- 18 hours ago
Spring Never Comes for Lily - Hot
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I collapsed at Malcolm's engagement party, glass shards everywhere, blood mixing with cake and champagne.
00:06When I woke up, I was in a hospital room. Malcolm stood over me with desperate eyes.
00:12The blood bank is empty, Lily. You're the only match. Please, save her.
00:20He wasn't talking about me. He meant Alicia, his fiancée, the woman whose wedding I had just destroyed.
00:26So I let them take my blood. Then the doctor looked at me, with a face you never want to
00:31see on a doctor.
00:33Mrs. Brooks, you have a brain tumor. It's getting worse.
00:37I didn't understand, so he made it simple.
00:40It means two months to live.
00:44When I was born, I was diagnosed with intellectual disability.
00:48When I was eight, Mom and Dad brought home an adorable little boy named Malcolm Harrington.
00:53He had a real mean streak. When I offered him candy, he sank his teeth into my finger and bit
00:59off half of it.
01:03When I tried to help him clean up, he shoved my head into the sink and held it there.
01:09One day, I went to my uncle's house to play games.
01:12I was hoping to win some fancy chocolate for Malcolm.
01:15Then, without warning, Malcolm charged in frantically and bit down hard on my uncle's leg, drawing blood.
01:23He told me his home was far away in Chicago.
01:26I didn't understand what that meant.
01:28But at night, he would turn away from me and cry until his pillow was soaked.
01:32I figured he missed his family.
01:34So I sneaked him out.
01:36I stuffed every piece of candy I'd saved into his pockets.
01:39I gave him a firm shove, urging him to run.
01:42When Mom and Dad caught me, they beat me with fists and sticks.
01:49As my blood mixed with the crushed candy, I just wanted to close my eyes and never wake up.
01:56But instead of leaving, Malcolm ran back and threw himself over me.
02:02His tears fell into my mouth, salty and bitter.
02:05He held a kitchen knife against his own throat.
02:10If you kill her, I die too!
02:12After that, he never mentioned going home again.
02:14Then, when we were 18, a line of shiny black cars pulled up in front of the house.
02:19Men wearing armbands took Mom and Dad away.
02:23A beautiful woman who smelled like perfume cried as she pulled Malcolm into one of the cars.
02:28I knew he was going home.
02:29I held out the chocolates I'd been saving for six months.
02:32But he knocked them out of my hands.
02:34He pulled me into a crushing hug, his voice shaking.
02:38Lily, come with me.
02:40I'm taking you to the city.
02:42You like birds, right?
02:44There are so many beautiful birds there.
02:47Chicago was beautiful.
02:49The buildings were taller than the mountains back home.
02:51I stared at everything with my mouth hanging open, trying to take it all in.
02:56Malcolm told me it all belonged to his family.
02:58But there were no birds.
03:00And the woman, Rachel Harrington, kept digging her long fingernails into my palm.
03:05Scared, I tugged at his sleeve.
03:07Malk, when can I go home?
03:10His expression darkened, though his voice stayed soft.
03:14My home is your home.
03:15We are never going back to that place.
03:18Rachel's voice rose to a shriek.
03:20Malk!
03:21Your father will never agree to adopt her!
03:25If it weren't for her human tracker parents, you wouldn't have suffered in that slum for ten years!
03:30Malcolm's face was cold.
03:31The couple was at fault.
03:33Not her.
03:34But she's retorted!
03:36Rachel waved a stack of papers in the air.
03:39Severe intellectual disability!
03:44She'll be a burden forever!
03:46Do you know how bad that looks for your father?
03:51I froze in fear, and then my pants felt warm and wet.
03:55A dark stain spread across the carpet.
03:57The servants covered their noses and stepped away, whispering to one another.
04:02I wanted to curl up and hide my shame.
04:05But then I noticed the white papers scattered on the floor.
04:08I dropped to my knees to pick them up.
04:10I carefully padded off the dust and handed them to Malcolm.
04:14He used to complain that his homework paper was too thin and tore easily.
04:18Now he finally had good paper.
04:20Malk!
04:21White paper!
04:21You can do your homework now.
04:24His eyes turned red.
04:26He took the stack of papers, gripped my hand, and led me into the guest room.
04:31A few maids came over to change my dress, clearly unhappy about it.
04:36I clutched my waistband tight, so they pinched my side hard.
04:40Ugh!
04:42Disgusting!
04:42Let go!
04:44Tears stung my eyes from the pain, but I remembered what Malcolm told me no one was allowed to touch
04:49my dress except him and me.
04:50The door was slightly ajar, and I heard Malcolm's icy voice coming from the hallway.
04:56Rachel, you know exactly how you got into my father's bed.
05:01And you know exactly why I went missing all those years ago.
05:05If you try to poison my father against Lily, I promise you and your precious son will be
05:10thrown out of the Harrington family.
05:14Rachel's face went pale, and she ran away crying.
05:18The hallway went quiet.
05:20When I came out in clean pants, Malcolm was slumped on the sofa.
05:24He looked at me and let out a long sigh.
05:27Malcolm was home now, so why wasn't he happy?
05:30Later, Malcolm's father came home.
05:33They stayed in the study for a long time.
05:35When Malcolm finally came out, he had a bright red handprint on his face.
05:40He locked himself in his room and refused to eat.
05:43I shook with fear.
05:44Back home, when Mom and Dad said I was bad and wouldn't feed me,
05:48Malcolm used to sneak his food to me.
05:50Once, he went hungry for a whole week until he passed out.
05:54I ran to tell Mom and Dad, but they beat me and accused me of starving him to death.
05:59When he woke up, he kept his mouth shut tight, no matter how much I begged him to eat.
06:04He waited until Mom and Dad finally brought me a plate of food, too.
06:08Only then did he open his mouth and let me feed him.
06:13I took a bread roll I'd hidden during dinner and sneaked into Malcolm's room.
06:18I tried desperately to push it into his mouth, but his eyes were red.
06:22He pulled me close, his hot tears dripping onto my neck.
06:26Lily, he might be my biological father, but he stopped caring about me a long time ago.
06:33No one here cares.
06:39I only have you.
06:41If they can't accept you, they won't accept me either.
06:44I didn't understand his complicated words, so I just used my sleeve to wipe his face.
06:49Let's leave.
06:50His voice was sudden and firm.
06:53Isn't this our home?
06:56Lily, anywhere I am with you is home.
06:59He took me and ran away.
07:02We lived under an overpass for three days, huddled together for warmth.
07:07Finally, Malcolm's father gave in and agreed to let me stay.
07:11But Rachel complained I was covered in germs.
07:13She wouldn't let me touch anything and made me stay in my room.
07:17Every night, Malcolm came to hold me while we slept, whispering that he was sorry.
07:22I didn't understand why.
07:24Even though there were no birds here, I had Malcolm, and that made me happy.
07:30But then Malcolm went to college and got very busy.
07:34He stopped coming home for dinner.
07:36He stopped reading me stories before bed.
07:39A pretty girl named Alicia Quinn started following him around.
07:42She had long hair and always smelled like flowers.
07:45The servants told me she was Malcolm's fiancé.
07:48I didn't know what a fiancé was.
07:50They laughed and told me.
07:52It means she's his bride.
07:55They'll sleep together and eat together every day.
07:58I tilted my head.
08:00Does that mean I'm Malcolm's fiancé too?
08:04Malcolm laughed and shook his head.
08:06That's different.
08:07When I asked him why, his face fell, and he looked at me with a strange expression.
08:12He didn't explain.
08:14After that, he stopped coming to hold me at night.
08:17I lay awake in the dark, staring at the ceiling, waiting for the door to open.
08:22It never did.
08:25I could only watch through the glass as Malcolm and Alicia sat on the garden swing.
08:30They were reading, feeding the fish by the pond, and walking that fluffy puppy of theirs.
08:35I wanted to be out there so bad it hurt.
08:38I missed Malcolm.
08:40But one time, Alicia had actually spotted me at the window.
08:44It startled her so bad she fell right to the ground, pointing at me and screaming that she'd seen a
08:49ghost.
08:50I panicked.
08:51I ran outside and almost got hit by a car.
08:55Malcolm was furious.
08:57He struck me hard with a clothes hanger.
09:00Why are you running around?
09:02Why won't you listen?
09:04After that, they covered the window with black cloth.
09:07I couldn't see anything anymore.
09:09The servants stopped bringing me food, and I started feeling dizzy from the hunger.
09:14They didn't let me out until the day of Malcolm's engagement party.
09:21Malcolm pulled me aside.
09:23When he saw how thin my face was, a flicker of guilt passed through his eyes.
09:28But his voice stayed harsh and cold.
09:30Today is my engagement party with Alicia.
09:34You just watch quietly, understand?
09:37No eating with your hands.
09:40If you need the bathroom, tell a servant.
09:44Malcolm had forgotten again.
09:46The first time I ate with Alicia, I didn't know how to use a knife and fork.
09:50I remembered him saying we needed to make a good impression on her.
09:54I was starving.
09:55While I drank my juice, I secretly grabbed handfuls of food and stuffed them into my pocket to eat back
10:00in my room.
10:01Then, a sudden urge to pee hit me.
10:04I hurriedly told them I needed the bathroom.
10:07Rachel, who always had sharp eyes.
10:09Grabbed me.
10:10What's that bulging in your pocket?
10:12Then she screamed.
10:14We feed and clothe you.
10:16And you still steal?
10:18She yanked at me.
10:20And the food spilled all over the floor.
10:22That's when I felt a sudden warmth between my legs.
10:26Urine dripped down my calf.
10:30The room went dead silent.
10:34Guests covered their mouths in shock and backed away, their eyes full of disgust.
10:39The smell filled the air.
10:41Alicia went totally pale.
10:43She retched, covered her nose, and ran out, forgetting all about being polite.
10:50Malcolm rushed after her.
10:52He didn't come back for a long time.
10:54When he finally returned, he stared at the mess on the floor with empty eyes.
11:01I'm begging you.
11:03His voice sounded exhausted.
11:05Just be normal, okay?
11:07Since that first incident, I had practiced using a knife and fork until my hands were covered
11:12in blood.
11:13I had learned to use the toilet by myself.
11:16I nodded obediently.
11:18He didn't look at me again.
11:21He turned to take Alicia's arm and chat with the guests.
11:25Malcolm looked tired, but his smile was bright.
11:29I was truly happy for him.
11:31Then Vincent Harrington, Malcolm's half-brother, whispered behind me.
11:35Malc hasn't eaten all day.
11:38If you bring him a piece of cake, he'll be even happier.
11:43My eyes lit up.
11:44I remembered when we were kids back in the village.
11:47A big boy named Brad told me to kneel and bark like a dog for a bite of cake.
11:52I had knelt until my knees bled, barking for a long time, just to present that cake to
11:57Malcolm like a treasure.
11:58Malcolm had stared at the cake and insisted I eat first.
12:01I wiped my mouth, smiling, and lied that I had already eaten.
12:05Only then did he open his mouth.
12:08Cream stuck to the corner of his lips, and he squinted at the sweetness.
12:12But the next day, he came home from school in a rage.
12:15He cried and shoved me, calling me shameless, saying I had no self-respect.
12:21He said he didn't have a sister like me.
12:23But a second later, he ran out to the riverbank and dug up wet herbs.
12:27With red eyes, he applied the medicine to my knees.
12:30He glared at me.
12:32I hate cake!
12:34If you ever bring it to me again, I'll kill you!
12:37Watching his trembling hands, I couldn't help but smile.
12:41Malcolm was lying again.
12:43Happily, I went to cut the cake.
12:45Suddenly, my vision went black.
12:49I collapsed right into the cake, knocking over the champagne tower.
12:53It crashed down on me, and the shards pierced my skin.
13:00Alicia screamed and jumped back.
13:03She looked terrified.
13:04Her gorgeous red dress splattered with cream.
13:07Her eyes red.
13:08She looked at Malcolm.
13:11Malcolm!
13:13You said she would behave!
13:17Why did you let her ruin my engagement party?
13:21She covered her face and ran out.
13:25Malcolm's expression was terrifyingly cold.
13:27All I could think was that if Malcolm ate the cake, he would be happy.
13:32Fighting the intense pain of the glass shards in my body,
13:34I scooped the clean parts of the cake onto a plate.
13:37I had just lifted it up when Malcolm kicked the plate away.
13:41His eyes were bloodshot.
13:44Are you that obsessed with food?
13:47You couldn't wait a single moment!
13:50Are you not satisfied until you've ruined me and I'm stuck with you forever?
13:54I shook my head frantically, trying to grab his hand.
13:58But he shoved me away hard and stormed out without looking back.
14:01I fell onto the debris.
14:03Glass shards pierced my skin, and the pain made tears stream down my face.
14:08Moments later, someone rushed in, shouting,
14:11Mrs. Quinn has been in a car accident!
14:15The bodyguards hauled me into the hospital.
14:17Malcolm's voice was desperate.
14:19Lily, the blood bank is empty, and you're the only match.
14:25Please.
14:28Save her.
14:32Okay?
14:33I couldn't answer because I hurt too much.
14:35There was still glass from the accident stuck in my skin.
14:38Malcolm snapped.
14:41Alicia isn't me.
14:44You hurt her, so you have to pay for it!
14:46He shoved me toward the donation room.
14:48The doctor rolled up my sleeve.
14:50But when he saw my arm was covered in fresh blood, he froze.
14:54He looked like he wanted to stop.
14:56I remembered something I'd seen on TV once.
14:59I ducked my head and begged.
15:02I'll do it.
15:04I'll do it.
15:04I was wrong.
15:07I'm not scared of the pain.
15:09After a round of tests, the doctor looked grim.
15:14Miss, Miss.
15:15Brooks.
15:16You have a brain tumor.
15:18And it's getting worse.
15:20I didn't get it.
15:22He sighed.
15:24It means you have two months to live.
15:28That part, I understood.
15:30Malcolm had told me once that dying meant going somewhere very far away farther than birds
15:34could fly.
15:35But he also said the birds come back in the spring.
15:38When they finished taking my blood, I wanted to tell him.
15:42I wanted to say I was going on a long trip and that he should remember to come get me
15:45in the spring.
15:46But then Alicia woke up.
15:48Before I could get the words out, he shoved past me and ran to her.
15:52The room spun and I hit the floor.
15:56Through the crack in the door, I heard Alicia sobbing.
15:59I said I didn't mind her living with us after we got married, but I never agreed to risk
16:03my life for it.
16:05We've given her a luxury life for years.
16:08Whatever debt we owed is paid.
16:10Because you keep protecting her, your dad is about to give your inheritance to Vincent
16:15instead.
16:15I've compromised on everything for you.
16:18But do you ever think about how I feel?
16:26Do you know how people make fun of me?
16:31She's retarded.
16:33How much more do we have to accommodate her?
16:38Malcolm's voice sounded hoarse.
16:40She wasn't always like this.
16:41She got this way by saving me.
16:44No matter what I do, I can't give her a normal life back.
16:48Alicia went quiet for a second.
16:50Without you, her life would be way worse than this.
16:54She would have been sold off or tortured to death.
16:57Send her to a care facility.
17:00They have professionals there.
17:01She'll be treated well.
17:02Malcolm buried his face in his hands.
17:07Let me think about it.
17:10We only have two months, Malk.
17:13If Vincent becomes the heir,
17:17I won't be able to marry you.
17:22They held each other and cried, like some unlucky couple being tested by fate.
17:27My chest suddenly ached.
17:29It hurt worse than when mom and dad used to hit me.
17:32Turned out, Malcolm was suffering so much because of me.
17:35I decided I didn't want him to come get me after all.
17:39My headaches had been getting worse lately, and I usually ended up sleeping the entire day away.
17:45My nose wouldn't stop bleeding either, just these uncontrollable trickles of dark blood.
17:50It was a good thing Rachel hadn't let me leave my room.
17:53If Malcolm had seen me like that, he'd have just lost it again.
17:57Lying in bed, I reached under my pillow and dug out the little wooden bird he carved.
18:03Suddenly, the door swung open.
18:06I panicked and shoved it back out of sight.
18:09The last time Malcolm got mad at me for running around, he threw it into the fire.
18:14I was so desperate to save it that I reached right into the flames.
18:18The skin on my palm had peeled right off.
18:21That night, he held me and cried until morning, asking over and over.
18:27Why are you like this?
18:31Why?
18:34Terrified he was about to lose his temper again, I started to tremble.
18:39Instead, he crawled under the covers and pulled me close.
18:43His voice was raspy.
18:45Hiding snacks again.
18:47I didn't want him to think I was greedy, so I shook my head fast.
18:51It's not food!
18:52I pulled out the wooden bird to show him.
18:54He froze for a second, then gave a bitter smile.
18:58It's just that...
19:00He paused, his voice catching in his throat.
19:04The wings are burned off.
19:07It can't fly away now.
19:10He buried his face in my shoulder.
19:13It has to stay right by my side for the rest of its life, doesn't it?
19:16I wanted so badly to tell him he was wrong.
19:20I was going on a long trip soon.
19:23I had secretly asked Alicia where the birds went.
19:26She said they flew south, to the village where mom and dad were.
19:30I wanted to go back there.
19:32I wanted to see if the bird had made it back to its nest.
19:36Alicia booked the ticket for me.
19:38She said I could finally go home.
19:42On Malcolm's birthday, I was allowed out of my room again.
19:46I filled a glass jar with all his favorite colorful candies and quietly left it in his bedroom.
19:53At the party, Alicia whispered to me,
19:56Do you want to make milk, Abby?
19:57I nodded eagerly.
19:58She handed me a glass of juice, a flicker of guilt in her eyes.
20:03Drink this, and Malcolm will get exactly what he wants.
20:07I didn't even think about it.
20:08I drank it all in one go.
20:10Not long after, I felt dizzy and passed out.
20:15I was jolted out of my daze by a hard slap.
20:18My face stung with burning pain.
20:20I opened my eyes.
20:21The room was full of people pointing at me.
20:25Disgusting!
20:26She couldn't get Malcolm, so she went off to Vincent instead.
20:30I thought she was supposed to be retarded?
20:33She looked sharp enough to me.
20:35My head was swimming.
20:37I couldn't understand what they were saying.
20:40I only saw Malcolm, his eyes bloodshot, clutching a torn dress.
20:45His voice trembled.
20:46Is this the birthday present you prepared for me?
20:52No, that wasn't it.
20:54Malcolm had it wrong.
20:55The present was in his room.
20:57I tried to get up to pull him there, only to realize I wasn't wearing any clothes.
21:02Beside me, Vincent was naked too.
21:05His face was flushed crimson.
21:08He slapped me across the face, hard enough that I tasted copper in the back of my throat.
21:13Have you no shame?
21:17You dared to drug me?
21:19I swallowed the blood in my mouth and watched him struggle to reach his trousers.
21:23I remembered Rachel saying Malcolm's brother, Vincent, had poor health and that I should always be helpful to him.
21:29So, I reached out, grabbed his pants, and tried to help him put them on.
21:35Malcolm yanked my hair back violently, his eyes glaring red.
21:38How the hell did you get this cheek?
21:41Huh?
21:42The pain made tears stream down my face.
21:45Vincent spat on me.
21:47Slut!
21:48Malcolm roared and lunged at him, punching him over and over until Vincent's face was covered in blood.
21:53The whole room erupted into chaos.
21:56Eventually, Vincent was taken away in a large white van.
22:05I was dragged into a small, dark room.
22:08Outside the door, I heard a man's cold voice.
22:12Last chance.
22:14Get rid of that woman.
22:15She has the mind of an eight-year-old.
22:18How could she possibly drug Vincent?
22:20It had to be him.
22:23He raped her.
22:26A heavy slap landed on Malcolm's face.
22:29You've lost your mind over her!
22:32Today, you broke your brother's nose.
22:36Tomorrow, are you going to kill someone for her?
22:39If you don't send her away, I have my ways of making her disappear.
22:44Suddenly, it went quiet outside.
22:47The next day, Malcolm came for me, his eyes swollen.
22:53He stuffed me into a car and shoved a key and a bank card into my hand.
22:57His voice was incredibly hoarse.
23:00I bought you a house on the south side.
23:01Don't ever come back.
23:03Big tears started rolling down my face.
23:05He yanked his hand back as if I'd burned him.
23:08Enough!
23:10Alicia was right!
23:12I paid back everything I owed you long ago!
23:17I shook my head and tried to give the key and card back.
23:23Malcolm, I'm going home!
23:24He froze for a long time, then suddenly started screaming hysterically.
23:28Fine!
23:29Go home then!
23:30Don't you ever come back!
23:34He slammed the car door shut, sealing me off from him completely.
23:40From inside the car, I watched his figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance.
23:45The buildings of Chicago blurred past the window, but I didn't see any of them.
23:50All I saw was the spot where Malcolm had been standing, getting tinier and tinier until it was gone.
23:56My chest felt hollow, like someone had scooped everything out of it.
24:01I reached into my pocket and touched the ticket Alicia had secretly tucked in there.
24:06The edges were crisp and new.
24:08Home, I thought.
24:10I'm going home.
24:11I whispered to the driver in the front seat.
24:14Sir, please take me to the station.
24:17The driver met my eyes in the rearview mirror, shaking his head.
24:21His expression gave nothing away.
24:24No.
24:25His voice was flat.
24:26Mr. Harrington gave specific orders to drop you safely at the house.
24:32That's it.
24:33No matter how much I begged, he wouldn't listen.
24:37The yard was average-sized, and a middle-aged woman greeted me warmly at the door.
24:42At first, she treated me well and made me meals, though she wouldn't let me leave.
24:47But as time passed and no one came to visit, her attitude cooled.
24:51Eventually, she started just tossing bread into the room, glaring at me with disdain.
24:56You aren't some wealthy heiress, she sneered.
25:01If you want to eat, cook for yourself.
25:03The hunger became unbearable, so I gathered my courage and went into the kitchen.
25:08I didn't know what I knocked over, but flames suddenly flared up, instantly catching the curtains.
25:14Malcolm had told me that if there was ever a fire, I had to run.
25:20I grabbed the wooden bird carving from under my pillow and rushed toward the door.
25:25It was locked from the outside.
25:28I cried and pounded on the wood, but no one answered.
25:32The thick smoke forced me to the floor.
25:35The fire burned my heels, sizzling against my skin.
25:40Malcolm would be angry to see me like this.
25:44I slapped my face hard and forced myself to crawl toward the window.
25:48I smashed the glass with my head and blacked out.
25:55When I woke up, everything was white.
25:58Malcolm sat by the bed in a tuxedo.
26:01I couldn't help smiling when I saw him.
26:04I had finally found him again.
26:06A police officer stood nearby, reprimanding him sternly.
26:10You are Mrs. Brooks' guardian, correct?
26:13How could you lock a person with an indetectual disability alone in a house?
26:18Do you realize she nearly died?
26:20I froze, then shook my head hard, trying to explain.
26:26Malcolm looked drained of all energy.
26:29His red-rimmed eyes fixed on me, his voice sounding exhausted.
26:33What do you want me to do before you leave me alone?
26:38Do I have to obey you completely?
26:40Lillian, you have always hated me, haven't you?
26:46You regret helping me.
26:48I regret it, too.
26:56Malcolm always said things I didn't understand.
27:00If he died, who would pick him up in the spring?
27:03I wanted to correct him, but my throat hurt terribly.
27:07A doctor nearby explained.
27:09The patient inhaled too much smoke during the fire.
27:12Her vocal cords are moderately burned.
27:15Malcolm turned his head sharply.
27:17She can't speak?
27:21She might recover with rest, but her voice will likely remain, permanently, hark.
27:26I looked at him, questioning him with my eyes.
27:29He glanced at me and understood immediately.
27:35You won't be able to speak or sing anymore.
27:41I stared blankly for a long time, then opened my mouth, trying to make a sound.
27:46He immediately covered my mouth, shouting in a panic.
27:50The doctor said you need total silence for the next two months!
27:54Do you want to be mute forever?
28:00Stop causing trouble for me.
28:03Warm tears dropped onto my face.
28:06I reached up with a trembling hand to wipe Malcolm's eyes.
28:09He caught my wrist and gave a sad, bitter smile.
28:12Since you cannot speak, my world is finally quiet.
28:18I don't have to answer meaningless questions or hear your bad singing.
28:23My chest ached.
28:24Malcolm used to love my singing.
28:27I remembered when he first came to our home.
28:30He broke things during the day and cried all night.
28:35I wiped his tears, but he swatted my hand away.
28:38I patted his back, and he told me to leave him alone.
28:42Then I sang the song Grandma taught me.
28:44The word sings, coming here every day.
28:48He stopped crying.
28:49The next night, he hid his face in my arms and whispered.
28:55Sing it again, and I won't cry.
28:58Malcolm was only this sad because I couldn't sing anymore.
29:05The doctor looked at the report and frowned, about to speak, when Alicia rushed in wearing her wedding dress.
29:13She pointed at me, crying.
29:15I never realized you were so manipulative!
29:18You did this on our wedding day, to make him feel guilty so he would stay with you.
29:23Alicia had said that as long as I was in Chicago, Malcolm would never be happy.
29:28I didn't want Malcolm to be unhappy.
29:32I looked at her and Malcolm, and I smiled.
29:34I forced the words out through the searing pain in my throat, repeating what she had taught me.
29:39Yes, he owes me.
29:41He will never have a good life.
29:46Malcolm gripped my wrist so hard the pain bowed me over, sharp and crushing.
29:51Still, I forced a smile, grinding the words out.
29:56You are only good enough to stay right here.
30:01And do as you're told.
30:04That broke him.
30:05His voice cracked, raw and shouting.
30:09I've degraded myself!
30:12Malcolm.
30:13For you, for ten years!
30:16I don't owe you a damn thing anymore!
30:19Get out!
30:22I never want to see you again!
30:25He bunched a fistful of my hair and hauled me roughly toward the exit.
30:29The doctor chased after us, yelling.
30:32Ms. Brooks has severe burns, but she also has...
30:34The heavy thud of the door severed the rest of his sentence.
30:37Alicia fell into step beside him, her voice soft and persuasive.
30:43Let's send her to my family's nursing home.
30:45I know you care about her.
30:48But please, stop thinking about bringing her home with us.
30:53Okay?
30:54Malcolm's shoulders dropped, and he let out a heavy sigh of surrender.
30:58He shoved me into the car, refusing to look me.
31:06At the moment Malcolm turned to lead Alicia away, a swarm of reporters descended.
31:11Mr. Harrington, did you leave your own wedding for your adopted sister?
31:16Are the rumors of a romance true?
31:18Does Ms. Quinn know?
31:20Malcolm pressed his lips into a thin line, saying nothing.
31:24Alicia took his arm with practice poise, flashing a smile for the cameras.
31:28You must be joking.
31:29My husband is a man of integrity.
31:31He certainly wouldn't have an affair with a mentally disabled woman.
31:35He was simply repaying a past debt of gratitude.
31:38Bodyguards cleared a path back to the venue.
31:44Inside, the officiant's voice filled the grand hall.
31:49Mr. Harrington, do you take Mrs. Quinn to be your wedded wife?
31:53To love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall
31:58live?
31:59Alicia looked up at him, but the tenderness in his eyes wasn't meant for her.
32:04Mr. Harrington?
32:05The officiant's voice rose, pressing him again.
32:09Her hand trembled as she dug her nails into his palm.
32:13The sharp pain snapped him back to the present.
32:15He finally spoke, the words dragging.
32:20I do.
32:22The hall erupted in cheers.
32:25The ceremony was flawless, burying the negative rumors already trending online.
32:32Malcolm's father nodded with satisfaction.
32:36It's about time.
32:37Follow the path I've laid out.
32:38Build your family and career.
32:40And let the past stay dead.
32:42Don't disappoint me again.
32:45That night, Malcolm sat on the edge of the bed, his expression blank.
32:52Alicia tried her best to seduce him.
32:54But when he remained cold, she finally gave up.
32:59You won't admit it, but you love her, don't you?
33:02She sounded resigned.
33:04People like us don't get to live how we want.
33:06Just forget her.
33:08Live the life we're supposed to live.
33:09Even if it's just a duty.
33:12It's the best outcome.
33:13For you, for me, and for her.
33:15He didn't answer.
33:17He just retreated into the bathroom.
33:19Chain smoking.
33:20In the haze, his mind drifted back to when he was 15.
33:25He used to mimic the adult smoking raw tobacco at the village entrance.
33:31Whenever I smelled it on him, I'd wrinkle my nose, assuming he was dirty.
33:36I'd shove him toward a wash basin and scrub his back without hesitation, just like when they were kids.
33:43My clear gaze would wander over him, making his face burn.
33:47Don't you know?
33:48If you look at a man's body, no one will want to marry you.
33:52That wasn't actually true.
33:54I was beautiful.
33:55Even with my disability, plenty of men were willing to pay to make my their wife.
34:01But Malcolm had chased every suitor away with a stick.
34:05Then he lowered his head, his voice so quiet he wasn't sure who he was talking to.
34:10It doesn't matter if no one else wants you.
34:12I'll marry you myself.
34:43They put me in a white room with padded walls.
34:46I'll marry you.
34:52I'll marry you.
34:54I'll marry you.
35:28I'll marry you.
35:33I'll marry you.
35:36I'll marry you.
35:38I'll marry you.
35:50I'll marry you.
36:02anyway, hiding them under my mattress. The day the first snow fell, the little boy dragged me
36:09out to the courtyard, all excited. Snowflakes landed on his open palms. He tipped his head
36:17back and opened his mouth to catch them, eyes crinkling with joy. I did the same, tasting it
36:26myself. It was cold and tasted like nothing. Silly kid. I fished the last two candies out of my
36:32pocket, unwrapped one, and fed it to him. I wrapped the other one back up carefully. I had to save
36:41that
36:41one for Malcolm. He's loved sweets since he was little. Alicia came to visit while I was drifting
36:48in and out. She sat by my bed, faint dark circles shadowing her eyes. Lillian, her voice was soft.
36:58Just blame this on me. Leave Chicago and go back home. Okay? I didn't have the strength to speak,
37:07so I just nodded. I still wanted to go back and check if the little bird had returned to its
37:12nest
37:12in this cold. The car pulled away slowly in the snow. I leaned against the window, watching the
37:20flakes dance outside. My eyelids got heavier and heavier until I didn't want to open them anymore.
37:29I lost track of time before the car finally jerked to a stop. The driver, a middle-aged woman who'd
37:35clearly lost her patience, practically kicked me out onto the shoulder of the road. Clutching the heavy
37:41bags of bread the nurses had secretly shoved into my hands, I started the slow walk into the village.
37:47The dirt road hadn't changed. A few locals squatting in the sun craned their necks as I passed.
37:55Hey, isn't that Lillian? The Brooke slow girl?
37:59Didn't that city boy take her off to live the good life? Why is she back looking like such a
38:04wreck?
38:06The gossip made my ears ring. I covered them with my hands and ran the rest of the way,
38:12shouldering open the creaky wooden door of my house. My eyes went straight to the bird's nest
38:17tucked under the eaves. Panic set in. I dragged the ladder over and climbed, my legs shaking,
38:26to look inside. It was completely empty. I burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
38:39Why hadn't the bird come back? Did it get lost?
38:45The ladder wobbled, and I tipped backward. A heavy pain slammed into my chest when I hit the ground,
38:51and I coughed up a mouthful of blood. Through the haze of confusion, I heard clear, bright laughter.
39:01Lily, you dummy! You have to wedge the ladder into the groove.
39:05A teenage Malcolm was sitting on the roof, swinging his legs.
39:08When the birds lay eggs next year, I'll get them for you.
39:14We can raise a whole nest of them, okay?
39:16Okay.
39:17I swallowed the metallic taste of blood, my voice hoarse. I struggled to sit up.
39:23The back of my head throbbed with a dull numbness. When I reached up to touch it,
39:28a clump of dry, yellowing hair came away in my hand. On the first day, I tried to clean the
39:34house,
39:35but my nose wouldn't stop bleeding. As the drops hit the dirt floor, I had to scratch away the dark
39:41red spots with my fingernails.
39:45On the second day, I found Malcolm's old textbook at the bottom of a trunk.
39:50He had spent a whole year teaching me one specific page that featured a drawing of a teacher with glasses.
39:57I remembered how he used to rub my hair and praise me.
40:03Lily, you're so smart.
40:05Brad couldn't recite this at school, and his palms got swollen from the ruler.
40:09We used to laugh about that.
40:12But now, staring at the dense rows of text, I couldn't recognize a single word.
40:18On the third day, the pain in my head was unbearable.
40:22I tried to roll over but tumbled right off the bed.
40:26I crawled across the cold floor, grabbed a piece of stale bread from the table,
40:31and shoved it into my mouth.
40:33The doors kicked open.
40:35A tall figure stood silhouetted against the light.
40:38He looked down at me lying on the ground my face drained of color,
40:42my scalp showing through my thinning hair,
40:44and blood staining the bread I was eating.
40:46His legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees in the doorway, weeping loudly.
40:52Squinting through my failing eyes, I asked softly,
40:58He rushed over and hugged me tight, his whole body trembling.
41:03Why didn't you tell me you had a brain tumor?
41:09Is that how you want me to live?
41:11Carrying that guilt until I die?
41:18How could you be so cruel?
41:22Come on, I'm taking you to a doctor in Chicago right now.
41:26He tried to pull me up but froze when he realized how light and frail I was.
41:33I shook my head.
41:36I don't want to go anywhere.
41:38I'm just tired.
41:39Malcolm ignored me and lifted me into his arms.
41:42His hot tears fell onto my face.
41:46As we passed under the eaves, I tugged at his shirt.
41:50Malcolm, please look for me.
41:55Did the bird come back to the nest?
41:57He froze.
42:00With red eyes, he gently set me down on the bench in the yard and climbed the ladder.
42:05He stayed there for a long time before looking back with a forced smile.
42:12They're back.
42:13The birds are all back.
42:16Relief finally washed over me, and I slowly closed my eyes.
42:20Really?
42:21His voice shook as he tucked my cold feet against his chest to warm them.
42:30The birds really are back.
42:32Open your eyes and look.
42:34If you don't want to leave, I'll stay here with you.
42:42We can look for bird eggs together again next year, okay?
42:47I suddenly thought of that text from Malcolm's book and asked him to help me read it one last time.
42:53He stroked my head, his hand coming away with more loose hair.
42:57Choking back sobs, he began to read.
43:02Birds may fly away, yet they find their way back.
43:07Trees may droop, yet their branches reach for the sun.
43:13Flowers may vanish, yet they rise and bloom again.
43:17I followed along, my voice breaking.
43:21But, Mel, you're the smart one.
43:24Tell me, why do our days never return once they're gone?
43:30I smiled after I said it.
43:33Turned out I remembered the words after all.
43:37He continued reciting, laughing, and crying at the same time.
43:42But his voice sounded increasingly distant, like it was coming from far away.
43:48As he reached the final sentence, warm sunlight filled the courtyard,
43:53and a sudden fluttering sound came from the eaves.
43:58He looked up and saw two birds circling the old nest, busy building their home.
44:02He suddenly realized the body in his arms was cold, and her chest had stopped rising.
44:09He didn't speak.
44:11He just tightened his hold and stared blankly at the busy birds, remembering a song.
44:18The little bird sings, coming here every spring.
44:24I asked the bird why it comes, and the bird says,
44:29Because the spring here is the most beautiful.
44:33The end was completely starving.
44:37.
44:37.
44:37.
44:38.
44:38You
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