- 10 minutes ago
The Last Rose of the Scorched Apocalypse
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Year 3 of the extreme heat apocalypse. The ozone layer is gone. All of humanity has been forced underground.
00:07My husband and I live on level 2. We funded most of this place. One day.
00:14Allora, conditions on level 3 are brutal. Aurora won't survive down there. I couldn't just let her die.
00:21You know, level 2 has strict population limits. Every household has a fixed head count.
00:26I know. That's why you're going to take her place on level 3. Once she's better, I'll bring you back.
00:32I freeze. I don't move for a long time. Finally, I step outside. I steady my voice and make a
00:39call.
00:39I've made my decision. I'm joining the endgame initiative on level 1.
00:43Allora, that's great news. Level 1 needs someone like you.
00:49The underground city has 3 levels. Level 1 is the research and tech restricted zone.
00:56Level 2 is for the people who helped build the city.
00:59Level 3 has become the darkest, most lawless place in the entire complex.
01:07Aurora is really sick. She needs medical supplies.
01:11What are you going to do about it?
01:14Whatever it takes. I already called the doctor.
01:16It's year 3 of the apocalypse. Medical supplies are worth more than gold.
01:20Each household gets one doctor visit per year.
01:23A month ago, I had a 104 degree fever.
01:26I gritted my teeth and didn't call anyone.
01:29Now Caleb is using that one visit on a girl he just met.
01:33Allora, I already arranged it.
01:35Someone is coming in 3 days to take you to level 3.
01:38You'll take Aurora's place.
01:42Caleb, did you even think about how this would affect me?
01:45Allora, you know I can't just let someone die.
01:48There are so many people who need saving.
01:53Why her?
01:54I passed through level 3 the other day.
01:56Aurora was singing to the slum children.
01:59Like an angel, Allora.
02:00How could I let something so beautiful just fade away?
02:08So you're sacrificing me?
02:10Sending me to level 3?
02:12Don't make this worse than it is.
02:13It's not a sacrifice. It's temporary.
02:19I see the girl in our bed.
02:21She looks like she's wasting away.
02:23A cough echoes through the apartment.
02:26Caleb pulls the doctor in, racing toward her.
02:29He doesn't even look at me.
02:31There's no wind down here.
02:32But I've never been so cold.
02:34The doctor doesn't leave until late.
02:37Caleb finally finds time to talk to me.
02:39You saw her.
02:39She needs rest.
02:41You have to go to level 3 in 3 days.
02:43If you don't, the guards will do a head count and we'll all be in trouble.
02:49One new message.
02:51Ms. Allura Vance, a specialist from level 1, will arrive in 3 days to escort you.
02:55Fine. I'll leave.
03:02I knew you'd understand, Alarda.
03:04I'll bring you back as soon as I can.
03:06I wipe my forehead after he turns away.
03:08That night, Caleb stays by Aurora's bedside.
03:11He doesn't leave her once.
03:13I sit on the couch.
03:14I don't sleep.
03:16I let the memories tear me apart.
03:18Caleb was a scholarship kid.
03:20My father sponsored him.
03:22Back then, he would drive across half of New York to buy me my favorite cake.
03:26He would wait outside my building every night with takeout because I hated the cafeteria food.
03:30Now he talks about Aurora like she's some white jasmine he has to save from being crushed in the ruins.
03:35He forgot something.
03:36The Vance Rose would never wither.
03:38When my father was dying, Caleb stood at his bedside and swore he would protect me forever.
03:43That was before the apocalypse.
03:45Back when his promises meant something.
03:47Now those promises feel like thorns.
03:49And they are digging into my chest.
03:51Deeper and deeper.
03:53I don't understand how someone who loved me so much could change like this.
03:56But I understand one thing clearly.
03:58I don't need him anymore.
04:02The next morning, Caleb is in the kitchen.
04:04He never cooks.
04:06He is making an omelet for Aurora.
04:08I walk past him without a word and go pack my suitcase.
04:11She looks at me from the bed.
04:13Then she suddenly crawls to the floor.
04:15Please don't hit me.
04:16I'll be good.
04:18I'll be so good.
04:19Just please don't hit me.
04:21Laura.
04:22What are you doing?
04:24Caleb rushes in, grabs her, holds her against his chest.
04:27His eyes are red.
04:29He never loses control like this.
04:31When our daughter died in the evacuation, he stayed stone-faced then.
04:34But this girl he just met has him ready to fight me.
04:37Please don't send me back to level three.
04:41I can sing for you.
04:44I'll sing anything.
04:47You're safe now.
04:48I've got you.
04:51She went through hell on level three.
04:54Don't you dare try to scare her.
04:56Caleb, I thought you were blind.
04:58But now I see.
04:59I am the one who is blind.
05:01Something flickers in his eyes.
05:03Regret.
05:06In the study, I open my locket.
05:09Inside is a photo of the three of us.
05:11My eyes sting.
05:12The day of the evacuation, our daughter Lily fell into a fissure when the ground split opened.
05:16We could not save her.
05:18She was just gone.
05:19I cried until I had nothing left.
05:22Caleb showed up hours later.
05:24Alara.
05:25By then, it was too late.
05:28I closed the locket.
05:29My chest aches.
05:31It was an accident.
05:33If Lily were here, she would not want you to be this sad.
05:37Eat something.
05:38Your stomach has been bothering you.
05:40I don't want what Aurora didn't finish.
05:43His face hardens.
05:44Alara, it is a few months in the slums.
05:46You are acting like I am sending you to die.
05:48Aurora survived three years down there.
05:50She is fragile and she made it.
05:53You are stronger than her.
05:54Why are you making this such a big deal?
05:56Then you go.
05:58He does not catch it at first.
06:00Then his face goes pale.
06:02Someone has to keep this family together, Alaya.
06:04That is me!
06:07And let me be clear.
06:09If you make one move against that girl, I will not bring you back.
06:15He slams the door on his way out.
06:17I walk to the bookshelf and let out a cold laugh.
06:20Three years into the apocalypse.
06:22And Caleb still does not get it.
06:24Without me, he would not even be on level 2.
06:27Before the end came, I was a lead researcher at the institute.
06:30I could have gone to level 1.
06:32But I chose level 2 because Caleb could not come with me otherwise.
06:36My family funded this whole city.
06:38Without me, he would not have made it into level 3.
06:41Two nights before I am supposed to leave.
06:43Then I hear it.
06:44Aurora, have a baby for me.
06:48Let's have a baby together.
06:51After Lily died, the underground city gave us one reproductive permit.
06:55One chance to have another child.
06:57Caleb refused.
06:59He said he could never replace Lily.
07:01He would never want another child.
07:03Now I realize.
07:04He did not refuse to have more kids.
07:07He just wanted to use that permit on Aurora instead.
07:12Aloda, I hope we did not keep you up last night.
07:15Get out.
07:16I am sorry.
07:18Do you want me to sing for you?
07:20I used to sing for Caleb all the time.
07:23He loved it.
07:25I shoved her out.
07:27As she stumbles, something falls from her pocket.
07:30A photo.
07:30I pick it up.
07:31Do you want my autograph too?
07:33Caleb used to come to all my shows.
07:35I turn the photo over.
07:37To Caleb.
07:38Always yours.
07:39Aurora.
07:40March 21st, 2061.
07:43That is the day Lily died.
07:44That is the day Caleb said he was working.
07:47He was not working.
07:48He was at Aurora's show.
07:50Lily was calling for him when the ground opened.
07:52She was waiting for her dad to save her.
07:54I cannot breathe.
07:56My hand shakes so hard the photo rattles.
07:59Caleb walks in.
08:00Aurora, time for your meds.
08:02I spin around.
08:04What?
08:04What is wrong with you?
08:06Why are you looking at me like that?
08:07I straighten up.
08:08Where were you?
08:10The day Lily died!
08:15I...
08:15I...
08:16You said you were working!
08:17You said you were busy!
08:18But you were at her show!
08:20Alara, let me explain.
08:21I was just...
08:22Just...
08:22Please don't fight.
08:24Please.
08:24I can't handle it.
08:27She collapses.
08:28Faints right on cue.
08:30Caleb picks her up without a second thought.
08:32If you walk out that door right now, you will regret it!
08:36Aliyah, you are hysterical!
08:38We will talk when you calm down!
08:40I stand in the empty room until I hear my own tears hit the floor.
08:44He did not change suddenly.
08:46He was always like this.
08:47I just did not want to see it.
08:49When the tears finally stop, I wipe my face.
08:52I pick up the phone.
08:55Hello.
08:56Level 2 security.
08:57I am reporting an illegal resident from Level 3.
09:00By evening, he comes to the study.
09:02Alara, the transport from Level 3 is almost here.
09:05Are you packed?
09:05I am stuffing files into my suitcase.
09:08He does not notice.
09:09But he sees something else.
09:14What is this supposed to mean?
09:15When we got married, he did not have money.
09:18I did not care.
09:20I just wanted him.
09:22He never bought me anything special after that.
09:25I told myself he was not romantic.
09:28Then I found Aurora's fan page.
09:31Every anniversary of her debut, Caleb sent her designer bags.
09:35Jewelry.
09:36Expensive things I never got.
09:38I don't want it anymore.
09:40Alara, don't be dramatic.
09:41You are not a teenager.
09:42I keep packing.
09:44When I bring you back, I will buy you a diamond ring, okay?
09:47Save it for your singer.
09:49His face goes red.
09:50I grab my suitcase and walk out.
09:52Outside, waiting for the transport.
09:55Alara, I feel so bad you have to go.
09:58Be careful down there.
09:59Don't go into the red light district.
10:01I ignore her.
10:02She holds up something I recognize.
10:04My locket.
10:06Give that back.
10:07Now.
10:07She hides behind Caleb.
10:09Twirls the locket around her finger like a toy.
10:11It is just a locket.
10:12You don't need it down there.
10:13Let her have it.
10:15That is the last thing I have of Lily.
10:18Are you really taking that away too?
10:20Aurora pretends to trip.
10:22The locket flies.
10:23A military truck runs it over.
10:25Crashed.
10:26Lily's face is gone.
10:28A horn honks.
10:29Come on.
10:29Stop making a scene.
10:31That is not my ride.
10:33Get away from me.
10:35Suddenly.
10:37We received a report of an illegal level 3 resident.
10:40Step aside for inspection.
10:44Allura Vance.
10:45Director Ethan Hart sent me.
10:47I am here to take you to level 1.
10:48You reported us?
10:50Yes.
10:52And you think you can break the rules and there won't be consequences?
10:56Illegal.
10:57They pull out handcuffs.
10:59Don't let them take me.
11:00You promised.
11:02You promised.
11:02Caleb looks at her.
11:04For a moment, he hesitates.
11:06Then he shoves her off.
11:09Where are you going?
11:10You can't leave.
11:11I point to the car's logo.
11:13Level 1.
11:15Can't you read?
11:17You are going to Ethan.
11:19You have been talking to him this whole time.
11:22Ethan Hart.
11:23My old research partner.
11:25The one Caleb was always jealous of.
11:27I don't answer.
11:29I get in the car.
11:30Oh, and Caleb, you should pack your things.
11:33That apartment on level 2 belongs to my family.
11:35I am taking it back.
11:38Ethan is waiting at the level 1 entrance.
11:41He is in his lab coat, smiling like he did back in grad school.
11:44Long time no see.
11:45Caltech's sharpest eye.
11:46I shake his hand.
11:48You still using that old nickname?
11:51Some things don't change.
11:52Neither does greatness.
11:54In college, I was the star.
11:55The one everyone thought would change the world.
11:58Then I met Caleb.
11:59I gave up my edge to be soft for him.
12:01To be what he needed.
12:03He did not want the sharp girl.
12:05He wanted the easy one.
12:07Ethan introduces me to the team.
12:09Everyone, this is Dr. Alarka Vance.
12:12PhD in astrophysics.
12:13She led the atmospheric modeling project at Caltech.
12:16Ozone remontation research.
12:18They call her the eagle eye.
12:19One of the best minds of her generation.
12:20She is going to lead the ozone restorative project.
12:22We are bringing this world back.
12:24I don't need a man to validate me.
12:26I need purpose.
12:28Six months pass.
12:29We make a breakthrough.
12:31The lab erupts.
12:32We did it!
12:33Everyone is crying.
12:34Hugging.
12:37Alara, you did it.
12:38The eagle eye strikes again.
12:40Two more months and we can all go home.
12:42You seem tired.
12:43Everything okay?
12:45I was just thinking about how much time I wasted.
12:48He is the one who wasted it, not you.
12:52Alara, what about me?
12:54I know, terrible timing.
12:56But I have waited a long time to say this.
12:59I have liked you since Caltech.
13:00I don't want to wait anymore.
13:01Ethan, it is the apocalypse.
13:04So, if anything, that makes it more important to be with the people you care about.
13:08I will wait until you are ready.
13:11Caleb, how did you get in here?
13:13Alara, I am your husband.
13:15Did you really think I would not find you?
13:19You could not wait.
13:21You moved on that fast?
13:22We are divorced.
13:24I never agreed to that.
13:25Level 1 residents have priority rights.
13:27I filed.
13:27It is done.
13:28No.
13:29No, this is bust.
13:31Alara, you can't do this!
13:33What about everything we had?
13:34What about when you were sick and I took care of you?
13:36What about-
13:37Stop!
13:38I don't remember those things the way you think I do.
13:40I remember them and I feel nothing but regret.
13:43Alara, don't send me back.
13:45Level 3 is not a place you survive.
13:47I almost died!
13:49Please.
13:50I am sorry.
13:50I am so sorry.
13:53Aurora survived down there for three years.
13:56Why can't you?
13:57She tricked me!
13:58She's not an angel!
14:00She did whatever she had to to survive down there.
14:02I was an idiot, Alara.
14:04I was blind!
14:06Please, for Lily.
14:08Please give me another chance.
14:09She tricked you.
14:10And you loved every second of it.
14:12You were tired of me.
14:13Tired of being married.
14:15You wanted someone who made you feel like a hero.
14:17Lily, the day she died, you were at a concert for a pop star.
14:20She was calling for you.
14:21Do you understand that?
14:22She died waiting for you.
14:23Take him back to level 3.
14:28Two months later, the ozone layer is fully restored.
14:31We can go back to the surface.
14:33The whole underground city celebrates.
14:35People are crying, laughing, hugging.
14:37I finish my final reports and walk outside to see the sky for the first time in three years.
14:42There he is.
14:43Caleb.
14:44He is worse than before.
14:45But his eyes light up when he sees me.
14:47Alara, I knew you would come out.
14:49Don't.
14:50Alara, the apocalypse is over.
14:52Can't we start over, Lily?
14:54I know I failed her.
14:55I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you.
14:58Just please.
14:58Please come back.
15:00No.
15:00What you did is not something you can make up for.
15:02You let our daughter die.
15:04You betrayed me.
15:05We are done.
15:05Aurora is dead.
15:06She got killed over a piece of bread on level 3.
15:09You don't have to worry about her anymore.
15:11The only person I am not worried about anymore is you.
15:14Alara, please.
15:15I regret everything.
15:17Everything.
15:19What is your regret worth, Caleb?
15:21Can it bring Lily back?
15:23Can it give me back the years I wasted on you?
15:27It was Aurora.
15:28She made me go to that show.
15:30She said it was important.
15:32I did not know the evacuation would.
15:34I hold up my phone.
15:35You were obsessed with her for six years, Caleb.
15:38Six.
15:39He has nothing to say.
15:40I turn away.
15:41Ethan rolls down the window.
15:43I don't look back.
15:44I get in the car.
15:47A few days later, New York gets snow.
15:49The first winter since the end of the apocalypse.
15:52I wrap myself in my winter coat.
15:54I carry a bouquet of white lilies.
15:56I walk through the snow.
15:57At the corner, something huddles against a wall, curled up like a stray dog.
16:02I look closer.
16:03It is Caleb.
16:04When he sees me, his eyes flare with light.
16:07He stumbles to his feet.
16:16I frown.
16:17I follow his gaze to a faded street sign.
16:19It says Elm Street.
16:20This is where we used to come in college.
16:25Allura, can't we go back to that?
16:26Look, you came to this street.
16:28We still have that connection.
16:29Let's start over.
16:30I will make up for everything.
16:31I will.
16:32Caleb, not every road I walk is for you.
16:35You just happen to be standing on mine.
16:37And I don't need you anymore.
16:39I look up.
16:40Ethan is waiting.
16:41The road is long.
16:42There are people worth waiting for.
16:45Allura, wait!
16:46I have something for you.
16:47You will see it and you will forgive me.
16:49I searched the whole city.
16:51I found a craftsman to remake it.
16:53I gave him the photo.
16:54He made it exactly the same.
16:56Allura, look.
16:57Our family, like it used to be.
16:58We look happy.
17:00But that happiness is gone.
17:08Caleb, you don't belong here anymore.
17:11You don't get to mention Lily.
17:13Her world doesn't have you in it.
17:15His hands drop.
17:16The locket falls.
17:17Hope drains from his face.
17:19Despair takes its place.
17:20Allura, walk with me one more time.
17:23Just once.
17:25Like before.
17:26No.
17:26The girl at 20 would hold his hand in the dark.
17:29Would believe every word.
17:30Would think love was everything.
17:32The woman at 30 knows better.
17:33She walks her own dark roads.
17:35She carries her own cold winters.
17:37She doesn't need anyone.
17:38She doesn't believe in promises anymore.
17:41Mrs. Vant, shall we?
17:43We smile at each other.
17:45We walk into the snow.
17:46We are going to the intersection where the evacuation happened.
17:50The fissure is sealed now.
17:51New concrete covers it.
17:53People walk across.
17:54At the curb, there are white lilies.
17:57There are bags of chips.
17:58Cans of soda.
17:59Toys.
18:00Things children like.
18:02The apocalypse took from everyone.
18:04Lily, mommy came to see you.
18:09The apocalypse is over.
18:11We can go home now.
18:14Mommy is going to live.
18:15For both of us.
18:16I am going to live a good life.
18:18For you.
18:19Be happy up there.
18:20Okay?
18:21Ethan tells me Caleb sat at that intersection all night.
18:24He held the broken locket.
18:25He talked to himself.
18:27About me.
18:28About Lily.
18:29About before.
18:30The snow kept falling.
18:31The temperature dropped below zero.
18:33In the morning, they found him frozen.
18:36His body was curled up.
18:37His arms were wrapped around his chest like he was holding something.
18:40A child.
18:41Maybe.
18:42His regret came too late.
18:44It was worth nothing.
18:45It does not bring back my daughter.
18:47It does not give me back my years.
18:48The past is buried under snow.
18:50After the apocalypse, there is new life.
18:53And I am new too.
18:54I will carry Lily's hope with me.
18:56I will walk with Ethan.
18:57I will live.
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