk for a second?
00:58:58His eyes are bloodshot,
00:58:59and his voice is thick with desperation.
00:59:04Mom stops and turns around.
00:59:07She looks down at him
00:59:08with the kind of icy stare
00:59:10you'd give a complete stranger.
00:59:12Tears stream down Liam's face,
00:59:15disappearing into his messy stubble.
00:59:17I know I've put you through hell,
00:59:19and I want to apologize for everything.
00:59:26I quit the fire department.
00:59:28I've signed up to be a volunteer teacher in the slums.
00:59:31I'm leaving tomorrow.
00:59:32Dad's voice breaks,
00:59:34trying that same old self-exhaustion act,
00:59:37hoping to wring one last bit of pity out of Mom.
00:59:40In his mind,
00:59:41if he looks miserable enough,
00:59:43she'll soften like she always used to.
00:59:45Maybe even give him a hug.
00:59:47Is that it?
00:59:50Dad looks stunned.
00:59:51He definitely didn't expect her to be this indifferent.
00:59:58All right then.
00:59:59Safe travels.
01:00:01Goodbye.
01:00:02Without a hint of hesitation,
01:00:05Mom turns her back on him.
01:00:08She walks straight over to Ryan,
01:00:10who's been waiting by the curb,
01:00:12and slides into the back of his black Bentley.
01:00:17I hover in the air,
01:00:19watching Dad collapse onto the rough stone pavement of the courthouse,
01:00:24sobbing his heart out.
01:00:32Too little.
01:00:34Too late, Dad.
01:00:43Your apology isn't worth a damn thing now.
01:00:48Mom drives off in the black Bentley with Ryan.
01:00:52I hover in mid-air,
01:00:54looking down at Dad kneeling on the rough pavement.
01:00:57Suddenly,
01:00:58I'm curious.
01:00:59I want to see what a hero who has lost everything does next.
01:01:04Dad stays on his knees for a long time before finally swaying to his feet.
01:01:07He wanders onto the street like a zombie,
01:01:09his soul completely hollowed out.
01:01:11I follow him,
01:01:12watching him walk from dawn until dusk.
01:01:15He doesn't eat a single bite or drink a drop of water.
01:01:18People on the street point and stare,
01:01:20but he is deaf to it all.
01:01:22He just keeps moving.
01:01:23It is late at night when he finally stops.
01:01:25He has reached the center of the city,
01:01:27standing at the very site of the collapse.
01:01:29Yellow police tape still surrounds the area.
01:01:31This is where I died.
01:01:32This is where it all began.
01:01:35I watch him pull that pink Barbie doll,
01:01:37the one he never got to give me,
01:01:39out from inside his jacket.
01:01:40Mia,
01:01:42Daddy's here now.
01:01:43I'm taking you home.
01:01:45Suddenly pulls out a large canister from somewhere,
01:01:47and starts drenching himself,
01:01:49pouring it from his head down to his toes.
01:01:51Click.
01:01:51The crisp sound of metal breaks the dead silence.
01:01:54A tiny blue flame flickers on his lighter,
01:01:56and without a second thought,
01:01:57Liam lets it go.
01:01:58A massive wall of fire erupts instantly,
01:02:00swallowing Liam whole.
01:02:01The roaring flames melt the firefighting uniform
01:02:03he was once so proud of.
01:02:04The fire chars the very arms he used to hold everyone but me.
01:02:07I drift just outside the heat of the blaze,
01:02:10quietly watching him struggle in the fire,
01:02:12until he finally collapses,
01:02:13turning into a blackened heap.
01:02:15Those eyes that used to look at me with warmth
01:02:17are now nothing but ash.
01:02:18Dad,
01:02:19I don't hate you anymore,
01:02:20because honestly,
01:02:21you're not even worth the effort.
01:02:23By the time the fire burns out,
01:02:25dawn has broken.
01:02:27I guess it is time for me to go,
01:02:29too.
01:02:30I turn into a golden breeze,
01:02:33drifting through the city streets,
01:02:35and floating to Mom's side one last time.
01:02:38Mom is leaning back in Uncle Ryan's arms,
01:02:40quietly watching the world outside the window.
01:02:42I lean in and leave a cold, weightless kiss on her cheek.
01:02:45Goodbye, Mom.
01:02:46I wish you every happiness.
01:02:48I don't say another word.
01:02:49I just brush past her hair and graze her cheek,
01:02:52like a shadow of a hug.
01:02:53The moment the breeze touches her,
01:02:55Mom's calm expression freezes.
01:02:57It is like she feels something.
01:02:59She intinctively reaches up,
01:03:00her fingertips brushing the exact spot
01:03:02where my phantom kiss landed.
01:03:04I see her eyes well up with tears.
01:03:06Chloe, what's wrong?
01:03:07Are you cold?
01:03:08Mom doesn't say anything.
01:03:10She just stares at the windowsill.
01:03:13Even though there is no wind,
01:03:15the potted sunflower suddenly tilts and sways just a little.
01:03:23Mom rests her head on Ryan's shoulder.
01:03:26As she watches a ray of sunlight pierce through the clouds,
01:03:30a smile spreads across her face.
01:03:36Mom, you felt that, didn't you?
01:03:38I close my eyes and let go,
01:03:40flying towards the warmest light,
01:03:43finally at peace.
01:03:48Time.
01:03:50It has its own kind of gentle magic.
01:03:53They named me,
01:03:55Mia.
01:03:57My mom.
01:04:00My dad.
01:04:04They loved me so much.
01:04:14Through the haze,
01:04:16I hear a nursery rhyme,
01:04:18the one I loved most when I was five.
01:04:21Wait,
01:04:22is this heaven?
01:04:24No,
01:04:25my sweet girl.
01:04:27This is where I will always wait for you.
01:04:56Welcome back
01:04:58My little angel
01:04:59Surrounded by the warmth of a steady heartbeat
01:05:03I start to smile
01:05:05Too
01:05:06This time
01:05:08I know for sure
01:05:09I have finally been born
01:05:12Into a world of real love
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