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To the public, he is a fearless hero celebrated for risking his life to save others from a deadly fire. But behind the praise and admiration hides a devastating secret no one else knows.

On the day that should have been her birthday, he chose another child over his own daughter.

Forced to watch her family collapse piece by piece, a young girl grows up carrying the trauma of betrayal, abandonment, and emotional scars left by the father everyone worships. Her mother’s heart slowly breaks, their once-loving family falls apart, and the man called a hero begins destroying himself under the unbearable weight of guilt and regret.

As long-buried truths come to light, the family is forced to confront painful memories, impossible choices, and the cruel consequences of one decision that changed everything forever.

The Birthday Funeral: My Hero Dad Left Me to Die is a heartbreaking modern family drama filled with emotional betrayal, tragic childhood trauma, redemption, guilt, revenge, and powerful tearjerking moments. Perfect for fans of emotional mini dramas, broken family stories, tragic father-daughter relationships, and devastating regret arcs.

#FamilyDrama #EmotionalDrama #TragicStory #FatherDaughter #RevengeDrama #ModernDrama #MiniDrama #Heartbreaking #FamilySecrets #Tearjerker
#ShortDrama #MicroDrama #ShortDramaFullMovie #MicroDramaFull #VerticalDrama #MiniSeries #DramaFullMovie #RomanticDrama #RevengeDrama #TrendingDrama #BingeWatch #FullEpisode #ShortFilm #DramaSeries #ViralDrama
Transcription
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.
01:04:26This is where I will always wait for you.
01:04:30I will always wait for you.
01:04:53I will always wait for you.
01:04:57Welcome back, my little angel.
01:05:00Surrounded by the warmth of a steady heartbeat,
01:05:03I start to smile, too.
01:05:07This time, I know for sure,
01:05:10I have finally been born into a world of real love.
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