- 16 hours ago
The Birthday Funeral My Hero Dad Left Me to Die Full Movie
The Birthday Funeral My Hero Dad Left Me to Die Full Movie
The Birthday Funeral My Hero Dad Left Me to Die Full Movie
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:04My dad used to be my superhero.
00:00:07He was a firefighter, rushing into burning buildings, saving lives.
00:00:14Until that day, my hero killed me with his hands.
00:00:18The downtown building collapsed.
00:00:20It was pitch black, like I was trapped in an iron barrel.
00:00:24The air was thick, dust and blood everywhere.
00:00:27A huge concrete slab was crushing my chest.
00:00:30It hurt so much.
00:00:32Every breath felt like swallowing broken glass.
00:00:35Mom shielded me with her body.
00:00:37Her arms were torn open by rebar, but she kept digging through the rubble.
00:00:41Just when I thought I couldn't hold on any longer, a blinding light cut through the darkness.
00:00:46It was Dad.
00:00:47He was wearing that firefighter uniform I admired so much, charging like a superhero.
00:00:52I thought I was saved.
00:00:54Dad, it hurts.
00:00:57Please help me.
00:00:58I weakly reached out to him.
00:01:00Liam!
00:01:01Save Mia!
00:01:02She is bleeding!
00:01:03But Dad only paused for a second.
00:01:05He followed another crying voice, turned without hesitation, and walked towards the corner.
00:01:10There she was.
00:01:12Aria.
00:01:12The daughter of his first love, Serena.
00:01:15She only had a few scratches, but hugging her knees and pretending to cry loudly.
00:01:20Chloe, listen to me.
00:01:21Serena and her daughter are in an extremely critical situation.
00:01:26I have to go to them now.
00:01:29What are you saying?
00:01:30What about our daughter?
00:01:32Can't you save your own daughter first?
00:01:34Dad frowned.
00:01:35He forcefully pried open Mom's blood-soaked fingers.
00:01:39Chloe, don't be difficult right now.
00:01:42Mom, my duty is to prioritize the people in the most danger.
00:01:46Mia, hang in there.
00:01:48Daddy will get them out first.
00:01:49Then I will come right back for you.
00:01:52I watch him walk against the light, holding someone else's daughter tightly in his arms,
00:01:58striding out of the rubble.
00:02:00I don't cry, because Dad is a hero.
00:02:03Heroes always save the weakest first, right?
00:02:06Dad taught me to be strong.
00:02:08Mom, don't cry.
00:02:10It doesn't hurt anymore.
00:02:12The concrete slab crushed my chest completely.
00:02:15No!
00:02:17No!
00:02:21Mom's screams tore through my ears, but I couldn't hear them clearly anymore.
00:02:27My body grew lighter.
00:02:28I floated up into the air and turned into a transparent ghost.
00:02:34I look down at my own crushed, unrecognizable body.
00:02:38Then I look at Dad walking away.
00:02:41I watch him walking against the light, hold someone else's daughter against his chest.
00:02:45He walked so fast, too fast to hear Mom's cries for help.
00:02:53Dad, the girl in your arms is smiling so happily.
00:03:01But you don't know.
00:03:03Your own daughter, the one who waited for you every night to come home and tell her bedtime stories.
00:03:10...died forever today.
00:03:19After becoming a ghost, I follow mom, who looks like a walking corpse, all the way to the hospital.
00:03:25Under the harsh fluorescent lights, two metal paddles keep shocking my body.
00:03:30It must hurt because mom kept crying, but I couldn't feel the pain anymore until the cold machine screamed into
00:03:36a flat line.
00:03:37The doctor shook his head helplessly. He draped a white sheet over my dust-covered face.
00:03:43Mom collapsed onto the cold tiles of the emergency room. She cried so hard that she couldn't make a sound.
00:03:49But where was dad?
00:03:52I float through the long hospital corridors, searching for him, through the half-open moor.
00:03:58Finally, I found him, in the most luxurious VIP room at the end of the hallway.
00:04:03I see Aria lying on a soft hospital bed. Then, next to her was a giant pink gift box, the
00:04:10limited edition Barbie doll I had dreamed of.
00:04:13I begged dad for an entire month. You know what he said?
00:04:17Too expensive. Little kids shouldn't be so vain.
00:04:23But now? He buys it for someone else's daughter, even without looking at the price tag.
00:04:29Liam, the VIP room is too expensive. If Chloe finds out you used her card, she'll be angry.
00:04:36Dad gently strokes her hair. His voice was softer than I had ever heard.
00:04:40It is fine. A good environment will help Aria recover. Chloe has lots of money, and she will not mind.
00:04:46Float up to the ceiling. I shouted in protest.
00:04:49That is Mom's money! But he couldn't hear me. His phone screen lit up. Dad glances it, then turns it
00:04:57off.
00:04:57Right at moment, Mom is standing outside the slightly open door, like a wandering ghost.
00:05:04The once pure white dress is now stained dark red, with my blood. Her body is covered in dirt and
00:05:12wounds.
00:05:12She just stares at the scene inside the room. Liam and Serena's family are like a real happy family.
00:05:19They are laughing and enjoying themselves. The cold wind in the roadway blew through Mom's hair.
00:05:26She is holding her phone, which is still ringing. The last glim of light in her eyes goes out completely.
00:05:37Mom pushes open the hospital room door. Covered in dust and blood,
00:05:42she looks like something dragged back from hell, shattering the warmth of the room.
00:05:47Dad sees Mom. He pulls away from Serena, like he'd been electrocuted.
00:05:53Chloe? Why do you look like this? What are you doing here?
00:05:57So this is what you have been so busy doing? Can't even answer the phone?
00:06:00I could see her injured leg was still limping. I wanted to float over to Dad,
00:06:07tell him Mom was in pain, tell him I was already dead.
00:06:12But instead, Dad instinctively stepped in front of Serena's bed, as if Mom was some
00:06:18crazy woman who might hurt them. Chloe, can you be reasonable for once? Serena is a single mother.
00:06:22She almost fainted from stride earlier. I'm just here helping to comfort Area.
00:06:26Helping? Helping? Liam, when you were saving them, did you think of Mia for even one second? Do you know
00:06:34whose blood this is?
00:06:35Chloe, enough! My job is to save the people in the most danger. You and Mia are fine now, aren't
00:06:41you?
00:06:42What's the big deal about a few minor injuries? You have to make it in the hospital?
00:06:46Oh, fine? I float in mid-air, tears dripping down. Daddy, can't you see the blood on Mommy's clothes?
00:06:54That is my blood! Your own daughter is already covered with a white sheet.
00:06:59Liam, don't blame Chloe. It's all my fault.
00:07:04It's okay. This isn't your fault. Don't worry. I'll handle it.
00:07:08When Dad looks back at Mom, his eyes had turned ice cold. Go back to Mia. Take care of her.
00:07:13I will
00:07:13be home late. Mom looks at Dad's shameless face. Suddenly, she stops trembling, her eyes shifting
00:07:19from disappointment to calm. You'll never see Mia again. Mom walks away in disappointment.
00:07:25Dad shouts ridiculous a few times behind her back, but he doesn't chase after her at all,
00:07:30because Area on the hospital bed calls out weekly. Uncle Liam, don't go. I'm scared.
00:07:37He immediately turns around, hurried back to her hospital bedside looking utterly anxious,
00:07:43and gently took her hand. No. I'm not leaving. Sleep peacefully.
00:07:48I don't follow Mom. I stay in the hospital room, floating quietly beside Dad. Late at night,
00:07:53the VIP room is so quiet you could only hear the humidizer. Aunt Serena and Aria are both asleep.
00:07:58Dad sits in the companion chair, rubbing his reddened eyes. He looked so, so tired. Daddy's just too
00:08:04busy. He's a big hero. Heroes never have time for their own families. I am still secretly making
00:08:12excuses for him in my heart. He didn't not love me. He just didn't hear my cries for help. Once
00:08:18he was
00:08:18done with his work, he would definitely come home and tell me a bedtime story, right? I float down and
00:08:24walk in front of him. Daddy, I'm not angry at you anymore. It was so dark and cold under the
00:08:29rubble.
00:08:30Hold me, please. I stand on my tiptoes, reach out my transparent little hand.
00:08:38I want to touch his furrowed brow, just like when he used to tuck me in. However, my fingertips pass
00:08:47through his body, like a wisp of wind, without any resistance. I froze. Unwilling to give up,
00:08:55I try again. My entire arm went through his chest. I couldn't touch him anymore.
00:09:03Just then, Dad leans down. He gently tucks Aria's blanket and plants a tender goodnight kiss on her
00:09:12forehead. Watching that kiss, my transparent body felt as if it has been crushed all over again. So this
00:09:19is it. The dead cannot hug the living. And I finally understood. In this world, I am already a ghost
00:09:26with no place to belong. The next day, the sun is shining brightly. Dad goes for a walk in the
00:09:32park
00:09:33across to the hospital with Serena and Aria. The three of each other on the lawn. Their laughter
00:09:39echoes through the air, just like a real family. Once upon a time, my parents and I were that happy
00:09:47too. The harsh sunlight pierces through my soul. I feel inexplicably cold. Not far away, I see Mom
00:09:56sitting on a park bench. My baby Mia. Aunt Chloe! Aria waves brightly at Mom.
00:10:10Chloe? What's wrong with you? Where's Mia? Why didn't you bring her to the park?
00:10:18She's not coming. You didn't forget you promised to spend her birthday with her tomorrow, did you?
00:10:25Of course I didn't. I've already got her gift. I'll be there. On time.
00:10:30You'd better remember.
00:10:34I see Mom cry again. Aria!
00:10:44I'm totally fine, actually.
00:10:49It was all an act. I just didn't want Uncle Liam going to save Mia. So I clung to his
00:10:57leg and wouldn't
00:10:58let go.
00:11:08That collapse was brutal. No way, no snake. No way she made it out.
00:11:15She's dead for sure by now, right?
00:11:19I float in midair and cover my mouth in horror.
00:11:23Uncle Liam!
00:11:25Hey, kiddo.
00:11:26I just gave Aunt Kama a lollipop. I hope she won't be angry anymore.
00:11:31Dad smiles proudly and pat Aria's head. He praises her for such a kind, haute of a haise.
00:11:38Tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock. The downtown church. Don't be late.
00:11:44Sewing this, Mama turns around and sewed away.
00:11:48Okay.
00:11:50He has no idea at all.
00:11:54Tomorrow's party wouldn't have a birthday cake.
00:11:58Or birthday candles.
00:12:06The party is held as scheduled. No colorful balloons. No sweet strawberry cake.
00:12:13Only a cold, solemn church. In the center of the church. A small white wooden box. That is my new
00:12:21bed.
00:12:22My body lies quietly inside. Wearing the most beautiful princess dress Mom had ever bought for me.
00:12:28My body, surrounded by white flowers. Mom walks up to the coffin, hands trembling. She places my favorite fairy tale
00:12:36book beside me.
00:12:37Mia. I am sorry. I never got to finish those stories for you.
00:12:44Didn't you say you wanted to see the ocean? I just wanted to watch you grow up safe and happy.
00:12:52She leans against the edge of the coffin. Tears fell heavily onto my face.
00:12:57Mom, don't cry. I float beside her, desperately trying to wipe away her tears. But my hands only pass through
00:13:06her cheeks.
00:13:11It is already 9.50. Her father still is not here? I heard that man is at the hospital with
00:13:17his mistress child. He won't even come to his own daughter's funeral.
00:13:25Chloe, maybe Liam is just stuck in traffic. Give him a call.
00:13:34Traffic jam? He completely forgot.
00:13:37I should have realized sooner. He never loved me. And he never loved Mia.
00:13:44Don't act impulsively. Liam is still Mia's father.
00:13:50I will give him one last chance.
00:13:52At Uncle Mason's pleading, Mom still dialed the number. The dialing screen shows calling for a long time.
00:14:00I pray devoutly. Dad, please. This is your last chance to see me.
00:14:08The call connects. I excitedly lean closer. I float in the air, hearing the chaotic background noise of a hospital
00:14:15from the phone.
00:14:16Chloe, I might be a little late.
00:14:18Dad's voice sounds so matter-of-fact, even with a hint of aneriation at being interrupted.
00:14:23I told you, be here sharp at 10.
00:14:27Is Mia throwing a tantrum again? Calm her down first.
00:14:31Aria had some issues during her examination. I need to stay and handle it.
00:14:38Me? Throwing a tantrum? Again? I'm already a corpse, Daddy? How can I throw a tantrum?
00:14:45I instinctively look at Mom and for help. I see her close her eyes in utter disappointment and hang up
00:14:51the phone directly.
00:14:53The funeral will start on time. I won't wait for him anymore.
00:14:58I couldn't accept it. I want to see Dad. I want Dad to touch my cheek one last time.
00:15:06My soul followed the phone signal and traveled to Dad's side.
00:15:17Inside the VIP room, Aria is smugly winking at Aunt Serena. Then suddenly, she burst into loud sobs, grabbing Dad's
00:15:26shirt tightly.
00:15:26I don't want Uncle Liam to go. I've never had a birthday. Mommy is always busy. No one stays with
00:15:34-
00:15:35Liam, you can go to celebrate Mia's birthday. Don't worry about us. A widow and her child.
00:15:45Liam holds Aria's hand, comforting her gently.
00:15:48No, no. I won't abandon you. It's fine. I'll stay a little longer, leaving until Aria falls asleep.
00:15:59Serena smiles with relief. How piercing that smile was.
00:16:03Just as Dad is holding Aria's hand, smiling with such affection, his phone on the night band lights up.
00:16:09A breaking news alert from a local news outlet. Dad glances at it casually and was about to swipe it
00:16:15away.
00:16:15This is the moment it touched the screen. As if electrocuted. The headline read,
00:16:20Downtown Collapse. Latest victim list confirmed. Includes five-year-old girl. The photo attached to the
00:16:26news showed a bloodstained dress hanging from the edge of a white sheet. The dress he bought for me
00:16:32just last week. Liam's eyes locked onto that familiar hem. His throat bow bobs pain relief. And his face
00:16:41turns deathly pale in an instant. Uncle Liam? What's wrong with you?
00:17:02Uncle Liam? What's wrong? Aria shakes his hand. Dad's body begins to tremble violently. He stares at the
00:17:09photo. Eyes instantly turn red. Then, his lips jiver as he tries to click on the link. I float down,
00:17:16hovering above his finger. Click it, Dad. If you just click it, you'll see my name. Then you could know
00:17:21I've already turned into a cold, lifeless body. But just as his fingertip is about to touch the screen,
00:17:27Serena glances at the headline from the corner of her eye. Her expression shifts slightly. Then she
00:17:33suddenly waves her hand. A cup of boiling hot water is deliberately knocked over all over Dad's pant leg.
00:17:39Oops! I'm so sorry, Liam! My hand slipped! Dad jumps up from the burn and the phone fell onto the
00:17:46hospital bed.
00:17:47Serena reacts swiftly, snatching the phone and pressing the lock button at once. The screen become black
00:17:52instantly. Liam shoves Serena away in terror, his voice trembling. Wait, Serena. That news just now.
00:18:02That dress. Mia was wearing that same dress when she left today.
00:18:16Liam, you're too tired and overthinking things. That kind of fast fashion floral dress is sold
00:18:23everywhere. Thousands of little girls wear them. Liam shakes his head, panic filling his eyes. But
00:18:30what if- There's no what if! Serena stares into his eyes. Think about it. If something really had
00:18:35happened to Mia. Would Chloe be so calm calling you? Would she tell you to show up at 10 o
00:18:40'clock for
00:18:40Mia's birthday party? The bloodshot red in his eyes, gradually fading. Liam gasps for breath.
00:18:48You're right. You're right. Chloe said she was throwing a tantrum. Dead people don't throw tantrums.
00:18:56The hospital room is warm, but I feel so cold. Maybe because I am too far from Mom. I watch
00:19:03Dad
00:19:03carefully tuck Area's blanket, promising to stay with her for another 10 minutes.
00:19:08Suddenly, I don't want to wait for him anymore. I pass through the pure white walls of the ward.
00:19:14I'm going back.
00:19:17I return to Mom's side. The ceremony is coming to an end, with the church bells rang.
00:19:23Sad hymns echo through the empty hall. Two staff members in black suits exchange grave glances and
00:19:29walk toward my body. They lift the pure white coffin lid, one on each side. They are about to
00:19:34seal me away in the darkness forever. Watching that slowly descending wooden board, I suddenly feel so
00:19:39afraid. I still remembered the night of my fifth birthday. The power went out, and the room was as
00:19:44dark as a monster's gaping mouth. I hid in the closet, crying in fear. It was Dad, holding a flashlight,
00:19:50who rushed in like a knight, and pulled me tightly into his arms. At that time, he stroked my head,
00:19:56gently
00:19:57promised me. Don't be afraid, Mia. Whenever you're in trouble, Dad will appear like a superhero to
00:20:02protect you. Dad, it's so dark and cold here. Where is your superhero cape? Did you forget about me?
00:20:11No! Please, don't! Mom rushes forward, and holds onto the edge of the coffin desperately. I'm not ready to
00:20:18say goodbye to her yet! Please don't do this! Mom wails in despair. Her cries make everyone
00:20:23in the room tear up. The staff members look troubled, trying to pull her away, but she fights them off
00:20:29wildly. Stop! No! My Mia is afraid of the dark! Uncle Mason steps forward in tears, holding the
00:20:35struggling Chloe tightly from behind. Chloe, let go and give her peace. Mom collapses quickly into Uncle
00:20:42Mason's arms in tears. I float above the coffin, watching the lid closed inch by inch in despair.
00:20:48Dad, if you don't come soon, I'll really be locked away forever in this dark box!
00:20:58Just as the longest nail is about to be hammered in,
00:21:03sunlight mixed with cold wind pouring in, the crying in the hall stops abruptly. Everyone turns to look at
00:21:09the entrance. I float in mid-air, feeling as if my dead heart could beat again, the figure standing
00:21:15against the light at the door. Could it be Dad? The gate swings fully open, revealing nothing but
00:21:23emptiness inside. Just a strong gust of wind. My coffin is sealed shut for good. In the hospital room,
00:21:30Dad, who is watching Aria fall asleep so gently, suddenly clutches his chest in agony. A sharp,
00:21:35intense pain makes it almost impossible for him to sit still. Cold sweat pours down his forehead.
00:21:40Liam, are you okay? I don't know, but it hurts so much here.
00:21:46Dad, it hurts, doesn't it? That's the same pain I felt when you left me under the rubble. Dad finally
00:21:54panics and forces himself to stand up. I have to go. Mia's birthday is today. I'll come back to see
00:22:02you
00:22:02tomorrow. He grabs the pink Barbie doll gift box and stumbles out of the hospital room. Back at the
00:22:09church, the staff member raises the cold hammer. Mom clings to the edge of my coffin, crying
00:22:15hysterically. Meanwhile, on the sunlit street, Dad slams the gas pedal to the floor. He looks at the pink
00:22:21gift box on the passenger seat. Guilt in his eyes slowly turns into anticipation. Mia, Daddy is almost
00:22:27there. Are you ready? But Dad, that Barbie doll in your hand is never bought for me in the church.
00:22:33The first long nail is mercilessly hammered into the wood. Dad hums softly as he turns the steering
00:22:38wheel. A look of anticipation on his face. The second heavy blow. The second nail fell. Mom lies
00:22:44across my coffin, crying in despair, calling my name over and over again outside the church doors. Dad runs
00:22:50up the steps, out of breath, holding the pink gift box. The third blow. My coffin is sealed shut for
00:22:56good. Mom has completely lost her strength. She collapses on the ground, letting my coffin
00:23:00be carried away. Outside the church doors, Dad takes a deep breath. Wearing a smile, he pushes
00:23:05open the heavy wooden doors with both hands. Mia! Daddy's here!
00:23:21Mia!
00:23:27No colorful balloons. No happy birthday song. The church is filled with guests in black. White
00:23:33candles flicker gently. A scene of solemn peace. In the center of the church, my black and white
00:23:40portrait is surrounded by pure white lilies. Dad freezes in place. His pupils dilate violently.
00:23:50No! This isn't possible! It can't be! He starts frantically weaving through the church pews,
00:23:57searching and rummaging. Not behind the curtains. Not under the tables.
00:24:05Not in the crowd.
00:24:09Mia! Mia, come out! Stop hiding from Daddy!
00:24:14Daddy bought you that doll you wanted so much! No one answers.
00:24:20Mom stands on the platform, calmly watching this absurd scene. The guests leave with sighs. As they go,
00:24:27they mutter with indignation. What a pathetic excuse for a father.
00:24:32Dad shoves aside the heavy pools roughly. He stumbles rushily to my portrait.
00:24:38His hands tremble as he reaches out to touch my bright, smiling face in the photo. His eyes are
00:24:44bloodshot, staring at Mom like a mad beast. What the hell is going on? What did you do to Mia?
00:24:49Mom slowly raises her head. All that is left in her eyes is the calm of dead ash. You are
00:24:54late, Liam.
00:24:58You are playing a prank on me with Mia, are you not? Fine. I give up. Just tell me where
00:25:05Mia is!
00:25:06Mom yanks its dad's hand mercilessly. She speaks word by word, in the coldest voice,
00:25:12delivering the final verdict. You will never see her again.
00:25:23My soul floats in mid-air, watching Dad fall into complete despair. That superhero,
00:25:30who once stood tall like a mountain, now kneels before my coffin, sobbing like a pile of mud.
00:25:37I reach out to wipe his tears. But suddenly I realize, I don't feel sorry for him anymore.
00:25:49After my funeral, Dad becomes like an empty shell drained of his soul.
00:25:54He locks himself inside the house that once belonged to our little family, drinks himself into a stupor
00:26:00every day. I have never seen Dad so broken. I used to think heroes were invincible. But the bloody truth
00:26:09tells me, heroes make mistakes too. They choose the wrong people too. I almost forgive Dad.
00:26:20But I soon regret my generosity, because Aunt Serena moves in, with Aria, brazenly and openly.
00:26:29Liam, that earthquake destroyed everything. We are homeless now. If you don't take us in,
00:26:36Aria will die. Serena's eyes glister with tears, clings to Dad's arm.
00:26:42Dad looks at her, then at Aria, who puts on her pitiful act.
00:26:49But he even gives in. He gives the door code to the woman who indirectly caused my death. I float
00:26:58on the
00:26:58chandelier in the living room, watching Serena and her daughter make themselves at home. The moment Dad
00:27:05turns and walks into the kitchen, Serena's fragile mask tears apart instantly. She looks at my photo on the
00:27:12wall, and her eyes are full of disgust. Get rid of all this dead person's stuff. It's bad luck just
00:27:18looking at it. She orders Aria around. My photo frames, my paint brushes, and even my favorite stuffed
00:27:25brunny. All swept into black garbage bags.
00:27:33I cry, and try to stop them, but it is useless. My transparent hands pass through the disfarted items,
00:27:43over and over again. Little hands wave in the air desperately. Maybe God hears my crying. A gust of
00:27:51wind blows, and a flower pot on the window shell crashes to the floor. Dad hears the noise and comes
00:27:57out. Serena, what are you doing? Serena, what are you doing? Serena's face instantly puts a wounded
00:28:07expression. Liam, I just don't want you to feel sad. Every time you see these things... Aria chimes in too.
00:28:19Uncle Liam, Mom is just trying to help you move on. You're not mad at her, are you? Dad looks
00:28:27at Aria,
00:28:27and opens his mouth. However, he can't even get a single word of blame out. Sorry. It's my fault.
00:28:35I shouldn't take this out on you. You're innocent. Aria smiles brightly. Uncle Liam, can I be your daughter
00:28:42too? I've always dreamed of having a hero dad like you. Thank you, Aria. You're so thoughtful. I float in
00:28:49the
00:28:49air and keep screaming. No! Dad only has one daughter, me! But they can't hear my heart breaking.
00:28:57I watch Dad hug Serena and Aria. In that moment, my heart dies completely. That afternoon, Mom comes
00:29:04back to this house. With her back is Uncle Ryan, the bodyguard. Die red light flashes. Wrong password.
00:29:11Mom freezes in place. This place used to be my warmest home, but now it won't even let her through
00:29:17the
00:29:17front door. Uncle Ryan kicks the door open. Mom rushes into the living room, but her footsteps
00:29:24freeze the moment she sees the house. Empty. Completely empty. The shelves that once held my photos,
00:29:33bare. The drawings I made on the walls, cruelly covered up by landscape paintings. Where are Mia's
00:29:40photos? Where did they all go? Mom's voice is angry and trembling.
00:29:50I don't know. Maybe the cleaners packed them away.
00:29:55Her eyes are full venomous provocation. I know where they went. Mom says keeping dead people's
00:30:03things brings bad luck. So we threw all the dead person's stuff into the trash.
00:30:12The room falls into dead silence. I float in mid-air, seeing Mom's body tremble like a leaf in the
00:30:18wind. She slowly turns her head. Her eyes are blood shut, as if they might drip blood. You threw away
00:30:25the last traces of Mia in this world. How dare you! Mom lunges at Serena like a mad lioness.
00:30:36She grabs the woman's red hair and slams her onto the hard wooden floor.
00:30:43Let go of me! You crazy woman! Serena screams and tries to fight back, but Mom
00:30:49scrattles her and delivers a loud sharp slap. The crisp sound echoes through the living room.
00:30:54What a beautiful sound! I float up to the ceiling, and I can't help but giggle. Just then, Dad comes
00:31:03home. He pushes the door open. Seeing the scene, Dad rushes over in panic, trying to pull Mom away.
00:31:10Chloe? Have you lost your mind? Stop it! Don't hurt innocent people!
00:31:15Innocent? Hearing those words, the hatred in Mom's eyes burns like fire. Before Dad can get close,
00:31:25Uncle Ryan blocks him like a mountain. His large hand grips Baz's shoulder tightly.
00:31:31Sir, Serena is currently trespassing, and Chloe is simply defending herself.
00:31:36Dad is completely restrained, but he can gently out.
00:31:41This is my house! Seize my guest! Mom stands up, looking down at Serena, who is sprawled on the
00:31:48floor like trash. Then she glances coldly at Dad. Your house? Liam Howard, have you forgotten?
00:31:53I'm the one paying the mortgage. Either you get Mia's things back, or you and these two
00:31:56bitches get the hell out. Dad's face cycles through shades of pale and red. He lowers his head,
00:32:01too humiliated to look up. The sun blazes overhead, and green flies buzz around the community trash bins.
00:32:10The air reeks of rotting garbage. My hero Dad is kneeling in the pile of waste, surrounded by
00:32:17leaking acidic liquid. Sweat pours down his face, and his hands are covered in black slud. He searches
00:32:23bag by bag for my belongings. My soul floats nearby, watching them reap what they sowed.
00:32:29Liam, this smell is unbearable! Can't we just buy her new things? Why do we have to dig through this
00:32:34dump?
00:32:35Dad ignores her. He carefully pulls a dirty, cracked photo frame from the trash. My baby picture. One month
00:32:41old. He wipes the frame, with his hands shaking. None of these things. I never gave her a single one.
00:32:53I'm a complete failure of a father.
00:32:59I remember. Every time I asked Dad for a gift, he always had an excuse. Not practical, too expensive. You
00:33:06already have too many toys. He never understood. I didn't just want the toy. I wanted proof that he
00:33:13loved me. Just then, Mom walks over. Behind her are several servants, carrying huge black garbage bags.
00:33:22Bang! Bang! Bang! The bags slam onto the ground at their feet. The contents spill out. Silk dresses,
00:33:30designer handbags, high-end cosmetics, and the giant stuffed bear Dad bought for Ara. Dirty water splashes
00:33:37all over Serena. But right now, she doesn't even care about the filth. My limited edition bags! My couture dresses!
00:33:44She desperately tries to pick up her luxury items, now soaked in stinking sewage. Mom crosses her arms,
00:33:53looking down at her. Does it hurt? Does it break your heart? Mom's sharp high heel presses mercilessly onto the
00:34:03designer bag.
00:34:06It doesn't feel good, does it? Watching the things you prejish get trampled like garbage?
00:34:14Liam! Look at her! I already brought everything back! What more does she want? Liam looks at Chloe and frowns.
00:34:20You think just bringing it back is enough? You're gonna clean every single item until it shines. Then
00:34:25you'll crawl to my daughter's grave, kneel down, and apologize to her.
00:34:31It's dusk at the cemetery. The wind is bone-killingly cold. Bright sunflowers surround my tombstone.
00:34:37Dad and Serena kneel side by side on the cold stone slab. Mom strokes my name on the grave.
00:34:41Her voice is so gentle it breaks the heart. Mia, Mommy brought her here to atone for her sins.
00:34:46Mom's eyes turn razor sharp. She reaches out suddenly and grabs the back of Serena's head,
00:34:51forcing her face down against the stone steps. For Seduyan, the married man,
00:34:55and destroying my family. Let me go! Serena struggles pathetically. Her delicate makeup
00:35:00smears with dirt. Mom slams her head against the tombstone again. And this one, for my daughter
00:35:05who died so horribly! Blood seeps from Serena's forehead. She lets out a pig-like squeal. You are
00:35:10more responsible than anyone else! Take it out on me! Dad can't bear it anymore. He struggles to plead
00:35:16for her. She's fragile! Something bad will happen! Mom stops. She slowly turns her head,
00:35:22looking at Dad like he's already dead. Then let her die. A life for a life? Isn't that fair?
00:35:29Dad stares at Mom in disbelief. I sit on my tombstone, swinging my transparent legs. Watching
00:35:34this scene, my heart feels nothing but pure satisfaction. But it's not the end. Mom stands
00:35:39up, taking out her phone. She points the camera at herself and presses the global live stream button
00:35:43on Instagram. Hell is only now opening its gates for them. The wind at the cemetery dries the tears on
00:35:50Mom's face. She stands tall, like a queen on her throne. She raises her phone, now broadcasting live
00:35:56to the world. The viewer count jumps wildly. 1,000, 10,000, 100,000. Dense comments scroll like falling
00:36:03snow. Mom turns the camera to Serena, who kneels on the ground, face covered in blood. And next to her,
00:36:08Dad, filthy and humiliated. Hello, everyone. My name is Chloe. Today, I want the whole world to see the
00:36:14true face of my husband, Liam Howard, the man they call a firefighting hero. Dad's face turns
00:36:19deathly pale. The rubble of the downtown collapse, this man abandoned our five-year-old daughter. He
00:36:25saved his first love's child instead. And while my daughter took her last breath, he was using our
00:36:30joint assets to buy that mistress a $100,000 apartment. The pain on Mom's face is raw and
00:36:35infectious. Chloe, you're insane. Turn it off. You'll ruin my career. Uncle Ryan kicks Dad hard in the back of
00:36:42his knee. Dad cries out in pain and falls to his knees again right in front of my tombstone. My
00:36:48soul looks down at him from above. I don't feel sorry for him anymore. The wind picks up around them.
00:36:55It blows Serena's hair into disarray. She looks utterly pathetic. Don't film me. This is invasion
00:37:00of privacy. I'll sue you. Her screams are deranged. I float in mid-air and watch the flood of hate
00:37:06comments on the screen. I lean close to Dad's ear. Blow a cold breath. Dad? Do you regret it now?
00:37:19I see Dad shiver. Strange. Why does it feel like cold air is blowing on my ear? Serena grabs Dad's
00:37:27arm,
00:37:28whimpers pitifully. Liam, please take me away from here. In the end, Dad still chooses Serena and
00:37:38shields her as they flee the scene. But they underestimate the power of the internet. Within
00:37:45two hours, the video spreads across the entire city. Serena and Aria flee back to the apartment Mom paid
00:37:53for. They barely sit down when an angry mob of neighbors smashes through the front door.
00:38:02Bam! The door slams against the wall. A dozen furious people storm into the living room like a hurricane.
00:38:09The red-haired woman leading them points at Serena's face with disgust. Our community doesn't
00:38:16welcome home-wrecking murderers. Get out! A fruit bowl is overturned. Bright fruits roll across the
00:38:23floor, crushed under stomping feet. That giant pink teddy bear Dad spent a fortune on for Aria.
00:38:29A furious man grabs it. The seams burst. White cheap cotton fluff flies through the air like snow.
00:38:35No! That's my bear! Aria shrinks into the corner of the sofa and lets out a desperate scream. Serena tries
00:38:43desperately to shield her. Her designer closed hair, and her face gets slapped multiple times.
00:38:48She doesn't even know who did it. I float in the swirling cotton flour, watching this chaotic scene.
00:38:59Aria, you only lost a teddy bear. I lost my life. The mob trashes everything. They grab Serena and her
00:39:09daughter and throw them out onto the cold street like garbage.
00:39:20The door locks shut behind them. Merciless. Serena holds trembling Aria in her arms.
00:39:28Her gaze slowly shifting from pity to a viper-like madness.
00:39:36I'm genuinely curious to see what Serena will pull now that she's homeless. So, my spirit quietly follows
00:39:44her. Serena takes Aria to a cheap, run-deck motel. In the bathroom, the shower is running. I face through
00:39:54the wall and hover over the tub. What I see next leaves me surprised. Aria is wearing nothing but a
00:40:00thin
00:40:01sun-dressed. Serena is pinning her down in the bathtub, and the poor girl is shaking uncontrollably
00:40:06from the cold. Mommy? What are you doing? I'm so cold. Serena has this crazy look in her eyes.
00:40:15She grabs a full bucket of ice, and splash-dumps-dumps the whole thing into the tub without
00:40:20a second thought. No! Stop it! Please! Aria screams as the ice hits her. Serena holds her struggling
00:40:28shoulders down, her face twisting with the effort. Shut up! If we don't do this, we won't even be
00:40:34able to eat! We need Liam's sympathy! But Mommy, I can't breathe. My heart hurts.
00:40:43Aria's face turns deathly pale in seconds. Her lips turn blue, and she thrashels in the icy water like a
00:40:50fish gossiping for air. I watch from the ceiling, completely detached.
00:40:58The way Aria is crying and begging for her life, it's exactly how I looked under those ruins.
00:41:07The only difference is, I was killed by Dad's neglect.
00:41:18She's being drowned by her mother's greed. Dad, if you knew you sacrificed your own daughter just to
00:41:27save people this twisted, would you finally feel a shred of regret? Serena watches her
00:41:38daughter's breathing fade, until Aria finally blacks out.
00:41:47Only then, does she frantically dial Dad's number.
00:41:52Liam! Help! Aria had a heart attack! Chloe sent people to scare her, and she collapsed!
00:42:03Outside the ER, the red light glares harshly. Dad comes charging in, drenched in sweat. The second
00:42:09Serena sees him, she collapses into his arms, sobbing.
00:42:13Liam! If Aria doesn't make it, I don't want to live anymore!
00:42:18What a total hypocrite! I sit on the bench, watching Serena.
00:42:22It is all Chloe's fault!
00:42:24If she had not stirred up all that trouble online, those thugs never would have come after Aria!
00:42:30Dad holds her tight, staring at the ER doors with the veins in his forehand bolsting.
00:42:35The doctor says she needs surgery immediately. Liam, what am I going to do?
00:42:40Hearing Serena pin everything on Mom makes me so mad I start stomping my feet in mid-air.
00:42:45Dad! She's a liar! Don't fall for it!
00:42:48I scream into his ear, but he doesn't hear a thing. He just squeezes Serena's shoulders.
00:42:53Don't worry. I'll handle the medical bills.
00:42:56Dad grits his teeth, giving every ounce of his sympathy to that snake, Serena.
00:43:00He doesn't even bother to double cheery check why Aria is actually sick. If he'd bothered to ask a
00:43:06single doctor, he'd know. Aria's heart stopped because of severe hypothermia. Being scared doesn't
00:43:14do that to a person. He stands up abruptly and storms out of the hospital in a blind rage.
00:43:20Watching him go, I feel a wave of pure nausea. Dad, you're not just blind. You're a complete and utter
00:43:29moron.
00:43:31Since you're so hell-tent on not making a fight with Mom.
00:43:37Go ahead. Go see exactly what kind of hell she has waiting for you.
00:43:46Dad kicks the front door of the villa open with a violent bang.
00:43:50Chloe, why can't you just leave Serena alone? They're innocent!
00:43:53He storms into the dining room, roaring at the top of his links.
00:43:56Aria is lying in a hospital bed unconscious right now. Is this what you wanted?
00:43:59My spirit drifts in right behind him. But instead of finding a guilty,
00:44:04sobbing wife, Harz met with the aroma of premium coffee and two faces full of cold mockery.
00:44:10Mom is sitting by the sun-dreamt kitchen island, elegantly flipping through some documents.
00:44:17And standing right next to her is a tall, handsome man, its uncle.
00:44:21Ryan leans in close, thoughtfully tucking a stray lock of hair behind Chloe's ear.
00:44:27Seeing Dad standing there all disheveled and fuming, Mom doesn't even bother to look up.
00:44:32What exactly am I supposed to be satisfied with, Liam? I simply sent a few people over to take back
00:44:36a house that belongs to me. Chloe sets her documents down and fixes her gaze on Liam.
00:44:39A cold plays on Mom's lips. She looks at Dad like he's a piece of trash.
00:44:42If that little brat drops dead just because she got a little spooked, that's hardly my problem.
00:44:46Dad's eyes widen like he's seeing a stranger.
00:44:48How can you be so vicious? Aren't you afraid of having blood on your hands?
00:44:53Vicious?
00:44:54Mom stands up abruptly, her powerful aura forcing Liam to take a half step back.
00:44:59You think I'm vicious? This is nothing compared to what my daughter went through.
00:45:03If it means making you suffer for the rest of your lives, I'll go to hell for it!
00:45:07Dad is left speechless, his face flushing with frustration. He turns and points a finger on Ryan,
00:45:12who is watching the scene with a faint, amused smile.
00:45:15And who the hell is he? You're bringing other men into our home?
00:45:18Instead of making excuses, Chloe links her arm through Ryan's and gives him a radiant,
00:45:22stunning smile. This is my house. It'll bring whoever I want back here.
00:45:26I perch myself on Ryan's shoulder, watching Dad's face twist with a mix of jealousy and helplessness.
00:45:31I'm so happy I do a little flip in the air. Dad is raging, glaring daggers at Ryan. He originally
00:45:38came here to demand justice for Aria. She developed heart disease because of ice water. But now,
00:45:44with him nothing but pure unadulterated jealousy. Chloe, you cannot do this to me! We are not even
00:45:49divorced yet! Dad tries to reclaim his territory using his status as a husband. So what if we are
00:45:54not? We are just friends. Exactly like you and Serena. Surely you understand that kind of relationship
00:46:03better than anyone, right? Dad's face instantly turns a deep bruised purple. He stands there in total
00:46:10humiliation, his steps heavy, unable to move. I cannot help but cheer for her. Without her money,
00:46:15Dad can't even afford Aria's hospital bills. Knowing that Serena's little scheme is about to crash and
00:46:21burn makes me want to run laps around the living room. Since yours tone would determine to stay,
00:46:25go to the kitchen and fix us some dinner. Lemia's hands clenched into fists, the knuckles white with
00:46:30repressed rage. And remember, take good care of my guest. The warning in her smile was unmistakable.
00:46:35He turned and walked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Ten minutes later, the big hero who used
00:46:40to wear a crisp firefighting uniform and rescue people from ruins? Now, he has got a ridiculous
00:46:45pink floral apron seized around his waist, standing by the sink like a lowerly servant. He is scrubbing
00:46:50a cucumber so hard that water splashes all over his face. Meanwhile, just a wall away in the dining
00:46:55room, Mom and Ryan are having a blast. Their laughter drips into the kitchen. I hover in the air,
00:47:00watching Dad's face turn a sickly shade of green. He grits his teeth, slamming the clear onto the
00:47:05cutting. You like a pathetic, stray dog right now. Dinner is finally served.
00:47:17Chloe, this stuff looks... barely edible. It is burnt to a crust.
00:47:24Dad's breathing turns heavy in an instant. His fists clench deep in his apron pockets,
00:47:28knuckles cracking under the strain. Just as he is about to blow out a fuse,
00:47:32Mom casually stabs a slice of apple with her fork and holds it up to Ryan's...
00:47:35Then don't eat his garbage. Here, try this apple. Is it sweet?
00:47:45If it is from you, it is always sweet.
00:47:50Watching them flirt so shamelessly right in front of him, Dad's eyes turn a bloodshot vengeful red.
00:47:55He is losing his mind with jealousy. I hover above the dining table,
00:48:00watching Dad look so utterly pathetic and repressed. I can't resist adding a little fuel to the fire.
00:48:06Ugh, Liam, what is that smell? That is disgusting. Mom instantly covered her nose.
00:48:11Her face twisted in pure revulsion. Dad scrambles with a rag, trying to wipe himself down,
00:48:16but he only makes a bigger mess. He looks like a total clown. Perched on the chandelier,
00:48:20I can't help but gigger. Dinner ends in a suffocating, awkward silence.
00:48:31This is for you. I think the scent really suits you.
00:48:36Ryan looks flattered, casting a sidelight glance at Dad, who's scrubbing dishes in the kitchen.
00:48:44Has been this a little awkward?
00:48:46Awkward? Why would it be? Liam is famous for being generous. He's so busy playing the good
00:48:52Samanerton. I'm sure he's thrilled I finally have someone to keep me company. Isn't that right, Liam?
00:48:58The loud break crack of a shattering plate echoes from the kitchen. Dad's completely heartbroken.
00:49:05It's getting late, Ryan. Don't you think it's time to head out?
00:49:11Mom grind by his tie, pulling him close. Why leave so late? I can go to your room and give
00:49:20you a full body massage.
00:49:24You are a woman, and he is a grown man! Do you honestly think it's appropriate to go into his
00:49:32room dressed like that?
00:49:35Mom dunk back back down. She steps closer, patting Dap's rigid cheek with her long, slender fingers.
00:49:44Don't be so jealous, Liam. Drop the pathetic act of possessiveness.
00:49:49She brushes past Dad, who stands frozen in place, and links arms with Ryan as they walk toward the guest
00:49:58room at the end of the hall. Dad stands in the dark corridor alone. The doors locked tight. Dad's entire
00:50:06world has collapsed.
00:50:11Early the next morning, Dad, who had spent the entire night being eaten live by jealousy and
00:50:15humiliation, receives a barrage of frantic calls from Serena. Watching Ad was sobbing with claiming
00:50:20Zion with dark area had suffered a heartache attack and needed media under his surgeries and a
00:50:24martyr-like expression. I know exactly what was coming. He is ready to play the savior again.
00:50:30Chloe, we need to talk. He took a deep breath, his tone dripping with self-righteousness.
00:50:37Back then, every time he started a sentence like like that, it meant I was about to get a lecture.
00:50:44I know you are mad at me. I can take the humiliation you put me through last night. I can
00:50:49live with it.
00:50:51But Area's heart condition has flared up. She is in the ER right now. She is just a little girl,
00:50:57the same age as Mia. His voice is almost pleading, yet he still manages to sound so condescending.
00:51:04You are a good person. You have always been. Are you really going to let your hatred for me get
00:51:11in
00:51:11the way and let an innocent child die? An innocent child? Hovering in mid-air, I feel myself shaking
00:51:19with pure rage at those words. Dad, I am also innocent. Why did you abandon me? Did you ever
00:51:27give a single thought to me? Right then, I feel a strange surge of power. I look down and see
00:51:34my
00:51:35transparent fingertips. Frosting over with a layer of bone-chilling white ice,
00:51:42fueled by my absolute fury. So my hatred actually has the power to touch this world.
00:51:48I lash out with my hands. A crystal goblet sitting right next to Mom shatters instantly.
00:51:59Red gash across Dad's hypocritical face. Dad clutches his bleeding cheeks in terror,
00:52:06stumbling back with his eyes wide, looking like he had just seen a ghost.
00:52:12After Dad's self-rightness take the high-road speech, Mom looks absolutely disgusted. She stands
00:52:17up, looking at him like he's a cockroach she just found in her soup.
00:52:20Kindness? Liam, how dare you say that? You want my money to save the one who killed my daughter?
00:52:26And I'm supposed to be reasonable? Chloe, how did you get this cold-blooded?
00:52:30Aria is innocent! If Mia were looking down on us, she would never want to see her mother turn into
00:52:36a heartless murderer. Hearing him use my name to guilt-trap Mom might blood boil. I channel every
00:52:43bit of my energy and slam a gust of freezing wind right into him. The Firefighting Hero Award
00:52:48hanging on the wall, his pride and love flies off and shatters right at his feet. Shut up! You don't
00:52:53get to say Mia's name! If you're so worried about your soulmate, then go save her yourself! Mom grabs
00:52:58the divorce papers she'd already prepared and hurls them straight at his face. Sign them and get the
00:53:03hell out of my house! I'm not giving you or them a single cent! Fine! Fine! Consider it signed! I
00:53:10don't
00:53:11want your dirty dunny anyway! He scribbles his name in a rage and storms out, slamming the door
00:53:16behind him! I drift down next to Mom, watching his back as he walks away, and I can't help but
00:53:21smile!
00:53:22Go ahead Dad, go save your precious Serena and her kid! I'm just getting started with them!
00:53:29The VIP hospital room is dead silent in the middle of the night. I drift inside,
00:53:32my transparent toes hovering just above Serena's bedside. She's curled up on the cat, probably having
00:53:37some beautiful dream. As I stare down at the two of them, who had nested in a life that wasn't
00:53:41theirs,
00:53:41I slowly raise my hand. I don't need to get back as the little trip down memory lane would be
00:53:45more
00:53:45than enough. The smell of disinfectant in the air begins to shift, turning into the suffocating
00:53:50scent of concrete dust mixed with the metallic tang of dried blood. Serena at brow and frows at the
00:53:56stench, and she tosses and turns uncomfortably. Who, who's under there? No answer! Her hand shakes as
00:54:03she reaches for the light switch, but her eyes accidentally catch the wall. At some point,
00:54:07a streak of blood appears on the white paint. Lean closer to her ear and let out a soft icy
00:54:11breath. Auntie Serena, the rocks are so heavy, it hurts.
00:54:17No! Get away! Don't come after me! I didn't kill you! That's, that's on your father!
00:54:21Yeah, I kept Leon from going to the ruins to save you, but I didn't have a choice! I lost
00:54:25my husband!
00:54:26I had nothing! I had to hold on to him like he was all I had! He is the one
00:54:29who chose to play the
00:54:30hero and pick us! Listening to her speak without a shred of remorse, my gaze turned ice cold.
00:54:35She's still denying it!
00:54:42Fine, then let's show you what happens next.
00:54:46Ah! Let me go! Please, let me go! I'll tell you everything! It was me! I hurt Aria just to
00:54:53keep Liam! I'm a terrible mother! I don't deserve her! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please, just let me go!
00:55:01The late night snacks hit the floor with a heavy thud, hot soup splashing everywhere.
00:55:05What did you just say?
00:55:06Every single word Sierra just spit out has pierced Dad's ears. He uses a sense of heroism. He was
00:55:10saving a poor struggling of my death, telling himself it was the right thing to do in Spam and
00:55:13of blaming Zarina. But now, the brutal truth is like a rusty saw, hacking straight through his delusion.
00:55:17Liam! No! Let me explain! I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:25I was just having a nightmare!
00:55:27Get off me!
00:55:31Dad's massive hands wrap around Serena's neck, squeezing tight.
00:55:36It was you! You're the reason my Mia is dead! You've been lying to me this whole time! You poisonous
00:55:46bitch! Let go? Liam, I can't breathe!
00:55:49Her eyes roll back as she claws frantically at his arms, leaving behind rows of bloody scratches.
00:55:54I hover in the air, watching with cold and dents as this perfect couple tears each other apart.
00:55:57Dad, what's the point of choking her now? Even if you rip her to shreds, I'm never coming back.
00:56:02Just as Serena is one second away from taking her last breath. Bam! The hospital door is slammed open once
00:56:10again.
00:56:12I told you I'd make you both pay.
00:56:18Pull them apart!
00:56:22Several burly officers rush in,
00:56:26forcibly dragging a frenzied dad off Serena and penning his arms behind his back against the wall.
00:56:33Serena Ellitz, we have received critical audio evidence provided by Mrs. Chloe Howard.
00:56:38You are under arrest for suspicion of murder, felsony child abuse, and large-scale fraud.
00:56:42The cold handcuffs snap shut, locking tight around Serena wrists. The fear finally sets in.
00:56:48Please, let me go! I can't go to prison! Aria needs her mother!
00:56:53Mom looks down at her, her eyes cold without sympathy. Take her away.
00:56:58Prison should give her plenty of time to think. On the hospital bed, Aria weakly opens her eyes,
00:57:04her face still deathly pale. Two stone-faced officers step forward and pick her up by force.
00:57:09Aria does not understand what is happening yet, but she starts struggling. I want Mommy! I want Uncle Liam!
00:57:14Let me go! This little brat, who used to brag in front of my mom and maliciously curse me to
00:57:19dead,
00:57:20is now crying like a pathetic beggar. I drift down to the hospital window and, from the other side of
00:57:25the glass,
00:57:25make a huge mocking face at her. Aria, did you not love stealing other people's dads?
00:57:30Well, now you do not have one anymore, not even your mom. And trust me, those hard beds in the
00:57:39orphanage?
00:57:40Nothing like your comfy VIP room.
00:57:48I watch as Serena is roughly dragged away by the police, her blood-catting screams echoing through
00:57:54the entire hallway. Meanwhile, Dad, the once proud firefighting hero, is slumped on the floor tiles.
00:58:02He stares at the mess around him, his eyes as hollow as a completely broken puppet.
00:58:11Mom turns around, leaving without giving him a single glance.
00:58:23Mom, we won!
00:58:26The morning sun outside the courthouse feels cold and sterile.
00:58:34I've always hated the vibe of this place, so I just sit on the front steps and wait.
00:58:42Finally, Mom strides out those massive doors, her heels clicking against the stone with total
00:58:49confidence. She's holding the official divorce reed, looking like she's finally shed a heavy skin.
00:58:56Dad comes stumbling out after her, looking like a total wreck.
00:59:01Chloe, wait!
00:59:05Can we please just talk for a second?
00:59:07His eyes are bloodshot, and his voice is thick with desperation.
00:59:14Mom stops and turns around.
00:59:16She looks down at him with the kind of icy stare you'd give a complete stranger.
00:59:22Tears stream down Liam's face, disappearing into his messy stubble.
00:59:27I know I've put you through hell, and I want to apologize for everything.
00:59:35I quit the fire department. I've signed up to be a volunteer teacher in the slums. I'm leaving tomorrow.
00:59:42Dad's voice breaks, trying that same old self-exhaustion act, hoping to wring one last bit of pity out of
00:59:49Mom.
00:59:50In his mind, if he looks miserable enough, she'll soften like she always used to.
00:59:55Maybe even give him a hug.
00:59:57Is that it?
00:59:59Dad looks stunned. He definitely didn't expect her to be this indifferent.
01:00:07All right then. Safe travels. Goodbye.
01:00:12Without a hint of hesitation, Mom turns her back on him.
01:00:17She walks straight over to Ryan, who's been waiting by the curb, and slides into the back of his black
01:00:25Bentley.
01:00:27I hover in the air, watching Dad collapse onto the rough stone pavement of the courthouse, sobbing his heart out.
01:00:42Too little. Too late, Dad.
01:00:52Your apology isn't worth a damn thing now.
01:00:58Mom drives off in the black Bentley with Ryan.
01:01:02I hover in mid-air, looking down at Dad kneeling on the rough pavement.
01:01:07Suddenly, I'm curious.
01:01:09I want to see what a hero who has lost everything does next.
01:01:14Dad stays on his knees for a long time before finally swaying to his feet.
01:01:18He wanders onto the street like a zombie, his soul completely hollowed out.
01:01:21I follow him, watching him walk from dawn until dusk.
01:01:25He doesn't eat a single bite or drink a drop of water.
01:01:29People on the street point and stare, but he is deaf to it all.
01:01:32He just keeps moving. It is late at night when he finally stops.
01:01:35He has reached the center of the city, standing at the very site of the collapse.
01:01:39Yellow police tape still surrounds the area.
01:01:41This is where I died. This is where it all began.
01:01:45I watch him pull that pink Barbie doll, the one he never got to give me, out from inside his
01:01:50jacket.
01:01:50Mia. Daddy's here now. I'm taking you home.
01:01:55Suddenly pulls out a large canister from somewhere and starts drenching himself,
01:01:59pouring it from his head down to his toes. Click.
01:02:01The crisp sound of metal breaks the dead silence. A tiny blue flame flickers on his lighter.
01:02:06And without a second thought, Liam lets it go. A massive wall of fire erupts instantly,
01:02:11swallowing Liam home. The roaring flames melt the firefighting uniform he was once so proud of.
01:02:15The fire chars the very arms he used to hold everyone but me.
01:02:17I drift just outside the heat of the blaze, quietly watching him struggle in the fire,
01:02:22until he finally collapses, turning into a blackened heap.
01:02:25Those eyes that used to look at me with warmth are now nothing but ash.
01:02:28Dad, I don't hate you anymore, because honestly, you're not even worth the effort.
01:02:33By the time the fire burns out, dawn has broken.
01:02:37I guess it is time for me to go, too.
01:02:41I turn into a golden breeze, drifting through the city streets and floating to Mom's side one last time.
01:02:48Mom is leaning back in Uncle Ryan's arms, quietly watching the world outside the window.
01:02:52I lean in and leave a cold, weightless kiss on her cheek.
01:02:56Goodbye, Mom. I wish you every happiness. I don't say another word.
01:02:59I just brush past her hair and graze her cheek, like a shadow of a hug.
01:03:03The moment the breeze touches her, Mom's calm expression freezes. It is like she feels something.
01:03:09She intinctively reaches up, her fingertips brushing the exact spot where my phantom kiss landed.
01:03:14I see her eyes well up with tears.
01:03:16Chloe, what's wrong? Are you cold?
01:03:18Mom doesn't say anything. She just stares at the windowsill.
01:03:23Even though there is no wind, the potted sunflower suddenly tilts and sways just a little.
01:03:33Mom rests her head on Ryan's shoulder. As she watches a ray of sunlight pierce through the clouds,
01:03:40a smile spreads across her face. Mom, you felt that, didn't you?
01:03:48I close my eyes and let go, flying towards the warmest light, finally at peace.
01:03:59Time. It has its own kind of gentle magic.
01:04:02They named me Mia. My mom. My dad. They loved me so much.
01:04:25Through the haze, I hear a nursery rhyme, the one I loved most when I was five.
01:04:31Wait. Is this heaven?
01:04:34No, my sweet girl. This is where I will always wait for you.
01:04:39No, my sweet girl.
01:04:42No, my sweet girl.
01:04:56No, my sweet girl.
01:05:09No, my sweet girl.
01:05:10Surrounded by the warmth of a steady heartbeat, I start to smile, too.
01:05:17This time, I know for sure, I have finally been born into a world of real love.
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