- 4 minutes ago
Rehab for Loving You
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Roderick ripped my shirt open and froze.
00:03My back was covered in scars, old and new, all from whippings.
00:07What the hell happened here?
00:11I misbehaved. They punished me for it.
00:14My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's body.
00:18He stared at the scars he'd never seen.
00:21Then he said,
00:24You deserved it.
00:26He sent me to that place three years ago to cure me of loving him.
00:32I spent three years locked inside that place.
00:35Now, I stopped loving him, just as he wanted.
00:38Then he came running back and said,
00:40I regret it.
00:42For eight years, I was a fixture by Roderick Dunlap's side.
00:46Everyone said I was addicted to him.
00:48I was so obsessed with him that I'd run off any woman who got close to him, whatever it took.
00:53Once, I offered one of them money to leave Roderick.
00:58The woman laughed in my face.
01:00Being with Roderick meant an endless supply of cash.
01:03Why would anyone walk away for such a pathetic amount?
01:07Then that woman took a staged fall down a flight of stairs.
01:11Roderick thought I pushed her.
01:14And I ended up being sent to a rehab center by him.
01:22Others went there to quit smoking, drinking, or gaming.
01:25I was there to let go of Roderick.
01:28In the end, I succeeded only for him to tell me he regretted it.
01:32The moment I stepped out of the rehab center,
01:35I saw an Audi parked there.
01:37It looked totally out of place.
01:40I glanced at it and lowered my head, preparing to walk away.
01:43The person who got out of the car called out to me.
01:47It was Roderick.
01:49He had grown more mature in the last three years.
01:52I glanced at him once, then looked away.
01:55The staff at the center taught us that staring was rude.
01:58Especially at someone we liked?
02:00Yes, after three years, I had been completely reformed.
02:08Roderick told me to get in, and I did so, sitting quietly in the back seat.
02:12I kept my head down, staring at my lap and not moving a muscle.
02:16Roderick sat beside me.
02:18I could feel the weight of his intense gaze.
02:20The car was dead quiet.
02:22I held my breath, scared to make a peep.
02:25But a cough escaped me anyway.
02:27It was just my old cough.
02:28The car pulled up at the Dunlap's mansion.
02:31Roderick's grandmother, Maggie Dunlap, lived there.
02:35Today, as I remembered, marked her 80th birthday.
02:39Then it hit me why Roderick had come to get me.
02:41He started to walk in.
02:43I hesitated for a second, then blurted out,
02:48Um, Roderick, I didn't bring a gift.
02:52When he turned around, my heart was pounding out of my chest.
02:57I quickly looked down.
02:58I knew my quickened heartbeat was from fear, not from affection.
03:04Somehow, I'd turned into a total coward.
03:06If someone even glanced my way, I'd get a jolt of fear.
03:12I'd toss and turn all night in nightmares, haunted by those staring eyes.
03:19Follow me.
03:20Roderick brushed off my worry.
03:22He was as cold as always.
03:24Or maybe he only saved that coldness for me.
03:27I had to jog a little just to keep up with him.
03:31Mari!
03:32You're back!
03:33Come in, dear!
03:34Maggie was right there at the front door.
03:36Waiting for me, Dot Maggie had always had my back.
03:39Always encouraged my crush on Roderick and even snuck me info on his plans.
03:44I walked over to her.
03:46Hello, Maggie.
03:47Mari, honey.
03:49Why are you being so distant?
03:51You're not mad at me for what happened, are you?
03:54Maggie stroked my hair, her eyes full of affection.
03:57I shook my head.
03:58I could never be mad at her three years ago.
04:00If Maggie hadn't threatened to harm herself,
04:02I probably would have been sent to jail instead.
04:06On the outside, it looked like a regular school.
04:10But only the people who'd been locked up there knew what real torture was like.
04:15During the meal, I kept my head down,
04:18shoveling down spaghetti as fast as I could.
04:20I didn't make a sound, didn't reach for anything else.
04:24Just ate fast like I hadn't had a meal in a month.
04:28Marianne!
04:29Yes, sir!
04:30Hearing my name, I set down my fork and stood up straight.
04:34We all froze me, Roderick and Maggie.
04:36I met their shocked stares for a split second.
04:40Then I looked down at the silverware I'd set neatly on the table.
04:43Even with how panicked I was, I just stood there, confused.
04:48It hit me then I'd forgotten I wasn't at the center anymore.
04:51I had no idea why Roderick had called me.
04:54You scared her, you big idiot!
04:56Maggie swatted Roderick's arm before turning to me.
04:59Sit down, Mary.
05:00You're home now, sweetie.
05:02Just relax.
05:04I did what Maggie said and sat back down.
05:07But I couldn't eat another bite.
05:09Something about the way they looked at me told me they'd noticed.
05:12The girl who walked in three years ago was gone.
05:14And the one sitting here now was someone they didn't recognize.
05:20Grandma was talking to you.
05:21Why weren't you listening?
05:25Roderick's tone was sharp.
05:27I couldn't tell if he was mad I'd ignored Maggie,
05:29or just ticked off about getting swatted.
05:31I'm sorry, Maggie.
05:33I was just very hungry.
05:35I didn't hear you.
05:36I gave her an apologetic look.
05:39The counselors at the center always drilled it into us.
05:42Apologies have to be sincere.
05:44Only I knew the truth.
05:46It wasn't hunger.
05:47It was fear.
05:48Fear of getting punished for not eating fast enough or for leaving food on my plate.
05:52I vaguely recalled her telling me to try the other food.
05:56I'd heard her, but I just couldn't react fast enough.
06:00So Roderick called out to me.
06:02By the time dinner was over, my forehead was covered in a light sweat.
06:06I wasn't sure if it was from the heat in the room or my own anxiety.
06:10Three years in that place had taught me one thing.
06:12Never let your guard down, not even at a dinner table.
06:17After dinner, I returned to Grandpa's old house.
06:22Thank you for the ride.
06:24I gave Roderick a small bow.
06:26Maggie had wanted me to stay the night, but I'd turned her down.
06:29I didn't want any more contact with them than I had to, so I'd asked Roderick to drive me home.
06:36You really want to stay here?
06:38Roderick frowned.
06:39I glanced back at the house.
06:41It hadn't been touched in three years.
06:43Now it was completely overgrown with weeds.
06:46But I nodded.
06:47I had nowhere else to go anyway.
06:50I was flat broke, and the clothes I was wearing were from three years ago.
06:53The rehab center had given us uniforms, so these clothes had never even been worn out.
06:59I bent down to pull some weeds.
07:01The little critters living there scurried away.
07:03I saw cockroaches, mice, and a snake coiled in the corner, too lazy to move.
07:08Once upon a time, I would have jumped straight into Roderick's arms.
07:12Now, I just stared at them calmly and looked for a stick to shoo the snake away.
07:18Roderick pulled me back toward the car.
07:22What's wrong?
07:23I didn't even realize he was still there.
07:26Didn't you see that snake?
07:27Oh, right, I'd forgotten Roderick hated reptiles.
07:34I saw it.
07:36It's fine.
07:37It's fine.
07:38I'll just shoo it away with a stick.
07:39If it bothers you, you can just leave!
07:43I caught myself reassuring him.
07:45I reached for the door handle, ready to hop out.
07:48But Roderick locked the doors and drove off.
07:51I quickly buckled my seatbelt.
07:54W-where are you taking me?
07:57He didn't say a word.
07:59I didn't dare ask again.
08:01He took me to his private apartment.
08:03He closed the door behind us without a word.
08:06I couldn't leave it.
08:07I couldn't leave it was a keypad lock.
08:43So you're over me?
08:46His expression was questioning.
08:50Yes.
08:51I didn't hesitate for a second.
08:53Any delay would have felt like an insult to everything I'd been through.
08:58That night, the nightmare returned.
09:00In my dream, countless eyes stared back at me, filled with hatred, disgust, and contempt.
09:06Every single one of them belonged to Roderick.
09:11The next day, when Roderick left for work, I asked him to drop me off downtown.
09:16He didn't seem to mind, as long as I wasn't in his way.
09:20I hesitated in front of a florist's hiring sign.
09:23I didn't have a college degree.
09:25I never finished college because Roderick had me sent to that rehab center.
09:30Hunting for a job?
09:31The shop owner noticed me staring at the sign but not coming in, so he finally asked.
09:36I nodded.
09:37The owner looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he seemed pretty nice.
09:41The pay was $3,000 monthly, and no diploma was required.
09:46I just had to be on time to help out at the shop every day.
09:49I asked the owner for a $1,000 advance.
09:52Money makes the world go round.
09:54I needed it for everything.
09:56My official start date was the next day, and to my surprise, he trusted me.
10:00I spent $400 on a used electric scooter from a local shop.
10:04Once upon a time, $400 wouldn't have meant squat to me.
10:09Now, I had to haggle just to get it for that price.
10:11It's not like I was an orphan or anything.
10:14Three years ago, my parents disowned me.
10:16To protect the company and the family's reputation.
10:20The only person who'd ever really loved me grandpa was gone a long time ago.
10:24If he were still here, I probably never would have ended up like this.
10:29I rode the scooter back to grandpa's old house.
10:32The weeds outside were already gone.
10:34Roderick must have sent someone to clear them.
10:37Inside, everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.
10:42It took me for hours just to make the place halfway livable.
10:47Most of the stuff inside was broken beyond fixing.
10:50I was trying to carry out the junk when I tripped.
10:56Everything went flying all over the floor.
10:58I was a mess my knee hurt, and I was covered in dirt.
11:02I saw a pair of shiny leather shoes stop in front of me.
11:05I didn't even have to look up to know who they belonged to.
11:08I got up slowly, my knee throbbing with pain.
11:12Mr. Dunlop.
11:15Can I help you with something?
11:16I'd gone from calling him Rod, to Roderick, and now to Mr. Dunlop.
11:21It was better this way keeping my distance.
11:24I never wanted to go back to that hellhole ever again.
11:27Grandma sent me to check on how you're doing.
11:29Roderick's brow was furrowed.
11:31Please tell her I'm fine, and she doesn't have to worry about me.
11:35I crouched back down to clean up the mess.
11:38That fall had just made everything worse.
11:42Roderick grabbed me by the back of my collar,
11:44with a tear, my shirt split right open.
11:47It was the same shirt I'd worn yesterday and the same one I'd had three years ago.
11:51The fabric was so thin it tore almost instantly.
11:54Mr. Dunlop, have some respect!
11:57My voice was sharp with anger as I clutched the torn fabric.
12:01Thank God it was only the back that tore, but it was my only shirt.
12:04I hadn't had time to buy new clothes, and now how was I supposed to go shopping?
12:09But Roderick's eyes were fixed on the scars on my back.
12:13What the hell happened here?
12:15I misbehaved.
12:17They punished me for it.
12:19My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's pain.
12:23You deserved it.
12:24He walked out.
12:25I glanced over my shoulder.
12:27My back was covered in scars old and new, all from whippings.
12:31The newest ones were probably from a few days ago.
12:34I couldn't even remember exactly which day.
12:37They hadn't even fully healed yet.
12:42I found a dusty shirt in the closet, shook it off, and slipped it on right away.
12:46Pretty soon, I felt an itch on my back, right over the wounds.
12:50They probably got infected.
12:52Of course, just as I was heading out to buy new clothes, Roderick came back.
12:57Was he back to laugh at me?
12:58He tossed a bag at me?
13:01Change into these.
13:03I refused.
13:05He had a girlfriend, and it felt wrong for him to be buying me clothes.
13:09But it had been three years?
13:10Maybe Chelsea was his wife now, not that I cared?
13:14Roderick pulled me roughly back inside the house.
13:16I sat down and did what he told me.
13:19He cleaned the wounds on my back with antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
13:22It stung.
13:23But I didn't make a sound.
13:24It was nothing next to what I'd been through.
13:26His hands were rough but strangely careful.
13:29Like he was trying to undo something he couldn't name.
13:35Why is this one right here across your waist?
13:37Roderick pointed to a particularly ugly scar.
13:40It wasn't just a surface scrape whoever hit me had aimed right for my kidneys.
13:44I shook my head.
13:45Um, I don't know.
13:47He finished up cleaning the wounds and helped pull my shirt down.
13:52Why did they do this to you?
13:54I was already wearing a new shirt.
13:58Because I misbehaved.
14:00Then, as if worried he might not believe me, I added.
14:06But I'm good now.
14:08What did you do?
14:10Roderick pushed, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.
14:15One of the counselors caught me after I dropped some food on the table.
14:19Roderick frowned but said nothing.
14:21I glanced at him nervously.
14:23After a long pause.
14:26Elsewhere.
14:27Where else did they hurt you?
14:29I shook my head.
14:30It's not like they chose to go for my back.
14:32I'd curl up into a ball.
14:34So my back was just the only part left exposed.
14:37It's getting late.
14:39You should go now.
14:40I didn't want to be in the same room as him.
14:42It felt suffocating.
14:43Besides, it was already dark outside.
14:46Oh, it's fine.
14:48I'll crash here for the night.
14:51Silence hung between us.
14:52I didn't argue.
14:54But I stayed awake long after the lights went out.
14:59I hadn't eaten since breakfast at his apartment.
15:02Using the groceries I'd picked up earlier, I whipped up a simple meal on the old hot plate.
15:08Thank God Grandpa never used gas otherwise.
15:10I'd have had nothing to eat.
15:13You're not at the center anymore.
15:15You don't have to eat so fast.
15:17Roderick's voice reached me as I hurried through the meal.
15:19But I was already finished, and Roderick had barely touched his food.
15:23Old habits die hard.
15:25Roderick took my bedroom, so I slept in Grandpa's old room.
15:29Late that night, my knee and back started throbbing.
15:31My head felt heavy and dizzy.
15:34When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a white ceiling.
15:38The sharp smell of disinfectant was everywhere.
15:40I didn't have time to wonder how I'd gotten here.
15:43All I cared about was that I was going to be late for my first shift.
15:47I tiptoed over to put on my shoes, careful not to wake Roderick.
15:51Roderick's sleepy voice stopped me right as I was almost out the door.
15:56Where are you off to?
15:57I got a job.
15:59I'm going to be late for work.
16:00Do you even know you're running a fever?
16:02He sounded annoyed.
16:04Was it because he'd had to pay for the medical bills?
16:08Don't worry, Mr. Dunlop.
16:10I'll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.
16:13I gave him a quick, polite bow and slipped out the door.
16:18Thankfully, I made it to work just in time.
16:23It was Valentine's Day, and the flower shop was absolutely packed.
16:28My job was simple, just working the register.
16:30I didn't know how to do anything else yet.
16:33The shop was small, but the owner was amazing, and customers just kept coming in.
16:38But out of all the people who could have walked in, I never thought I'd see Chelsea Harvey.
16:44Arm in arm with Roderick, laughing and talking up a storm.
16:48Chelsea, the same girlfriend Roderick, had brought home all those years ago.
16:53Chels, Rod.
16:55The shop owner walked over to greet them politely.
16:59My mind went completely blank, and I froze in place.
17:02It turned out the owner was Chelsea's brother.
17:05My life was starting to feel like a bad soap opera all over again.
17:09I'd suffered for three years because of Chelsea.
17:12And now here I was, working for her brother.
17:15How pathetic was that?
17:23Chelsea spotted me.
17:26Flinched in fake fear and buried her face in Roderick's chest.
17:30Cliffy, what is she doing here?
17:32She's...
17:32She's the one who...
17:34Chelsea pointed a shaking finger right at me.
17:37Clifford Harvey stared at me in shock.
17:38Then his face twisted with disgust.
17:40He grabbed me by the arm and shoved me right out the door.
17:47It all happened so fast.
17:49I stumbled and crashed to the ground.
17:52Roderick just stood there and watched.
17:54Cold as ice.
17:56Humiliated, I got up and ran all the way back to the old house.
18:01I locked myself in Grandpa's room.
18:03It was the only place I ever felt safe.
18:08Thanks to that, I had to find a new job.
18:11And I had to pay back that $1,000 advance.
18:17I hated owing anyone anything.
18:22Job hunting sucked for days.
18:24Until I finally got hired as a dishwasher.
18:26It was tiring, but it kept me busy.
18:29Kept my mind off things.
18:32I thought maybe I could finally live a quiet life.
18:35But some people just couldn't stand to see me happy.
18:38Chelsea's shadow followed me wherever I went.
18:46The floor manager had told me to bring the clean dishes out to be sanitized.
18:57Well, look who it is.
18:59The Crawford Group Harris.
19:02Ah!
19:04Oh wait.
19:05I mean, a pathetic little shadow nobody wants around!
19:09As I walked through the dining area, a few girls blocked my way.
19:13Their voices thick with sarcasm.
19:15They were my old college classmates.
19:18It's also Chelsea's little minions.
19:20Chelsea was standing right behind them.
19:23Watching it all go down no sign of her usual innocent act.
19:29I tried to ignore them and walk past.
19:32I didn't want any trouble.
19:33Did I say you could leave?
19:35Someone yanked my hair so hard it sent a sharp pain shooting through my scalp.
19:39The noise set off a commotion.
19:43All I could think about was the plates.
19:46I'd have to pay for them.
19:48Roderick's voice cut through the noise from behind me.
19:50What's going on here?
19:52My hands, busy picking up the broken pieces, froles for a second.
19:57I cut my finger on a shard.
20:00It didn't even hurt.
20:01I knew something way worse was about to happen.
20:05Sure enough, I heard Chelsea's fake sweet voice complaining to Roderick.
20:10We were just trying to make up with Mari.
20:15Just catch up a little.
20:17But then she...
20:22Before Chelsea could finish, another girl cut in.
20:26But then she lost her temper and tried to hit Chelsea with a plate!
20:41I kept picking up the broken pieces calmly.
20:46I knew I was going to lose this job too.
20:48The floor manager rushed over and chewed me out.
20:51I do no count of oins.
20:52I'm chewed at me busting dumping!
20:53Munt!
20:54Nup!
20:55Test!
20:59I handed over almost all the cash I had on me.
21:03All but ten bucks.
21:06I'm sorry.
21:09I'm sorry.
21:16With my last ten bucks, I stopped at a pharmacy, then headed home.
21:22Back at the house, I went into Grandpa's room.
21:31Picked up his photo and held it tight.
21:36I'm sorry, Grandpa.
21:38I didn't turn out the way you hoped I would.
21:44You taught me that loving someone means having the courage to go for them.
21:48So you never regret it.
21:53But Grandpa, I'm so tired.
21:55I can't do this anymore.
21:56I'm giving up.
22:00What if I come to be with you instead?
22:05You're not saying no, so I'll take that as a yes.
22:11I downed all the sleeping pills I'd bought at the pharmacy.
22:15I downed all the sleeping pills I'd bought at the pharmacy.
22:23I was scared Roderick would use this as an excuse to send me back to that center.
22:28I couldn't live like that anymore.
22:30I couldn't find a single reason to keep going anymore.
22:34But sleeping pills were supposed to put you to sleep.
22:45Why did it hurt so much instead?
22:50A sharp cramp hit my stomach, and I could feel my eyes starting to close.
22:56Right as my eyes closed for good, I thought I saw Roderick standing in the doorway.
23:08When is she going to wake up?
23:09She's been asleep for days.
23:11When I came to, it seemed I heard Roderick's voice.
23:23Why was he still clinging to me even after death?
23:32It wasn't until a team of doctors began examining me that I understood.
23:43Roderick had rushed me here to have my stomach pumped.
23:51I'd been given a second chance.
23:59That figure I saw hadn't been an illusion.
24:01It was him.
24:09Are you sending me back?
24:12I looked at his darkened expression.
24:23The doctor says you may be suffering from depression.
24:28Roderick avoided my question.
24:32I nodded dot, but that wasn't the point.
24:42All I cared about was whether I had to be sent back.
24:51Why didn't you tell me?
24:56Would you have believed me if I had?
25:01Telling him would only have made him think I was making excuses to leave that place.
25:15I had reached out to him.
25:18Each resident was granted a scheduled call to family twice a year.
25:29During my first six months, I called him once.
25:34I'm sick.
25:36I cough up blood sometimes, and they hit us.
25:44Can I please come home?
25:52I promise I won't bother you anymore.
25:55What did he say back then?
25:58You come to.
26:00Find a better excuse next time.
26:05Then he hung up.
26:10After that call, I was beaten again.
26:15I never called him after that.
26:22Why did I cough up blood?
26:30Their blows had landed on my back, over and over.
26:33The internal damage eventually affected my stomach and lungs.
26:45Seeing Roderick fall silent, I knew he still didn't believe me.
26:49I lowered my head and didn't ask again whether he'd send me back.
26:54I moored me long, the pair in the sorry that we's out in sparing and disavowing functy.
26:58Should I be sent back, I won't leave alive.
27:04In a place like that, no one would notice whether a person was breathing.
27:09I thought once I got out, I could start over.
27:13But I was wrong.
27:15My peace was always shattered whenever Roderick came into the picture.
27:23The doctor called Roderick out, saying some test results were ready.
27:32The door swung open as Roderick strode back in.
27:43He yanked the blanket aside, then my hospital gown.
27:53An ugly, jaggy scar was exposed.
27:59Your kidney.
28:01Where is it?
28:06His eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he stared at me.
28:16He looked terrifying, just like at the staff at the center.
28:21They had that same look in their eyes.
28:33That look always came right before a beating.
28:37I pulled the blanket up and hid underneath it.
28:47The bed shifted as Roderick sat down beside me.
28:52He gently tug.
28:55He gently'd at the covers.
28:59Mary, come out.
29:01You'll suffocate.
29:06His voice softened, as if he'd realized he'd scared me.
29:22My voice was muffled under the blanket.
29:24Only after he promised did I poke my head.
29:36He asked again, patient this time.
29:39What happened to your kidney?
29:43I shook my head.
29:49I don't know.
29:53Roderick took out his phone and said he would investigate this thoroughly.
29:58Ever since learning about my depression, Roderick had barely left my side.
30:04It was as if he was afraid I might try something again, but I saw that the rehab center had
30:09been shut down on television.
30:10No doubt it was Roderick's doing.
30:13It had posed as an educational institution.
30:16Behind closed doors, it ran vile operations.
30:19Did he do this to you, too?
30:23Roderick pointed at the screen.
30:25Mari Kambai, VO.
30:26The man being interviewed was the infamous director.
30:29He spoke excitedly to the reporter.
30:31I was helping.
30:33They should be thankful.
30:36Without my guidance.
30:38Do you think they'd be so compliant now?
30:41Go ask their parents.
30:43Their children are model citizens now, aren't they?
30:47I took a kidney as my fair compensation.
30:49My method was simple.
30:51Add something to their bedtime milk, then proceed with the removal.
30:54I'd watch them wake up in agony.
30:57The man grew more animated as he spoke.
30:59I felt a wave of dread seep into my bones.
31:04The bloody scene felt like it had happened yesterday.
31:07That night, I went to bed as usual.
31:10Before lights out, we all had to drink the milk the attenders brought.
31:13Refusal meant a beating.
31:16In my sleep, I felt like I was being restrained.
31:20Then, slowly, a sharp pain pierced my side.
31:27My eyes flew open to see the director's horrifying face leaning over me.
31:31It wasn't a dream.
31:32He was staring intently at my waist.
31:35The pain made me black out.
31:37I didn't wake until the next day.
31:42He threatened me.
31:44If I ever spoke a word, my other kidney would meet the same fate.
31:48No wonder so many people there moved stiffly.
31:50And no one ever said a thing.
31:52Mari!
31:54I stared at him, my gaze empty.
31:56Then, a mouthful of blood surged up and spilled over.
31:59However, I collapsed.
32:05I had no idea how long I was out.
32:10When I woke up, I was still connected to a ventilator.
32:15I shifted my fingers, trying to wake Roderick.
32:19His weight was resting on my hand, and it had gone numb.
32:27You're awake.
32:28How do you feel?
32:29You were in shock, did you realize?
32:31But I was in shock.
32:32How would I know?
32:35But was this really Roderick?
32:39His jaw was shadowed with stubble, his eyes streaked with red.
32:44This wasn't the same cool collected man I remembered.
32:48I tried to speak, but had no strength left.
32:51I just lay still.
32:53Let the doctors and Roderick do what they needed to do.
32:57I learned I'd been unconscious for four days.
33:02Roderick had stayed by my side the whole time.
33:08That afternoon, a doctor removed the ventilator.
33:13I could talk again.
33:18What's the prognosis?
33:19Weeks?
33:19Months?
33:20I knew my time was running out.
33:23Roderick's hand, which had been holding a spoon to feed me broth, paused.
33:27After a long moment.
33:30Six months.
33:32Maybe less.
33:36A faint smile of relief touched my lips.
33:40Good.
33:40I could get to see Grandpa soon.
33:43Lung cancer?
33:47I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
33:50Even after, I'd learned to behave, and the beatings mostly stopped.
34:00I kept coughing up blood.
34:02The depression only made things worse.
34:10Roderick nodded.
34:13Can I get back to work?
34:16Is there any way you could keep your wife from interfering?
34:19If they'd just leave me alone, I could work in peace.
34:23I still owed Clifford $1,000, after all.
34:27She's not my wife.
34:29Roderick frowned, putting a clear distance between himself and Chelsea.
34:33Chelsea, I didn't care what Chelsea was.
34:36I just needed her to stay away.
34:41I started a small street stall on a decent block, selling burritos.
34:48I had planned to find a regular job, but Roderick forbade it.
34:56When he set his mind to something, no one could change it.
35:05He offered me two options.
35:08Start my own small business, or stay home.
35:14Doing something I chose with the time I had left was a good idea.
35:18I stood nervously behind my cart, worried no customers would come.
35:22The location was close to campus.
35:25Steady foot traffic from students and professionals.
35:28It was a fully licensed area for street vendors to operate.
35:37Best of all, it was close to Grandpa's house.
35:45Hey, how much for a burrito?
35:48I was lost in thought when a guy with a brighty smile walked up to my stall.
35:55I looked up and met his clear eyes.
35:57He had faint dimples, wearing a basketball jersey,
36:00a ball in his hand, as if he'd just come from a game.
36:03I was caught off guard for a second.
36:07He spoke again before I came out of my trance.
36:10For some reason, looking into his eyes didn't make me uneasy at all.
36:15Usually, any eye contact filled me with dread.
36:18So many pairs of eyes haunted my nights.
36:27Would you like to try one?
36:28It's free.
36:30Why free?
36:31Is it because I'm so good looking?
36:32He grinned and rubbed his chin playfully.
36:35His playful tone made my face grow warm.
36:38No, it's my first day.
36:40If it turns out unpasteable, I couldn't possibly take your money.
36:46I'd practiced at home over and over, but doing it for real felt completely different.
36:53Oh, so I'm your gimme pee pig.
36:57No!
36:59I thought I'd scared him off.
37:01Just kidding.
37:01Go ahead.
37:02I'll eat it however it turns out.
37:03He laughed warmly.
37:05Most vendors could make one in three to five minutes.
37:08My clumsy attempt took nearly seven.
37:10The outside was crispy, though not burnt.
37:13Maybe I should make you another one?
37:17He took the wrapped burrito and bit into it.
37:19This is perfect.
37:23It's great.
37:24Seriously, this is how it should be.
37:26Nice and crispy.
37:28His compliment made me smile.
37:31So, how much?
37:32You're not going to charge me an arm and a leg, are you?
37:34No.
37:35He widened his eyes in alarm.
37:36This one's complimentary.
37:38A lucky start for my first day.
37:40I'm Leonard Williams, by the way.
37:42As he turned to leave, he glanced back and waved.
37:45I watched him walk away.
37:47It struck me then how distant my own college days felt.
37:50If I hadn't been so reckless back then, I would have graduated a year ago.
37:59As the day went on, more customers came.
38:06I was almost too busy to keep up.
38:10But I got quicker and more confident with each one.
38:14I didn't pack up until I'd run out of ingredients.
38:23I'll drive you home.
38:24Roderick pulled up beside me in his car.
38:25It's fine.
38:26I have my scooter.
38:28I nodded toward my scooter parked out nearby.
38:33It's getting chilly tonight.
38:34You'll catch a cold.
38:35I won't die from it.
38:43Marianne, how long are you going to keep fighting me on everything?
38:47Roderick caught my wrist as I started to walk away.
38:51Mr. Dunlop, do not forget.
38:58I was the one who pushed your girlfriend down the stairs.
39:05I'm the one to blame.
39:13In that moment, to cut any last tie between us, I claimed the guilt.
39:20Mary stopped lying.
39:21I know the truth now.
39:23She fell on her own.
39:26Suddenly, his arms came around me from behind.
39:31Hadn't he told me to protect Chelsea?
39:37So you were protecting her?
39:39While I bore all the blame?
39:44No.
39:46I was afraid once you knew the truth, you'd hate me for not believing you sooner.
39:52I was wrong.
39:53I'm sorry.
39:55I'm sorry.
40:00His arms tightened around me.
40:03I only found out two days ago.
40:06I went to Chelsea to stay away from you.
40:09And we argued.
40:12She let it slip.
40:15I could no longer hold back my tears.
40:19They fell onto the back of his hand.
40:22At least I would clear my name before I died.
40:25Don't cry, Mari.
40:27He released me, bending down to wipe my tears.
40:32I sobbed uncontrollably in his arms.
40:39For a moment, neither of us spoke.
40:43Three years of silence.
40:45Three years of pain I'd swallowed without a word.
40:48And now, finally, someone believed me.
40:55Rod.
40:57Here.
40:58I pointed to my chest.
41:00It doesn't beat for you anymore.
41:05Rod, if I could, I'd wish we had never met.
41:09I wiped my tears and gave a faint smile.
41:13This is the last time I'll call you that.
41:17From now on, let's each live our own lives.
41:21I'd treat this as a goodbye.
41:23A proper end to those eight years I spent loving him.
41:29I could never forget the three years in that place.
41:34And the person who'd sent me there was Roderick himself.
41:39Mary.
41:42He reached for me, but I stepped back.
41:45Mr. Dunlap, please don't disturb me again.
41:50I want my remaining time.
41:52To be peaceful.
41:56With that, I left.
41:57I drove my scooter home.
42:01Roderick's car followed at a distance in the rearview mirror.
42:05I ignored him.
42:09I went to my stall as usual every day.
42:16Roderick watched from a distance.
42:19I just ignored him.
42:25Hey, I'm back.
42:27Brought my classmates to try your burritos.
42:29It was Leonard.
42:30My first customer.
42:34I glanced at the two boys behind him and gave a slight nod in greeting.
42:38What kind would you like?
42:40A real sense of ease washed over me.
42:42Something I hadn't felt in a long time.
42:44Whatever you recommend.
42:54Maybe one of each?
42:55I'll take some back for my roommates, too.
42:58One of his buddies said, eyeing the ingredients.
43:02So, how much?
43:04You didn't let me pay last time.
43:06You've got to charge me today, or I won't come back.
43:09I hadn't said I wouldn't charge him.
43:12I still needed to pay back my debt.
43:15Six dollars each.
43:17Cash only, though.
43:18If you don't have any, you can get change at the store down the block.
43:22I pointed to the sign on my cart and then toward the store down the block.
43:28Wait right here.
43:29I'll be back.
43:30I watched Leonard walk away inside.
43:33The young seemed so full of life.
43:35It was easy to forget I was only a year older than him.
43:39Yet my life felt worlds apart.
43:44Hey, isn't he good-looking?
43:46And he's single.
43:48Maybe give him a shot?
43:49His classmates clearly thought my glance at Leonard meant more than it did.
43:53I shook my head and stayed silent.
43:56I was making around three to four hundred dollars a day.
44:03Soon, I had enough to repay my debt.
44:06Clifford seemed to have been waiting for me.
44:08He looked different.
44:10Guilty, almost.
44:12I heard what really happened.
44:16Chelsea admitted the truth to Roderick.
44:19I'm sorry for what I did to you.
44:20I didn't reply.
44:23I placed the money on the counter and left.
44:30Finally, I was free of that burden.
44:34Why did Leonard keep coming to my stall?
44:37Did he really love burritos that much?
44:41Do you really like burritos that much?
44:44I finally asked.
44:45No.
44:46Why?
44:48Taking another bite.
44:51Why do you come every day?
44:54Were you short on money for meals?
44:57But he didn't look like he was struggling.
45:01Because you're here.
45:02Between bites.
45:03I didn't fully process his words.
45:06Not until he swallowed, leaned closer, and looked at me seriously.
45:11Be my girlfriend?
45:15I froze for a second, then shook my head.
45:18I took his hand and placed it on my waist.
45:21I'm missing a kidney here.
45:25I have lung cancer here.
45:27He shrugged, unfazed.
45:29I know.
45:31I've always known.
45:33How could he know, reading my surprise?
45:36I'll tell you later.
45:38His hand lingered gently on my waist.
45:41Did it hurt?
45:43My eyes stung.
45:44No one had ever asked me that before.
45:48Not Roderick.
45:49Not my parents.
45:50Not a single person in three years.
45:56But this young man did.
46:00Six months later, I held the medical record the doctor had just given me.
46:05He said the cancer cells were gradually receding.
46:10Leonard had made sure I ate three meals a day.
46:13He walked me to every checkup.
46:18For the first time in years, I wanted to live, and it showed.
46:25With a positive mindset, consistent medication, and no late-night depressive episodes,
46:31full recovery was possible.
46:36There were cases of people beating cancer.
46:39It just wasn't easy.
46:46But I had managed it.
46:52Hey, where are you?
46:53You're not at your stall today.
46:55My phone buzzed with a message from Leonard.
46:57He'd bought me this phone himself.
47:01He'd claimed it was a buy one, get one deal.
47:04That he had an extra, and if I didn't take it, he'd throw it away.
47:08Who believed that?
47:09I certainly didn't.
47:12At the hospital.
47:19Half an hour later, Leonard came jobbing toward me in his basketball jersey.
47:28What did the doctor say?
47:30I put on a somber face, pretending to be downcast.
47:34I saw his expression dim, but he kept his voice steady.
47:40It's okay.
47:42I'll be with you every step of the way.
47:45I cut him off.
47:46Just kidding.
47:47The doctor says I'm doing really well.
47:51I couldn't bear to tease him for long.
47:56You've gotten mean.
47:58He pretended to be upset, but then he picked me up and spun me around twice.
48:11So, does this mean you'll say yes?
48:12He looked at me eagerly.
48:15Say yes to what?
48:18Interest yet him playfully.
48:20Be my girlfriend.
48:21But I'm not completely healed yet.
48:24What if it comes back?
48:25I don't care.
48:30My job is to love you and make you happy.
48:34If you're happy, you'll get better.
48:37He hugged me tightly, nuzzling against me.
48:41All right, I suppose I'll say yes.
48:46I wrapped my arms around him in return.
48:50I sounded as if I was doing him a favor.
48:53The truth was, he had been the one settling for me all along.
49:00As Leonard and I walked away hand in hand, I saw Roderick.
49:09I hadn't seen him in two or three months.
49:13He stood watching us, his eyes red.
49:20He'd pick me up to attend the service, and that was it.
49:23I'd also repaid him for all the medical bills.
49:26Even the money for the food cart.
49:30I knew he'd been watching me from a distance.
49:35He'd tried to approach me a few times.
49:42But I'd threatened to harm myself each time, and he'd finally stayed away.
49:51Mari, who is this?
49:52His eyes were still red.
49:55He already knew the answer.
50:00My girlfriend.
50:01My girlfriend.
50:01Leonard answered first, raising our joined hands.
50:06Is he good to you?
50:09Yes.
50:14I know what it looks like when you love someone, Mari.
50:18And I can see it's not me anymore.
50:21It took me a while to face it.
50:25Be happy.
50:28I wish you the same.
50:29He turned and walked away.
50:34I didn't look back.
50:35Some people are meant to be part of your story, but not your ending.
50:41I heard later that Roderick left to teach in a remote mountain.
50:45As for me, I was curled on the sofa, looking at the man in front of me.
50:50You said before that you knew about my health.
50:54How?
50:57I sprained my ankle during a game and ended up in the hospital.
51:02I was in the room next to yours.
51:04I overheard something while walking by, got curious, and looked through the glass.
51:13One look, and I just knew.
51:15He made it sound so casual.
51:17That's it?
51:18I didn't buy it.
51:19Your classmates mentioned something.
51:22My photo is your computer wallpaper.
51:25The one from when I was a sophomore.
51:27I meant the guys who had stopped by my stall for burritos.
51:30Sure enough, Leonard looked briefly embarrassed.
51:36He was probably cursing them in his head.
51:40Okay, fine.
51:43I was an exchange student at your university in my freshman year.
51:47Doing a photography project.
51:50You were there that day, so full of life.
51:53I couldn't help but take a picture.
51:55Later, I heard you were with Roderick.
51:58So, I kept my distance.
52:00I don't do home wrecking.
52:01He lifted his chin slightly.
52:04It wasn't until I saw you in the hospital
52:06that I realized how stupid I'd been all along.
52:09If I had stepped in back then,
52:11maybe none of this would have happened to you.
52:14After that, I kept an eye on you.
52:15Waiting until the day I ran into you at your stall.
52:17He looked genuinely regortful.
52:19I reached out and hugged him.
52:23Don't blame yourself.
52:25Some things were meant to happen.
52:27It wasn't your fault.
52:28I'd almost missed the chance to be with someone so wonderful.
52:31But in the end, nothing was too late.
52:33Other people go to rehab for drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
52:37I went to quit loving a man.
52:39In the end, I didn't just quit him.
52:43I learned to love myself again.
52:45I learned to love myself again.
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