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