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