- 2 hours ago
His Stupid Girl New
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Short filmTranscript
00:00When I was 8, my parents brought home a boy named Malcolm Harrington.
00:04The first thing he did was sink his teeth into my finger and bite off half of it.
00:08The second thing he did was save my life.
00:11One night, my parents beat me with sticks until I lay motionless on the floor.
00:15Malcolm ran back. He threw himself over me.
00:18He held a kitchen knife. Against his own throat.
00:22If you kill her!
00:23His tears fell into my mouth.
00:26I'd die, too.
00:28From that night on, I gave him everything I had every piece of candy I saved.
00:33Every secret I kept.
00:35Each night he turned away to cry into his pillow until it soaked through.
00:39I stayed awake. Making sure he wasn't alone.
00:42When we were 18 men in black came to take him back to Chicago.
00:46He was the Harrington heir now.
00:48I was just the retarded girl.
00:50They'd taken in as charity.
00:52But before he left, he pulled me into a crushing hug.
00:55His voice breaking.
00:59Lily, come with me.
01:03You like birds, right?
01:04There are so many beautiful birds there.
01:06So I went.
01:07I thought we'd finally be happy together.
01:10Malcolm and me.
01:11I was wrong about so many things.
01:13But one thing I was right about.
01:15The only thing that ever mattered.
01:17Malcolm would always find his way back to me.
01:19The question was whether he'd find me in time.
01:21When I was born, I was diagnosed with intellectual disability.
01:26When I was 8, mom and dad brought home an adorable little boy named Malcolm Harrington.
01:31He had a real mean streak.
01:33When I offered him candy, he sank his teeth into my finger and bit off half of it.
01:37When I tried to help him clean up, he shoved my head into the sink and held it there.
01:42One day, I went to my uncle's house to play games.
01:45I was hoping to win some fancy chocolate for Malcolm.
01:48Then, without warning, Malcolm charged in frantically and bit down hard on my uncle's leg,
01:53drawing blood.
01:54He told me his home was far away in Chicago.
01:57I didn't understand what that meant.
01:59But at night, he would turn away from me and cry until his pillow was soaked.
02:03I figured he missed his family.
02:05So I sneaked him out.
02:07I stuffed every piece of candy I'd saved into his pockets.
02:10I gave him a firm shove, urging him to run.
02:13When mom and dad caught me, they beat me with fists and sticks.
02:17As my blood mixed with the crushed candy, I just wanted to close my eyes and never wake up.
02:24But instead of leaving, Malcolm ran back and threw himself over me.
02:28His tears fell into my mouth, salty and bitter.
02:31He held a kitchen knife against his own throat.
02:33If you kill her, I die too!
02:36After that, he never mentioned going home again.
02:39Then, when we were 18, a line of shiny black cars pulled up in front of the house.
02:45Men wearing armbands took mom and dad away.
02:49A beautiful woman who smelled like perfume cried as she pulled Malcolm into one of the cars.
02:56I knew he was going home.
02:57I held out the chocolates I'd been saving for six months.
03:00But he knocked them out of my hands.
03:02He pulled me into a crushing hug.
03:04His voice shaking.
03:07Lily, come with me.
03:15I'm taking you to the city.
03:17You like birds, right?
03:19There are so many beautiful birds there.
03:25Chicago was beautiful.
03:26The buildings were taller than the mountains back home.
03:29I stared at everything with my mouth hanging open, trying to take it all in.
03:33Malcolm told me it all belonged to his family, but there were no birds.
03:36And the woman, Rachel Harrington, kept digging her long fingernails into my palm.
03:42Scared, I tugged at his sleeve.
03:47Malk, when can I go home?
03:50His expression darkened, though his voice stayed soft.
03:55My home is your home.
03:58We are never going back to that place.
04:01Rachel's voice rose to a shriek.
04:03Malk!
04:03Your father will never agree to adopt her!
04:07If it weren't for her human tracker parents, you wouldn't have suffered in that slum for ten years!
04:14Malcolm's face was cold.
04:17The couple was at fault, not her.
04:19But she's retarded!
04:21Rachel waved a stack of papers in the air.
04:23Severe intellectual disability.
04:26She'll be a burden forever!
04:28Do you know how bad that looks for your father?
04:34I froze in fear, and then my pants felt warm and wet.
04:37A dark stain spread across the carpet.
04:39The servants covered their noses and stepped away, whispering to one another.
04:44I wanted to curl up and hide my shame.
04:46But then I noticed the white papers scattered on the floor.
04:49I dropped to my knees to pick them up.
04:51I carefully patted off the dust and handed them to Malcolm.
04:54He used to complain that his homework paper was too thin and tore easily.
04:58Now he finally had good paper.
05:01Malk!
05:02White paper!
05:04You can do your homework now!
05:06His eyes turned red.
05:07He took the stack of papers, gripped my hand, and led me into the guest room.
05:12A few maids came over to change my pants, clearly unhappy about it.
05:16I clutched my waistband tight, so they pinched my side hard.
05:21Ugh!
05:22Disgusting!
05:22Let go!
05:23Tears stung my eyes from the pain.
05:25But I remembered what Malcolm told me no one was allowed to touch my pants except him
05:29and me.
05:30The door was slightly ajar and I heard Malcolm's icy voice coming from the hallway.
05:34Rachel, you know exactly how you got into my father's bed, and you know exactly why
05:39I went missing all those years ago.
05:41If you try to poison my father against Lily, I promise you and your precious son will be
05:45thrown out of the Harrington family.
05:52Rachel's face went pale, and she ran away crying, the hallway went quiet.
05:56When I came out in clean pants, Malcolm was slumped on the sofa.
06:00He looked at me and let out a long sigh.
06:03Malcolm was home now, so why wasn't he happy?
06:05Later, Malcolm's father came home, they stayed in the study for a long time.
06:10When Malcolm finally came out, he had a bright red handprint on his face.
06:14He locked himself in his room and refused to eat.
06:17I shook with fear.
06:19Back home, when mom and dad said I was bad and wouldn't feed me, Malcolm used to sneak
06:23his food to me.
06:24Once, he went hungry for a whole week until he passed out.
06:28I ran to tell mom and dad, but they beat me and accused me of starving him to death.
06:33When he woke up, he kept his mouth shut tight, no matter how much I begged him to eat.
06:37He waited until mom and dad finally brought me a plate of food, too.
06:41Only then did he open his mouth and let me feed him.
06:48I took a bread roll I'd hidden during dinner and sneaked into Malcolm's room.
06:52I tried desperately to push it into his mouth, but his eyes were red.
06:56He pulled me close, his hot tears dripping onto my neck.
07:01Lily, he might be my biological father, but he stopped caring about me a long time ago.
07:07No one here cares.
07:11I only have you.
07:16If they can't accept you, they won't accept me either.
07:20I didn't understand his complicated words, so I just used my sleeve to wipe his face.
07:25Let's leave.
07:26His voice was sudden and firm.
07:29Isn't this our home?
07:30Lily, anywhere I am with you is home.
07:33He took me and ran away.
07:35We lived under an overpass for three days huddled together for warmth.
07:40Finally, Malcolm's father gave in and agreed to let me stay.
07:43But Rachel complained I was covered in germs.
07:46She wouldn't let me touch anything and made me stay in my room.
07:49Every night, Malcolm came to hold me while we slept, whispering that he was sorry.
07:54I didn't understand why even though there were no birds here, I had Malcolm, and that made me happy.
08:02But then Malcolm went to college and got very busy.
08:05He stopped coming home for dinner.
08:07He stopped reading me stories before bed.
08:10A pretty girl named Alicia Quinn started following him around.
08:13She had long hair and always smelled like flowers.
08:16The servants told me she was Malcolm's fiancé.
08:19I didn't know what a fiancé was.
08:21They laughed and told me.
08:25It means she's his bride.
08:27They'll sleep together and eat together every day.
08:32I tilted my head.
08:39Does that mean I'm Malcolm's fiancé too?
08:44Malcolm laughed and shook his head.
08:51When I asked him why, his face fell, and he looked at me with a strange expression.
08:56He didn't explain.
08:57After that, he stopped coming to hold me at night.
09:00I lay awake in the dark, staring at the ceiling, waiting for the door to open.
09:04It never did.
09:08I could only watch through the glass as Malcolm and Alicia sat on the garden swing.
09:12They were reading, feeding the fish by the pond, and walking that fluffy puppy of theirs.
09:19I wanted to be out there so bad it hurt.
09:22I missed Malcolm.
09:23But one time, Alicia had actually spotted me at the window.
09:30It startled her so bad she fell right to the ground,
09:33pointing at me and screaming that she'd seen a ghost.
09:36I panicked.
09:37I ran outside and almost got hit by a car.
09:40Malcolm was furious.
09:41He struck me hard with a clothes hanger.
09:45Why are you running around?
09:48Why won't you listen?
09:50After that, they covered the window with black cloth.
09:53I couldn't see anything anymore.
09:55The servants stopped bringing me food, and I started feeling dizzy from the hunger.
10:00They didn't let me out until the day of Malcolm's engagement party.
10:09Malcolm pulled me aside.
10:11When he saw how thin my face was, a flicker of guilt passed through his eyes.
10:14But his voice stayed harsh and cold.
10:19Today is my engagement party with Alicia.
10:22You just watch quietly, understand?
10:25No eating with your hands.
10:26If you need the bathroom, tell a servant.
10:30Malcolm had forgotten again.
10:31The first time I ate with Alicia, I didn't know how to use a knife and fork.
10:35I remembered him saying we needed to make a good impression on her.
10:38I was starving.
10:39While I drank my juice, I secretly grabbed handfuls of food and stuffed them into my pocket to eat back
10:44in my room.
10:44Then, a sudden urge to pee hit me.
10:47I hurriedly told them I needed the bathroom.
10:49Rachel, who always had sharp eyes, grabbed me.
10:52What's that bulging in your pocket?
10:55Then she screamed.
10:56We feed and clothe you!
10:58And you still steal?!
11:01She yanked at me, and the food spilled all over the floor.
11:05That's when I felt a sudden warmth between my legs.
11:07Urine dripped down my calf.
11:14The room went dead silent.
11:17Guests covered their mouths in shock and backed away, their eyes full of disgust.
11:22The smell filled the air.
11:24Alicia went totally pale.
11:26She retched, covered her nose and ran out, forgetting all about being polite.
11:32Malcolm rushed after her.
11:34He didn't come back for a long time.
11:36When he finally returned, he stared at the mess on the floor with empty eyes.
11:49I'm begging you.
11:51His voice sounded exhausted.
11:56Just be normal.
11:58Okay?
12:00Since that first incident, I had practiced using a knife and fork until my hands were covered in blood.
12:06I had learned to use the toilet by myself.
12:09I nodded obediently.
12:11He didn't look at me again.
12:13He turned to take Alicia's arm and chat with the guests.
12:17Malcolm looked tired, but his smile was bright.
12:20I was truly happy for him.
12:23Then Vincent Harrington, Malcolm's half-brother, whispered behind me.
12:29Malc hasn't eaten all day.
12:31If you bring him a piece of cake,
12:37he'll be even happier.
12:43My eyes lit up I remembered when we were kids back in the village.
12:46A big boy named Brad told me to kneel and bark like a dog for a bite of cake.
12:50I had knelt until my knees bled, barking for a long time just to present that cake to Malcolm like
12:55a treasure.
12:56Malcolm had stared at the cake and insisted I eat first.
12:59I wiped my mouth, smiling, and lied that I had already eaten.
13:02Only then did he open his mouth.
13:04Cream stuck to the corner of his lips and he squinted at the sweetness.
13:08But the next day, he came home from school in a rage.
13:11He cried and shoved me, calling me shameless, saying I had no self-respect.
13:15He said he didn't have a sister like me.
13:18But a second later, he ran out to the riverbank and dug up wet herbs.
13:22With red eyes, he applied the medicine to my knees.
13:25He glared at me.
13:28I hate cake.
13:31If you ever bring it to me again, I'll kill you.
13:34Watching his trembling hands, I couldn't help but smile.
13:37Malcolm was lying again.
13:38Happily, I went to cut the cake.
13:40Suddenly, my vision went black.
13:42I collapsed right into the cake, knocking over the champagne tower.
13:45It crashed down on me and the shards pierced my skin.
13:51Alicia screamed and jumped back.
13:53She looked terrified.
13:54Her gorgeous red dress splattered with cream.
13:56Her eyes red.
13:58She looked at Malcolm.
13:59Malcolm!
14:00You said she would behave!
14:05Why did you let her ruin my engagement party?
14:08She covered her face and ran out.
14:10Malcolm's expression was terrifyingly cold.
14:12All I could think was that if Malcolm ate the cake, he would be happy.
14:16Fighting the intense pain of the glass shards in my body, I scooped the clean parts of the cake onto
14:20a plate.
14:22I had just lifted it up when Malcolm kicked the plate away.
14:26His eyes were bloodshot.
14:29Are you that obsessed with food?
14:32You couldn't wait a single moment?
14:38Are you not satisfied until you've ruined me and I'm stuck with you forever?
14:42I shook my head frantically, trying to grab his hand.
14:45But he shoved me away hard and stormed out without looking back.
14:48I fell onto the debris.
14:50Glass shards pierced my skin and the pain made tears stream down my face.
14:53Moments later, someone rushed in, shouting,
14:57Miss Queen has been in a car accident!
15:01The bodyguards hauled me into the hospital.
15:04Lily, the blood bank is empty and you're the only match.
15:07Malcolm's voice was desperate.
15:11Please, save her, okay?
15:14I couldn't answer because I hurt too much.
15:16There was still glass from the accident stuck in my skin.
15:19Malcolm snapped.
15:21Alicia isn't me.
15:22She doesn't owe you a thing!
15:27You hurt her.
15:28So you have to pay for it!
15:30He shoved me toward the donation room.
15:32The doctor rolled up my sleeve, but when he saw my arm was covered in fresh blood, he froze.
15:37He looked like he wanted to stop.
15:38I remembered something I'd seen on TV once.
15:42I ducked my head and begged.
15:44I'll do it!
15:45I was wrong!
15:46I'm not scared of the pain!
15:48After a round of tests, the doctor looked grim.
15:54Mrs. Brooks, you have a brain tumor, and it's getting worse.
15:58I didn't get it.
15:59He sighed.
16:02It means you have two months to live.
16:07That part, I understood.
16:09Malcolm had told me once that dying meant going somewhere very far away farther than birds
16:13could fly.
16:14But he also said the birds come back in the spring.
16:16When they finished taking my blood, I wanted to tell him.
16:19I wanted to say I was going on a long trip and that he should remember to come get me
16:23in
16:23the spring.
16:23But then Alicia woke up before I could get the words out.
16:27He shoved past me and ran to her.
16:29The room spun, and I hit the floor through the crack in the door I heard Alicia sobbing.
16:34I said I didn't mind her living with us after we got married, but I never agreed to risk
16:39my life for it.
16:40We've given her a luxury life for years.
16:43Whatever debt we owe is paid.
16:46Because you keep protecting her.
16:49Your dad is about to give your inheritance to Vincent instead.
16:53I've compromised on everything for you, but do you ever think about how I feel?
16:58Do you know how people make fun of me?
17:03She's retarded.
17:05How much more do we have to accommodate her?
17:10Malcolm's voice sounded hoarse.
17:14She wasn't always like this.
17:16She got this way by saving me.
17:20No matter what I do, I can't give her a normal life back.
17:24Alicia went quiet for a second.
17:27Without you, her life would be way worse than this.
17:30She would have been sold off or tortured to death.
17:33Send her to a care facility.
17:35They have professionals there.
17:36She'll be treated well.
17:38Malcolm buried his face in his hands.
17:40Let me think about it.
17:42We only have two months, Malk.
17:45If Vincent becomes the heir...
17:51I won't be able to marry you.
17:53They held each other and cried, like some unlucky couple being tested by fate.
17:57My chest suddenly ached.
17:58It hurt worse than when mom and dad used to hit me.
18:01Turned out, Malcolm was suffering so much because of me.
18:04I decided I didn't want him to come get me after all.
18:10My headaches had been getting worse lately, and I usually ended up sleeping the entire
18:14day away.
18:15My nose wouldn't stop bleeding either just these uncontrollable trickles of dark blood.
18:19It was a good thing Rachel hadn't let me leave my room.
18:23If Malcolm had seen me like that, he'd have just lost it again.
18:26Lying in bed, I reached under my pillow and dug out the little wooden bird he carved.
18:31Suddenly, the door swung open.
18:33I panicked and shoved it back out of sight.
18:36The last time Malcolm got mad at me for running around, he threw it into the fire.
18:40I was so desperate to save it that I reached right into the flames.
18:44The skin on my palm had peeled right off.
18:47That night, he held me and cried until morning asking over and over,
19:00Terrified he was about to lose his temper again, I started to tremble.
19:04Instead, he crawled under the covers and pulled me close.
19:07His voice was raspy.
19:08Hiding snacks again?
19:10I didn't want him to think I was greedy, so I shook my head fast.
19:15It's not food.
19:16I pulled out the wooden bird to show him.
19:18He froze for a second, then gave a bitter smile.
19:24It's just that...
19:25He paused, his voice catching in his throat.
19:29The wings are burned off.
19:31I can't fly away now.
19:34He buried his face in my shoulder.
19:39It has to stay right by my side for the rest of its life, doesn't it?
19:42I wanted so badly to tell him he was wrong.
19:44I was going on a long trip soon.
19:46I had secretly asked Alicia where the birds went.
19:48She said they flew south, to the village where Mom and Dad were.
19:51I wanted to go back there.
19:53I wanted to see if the bird had made it back to its nest.
19:56Alicia booked the ticket for me.
19:57She said I could finally go home.
20:02On Malcolm's birthday, I was allowed out of my room again.
20:05I filled a glass jar with all his favorite colorful candies and quietly left it in his
20:09bedroom.
20:09At the party, Alicia whispered to me.
20:12Do you want to make milk happy?
20:14I nodded eagerly.
20:15She handed me a glass of juice, a flicker of guilt in her eyes.
20:20Drink this, and Malcolm will get exactly what he wants.
20:23I didn't even think about it.
20:25I drank it all in one go.
20:26Not long after, I felt dizzy and passed out.
20:29I was jolted out of my daze by a hard slap.
20:31My face stung with burning pain.
20:33I opened my eyes.
20:36Disgusting!
20:39The room was full of people pointing at me.
20:41She couldn't get Malcolm, so she went after Vincent instead.
20:49I thought she was supposed to be retarded.
20:52She looked sharp enough to me.
20:53My head was swimming.
20:54I couldn't understand what they were saying.
20:56I only saw Malcolm, his eyes bloodshot, clutching a torn dress.
21:00His voice trembled.
21:01Is this the birthday present you prepared for me?
21:07No, that wasn't it.
21:09Malcolm had it wrong.
21:10The present was in his room.
21:12I tried to get up to pull him there, only to realize I wasn't wearing any clothes.
21:15Beside me, Vincent was naked too.
21:18His face was flushed crimson.
21:19He slapped me across the face, hard enough that I tasted copper in the back of my throat.
21:26Have you no shame?
21:28You dared to drug me?
21:30I swallowed the blood in my mouth and watched him struggle to reach his trousers.
21:34I remembered Rachel saying Malcolm's brother, Vincent, had poor health and that I should
21:38always be helpful to him.
21:40So, I reached out, grabbed his pants and tried to help him put them on.
21:44Malcolm yanked my hair back violently, his eyes glaring red.
21:49How the hell did you get this cheap?
21:54Huh?
21:56The pain made tears stream down my face.
21:58Vincent spat on me.
22:00Slut.
22:03Malcolm roared and lunged at him, punching him over and over until Vincent's face was
22:07covered in blood.
22:08The whole room erupted into chaos.
22:10Eventually, Vincent was taken away in a large white van.
22:17I was dragged into a small dark room outside the door.
22:20I heard a man's cold voice.
22:22Last chance.
22:25Get rid of that woman.
22:26She has the mind of an eight-year-old.
22:29How could she possibly drug Vincent?
22:32It had to be him.
22:40He raped her.
22:42A heavy slap landed on Malcolm's face.
22:44You've lost your mind over her!
22:46Today, you broke your brother's nose.
22:48Tomorrow, are you going to kill someone to mation for her?
22:54If you don't send her away, I have my ways of making her disappear.
22:59Suddenly, it went quiet outside.
23:01The next day, Malcolm came for me, his eyes swollen.
23:05He stuffed me into a car and shoved a key and a bank card into my hand.
23:08His voice was incredibly hoarse.
23:14I bought you a house on the south side.
23:16Don't ever come back.
23:18Big tears started rolling down my face.
23:20He yanked his hand back as if I'd burned him.
23:23Enough!
23:27Alisha was right.
23:28I paid back everything I owed you long ago!
23:34I shook my head and tried to give the key and card back.
23:40Malcolm, I'm going home.
23:42He froze for a long time, then suddenly started screaming hysterically.
23:54He slammed the car door shut, sealing me off from him completely.
23:58From inside the car, I watched his figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance.
24:03The buildings of Chicago blurred past the window, but I didn't see any of them.
24:07All I saw was the spot where Malcolm had been standing getting tinier and tinier until it was
24:11gone.
24:11My chest felt hollow, like someone had scooped everything out of it.
24:15I reached into my pocket and touched the ticket Alisha had secretly tucked in there.
24:19The edges were crisp and new.
24:21Home, I thought.
24:22I'm going home.
24:23I whispered to the driver in the front seat.
24:26Sir?
24:27Please take me to this station.
24:32The driver met my eyes in the rearview mirror, shaking his head.
24:35His expression gave nothing away.
24:37No.
24:38His voice was flat.
24:39Mr. Harrington gave specific orders to drop you safely at the house.
24:44That's it.
24:45No matter how much I begged, he wouldn't listen.
24:48The yard was average-sized, and a middle-aged woman greeted me warmly at the door.
24:52At first, she treated me well and made me meals, though she wouldn't let me leave.
24:56But as time passed and no one came to visit, her attitude cooled.
25:00Eventually, she started just tossing bread into the room, glaring at me with disdain.
25:04You aren't some wealthy heiress.
25:07If you want to eat, cook for yourself.
25:09She sneered.
25:10The hunger became unbearable, so I gathered my courage and went into the kitchen.
25:14I didn't know what I knocked over, but flames suddenly flared up, instantly catching the curtains.
25:19Malcolm had told me that if there was ever a fire, I had to run.
25:25I grabbed the wooden bird carving from under my pillow and rushed toward the door.
25:29It was locked from the outside.
25:31I cried and pounded on the wood, but no one answered.
25:34The thick smoke forced me to the floor, the fire burned my heels sizzling against my skin.
25:40Malcolm would be angry to see me like this.
25:42I slapped my face hard and forced myself to crawl toward the window.
25:46I smashed the glass with my head and blacked out when I woke up.
25:49Everything was white.
25:50Malcolm sat by the bed in a tuxedo.
25:53I couldn't help smiling when I saw him.
25:54I had finally found him again.
25:56A police officer stood nearby, reprimanding him sternly.
26:00You are Mrs. Brooks' guardian, correct?
26:04How could you lock a person with an intellectual disability alone in a house?
26:09I froze, then shook my head hard, trying to explain.
26:17Malcolm looked drained of all energy.
26:19His red-rimmed eyes fixed on me, his voice sounding exhausted.
26:23What do you want me to do before you leave me alone?
26:28Do I have to obey you completely?
26:31Lillian, you have always hated me, haven't you?
26:34You regret helping me.
26:37I regret it too.
26:42I should have died back then.
26:45Malcolm always said things I didn't understand.
26:47If he died, who would pick him up in the spring?
26:50I wanted to correct him, but my throat hurt terribly.
26:54A doctor nearby explained.
26:57The patient inhaled too much smoke during the fire.
27:02Her vocal cords are moderately burned.
27:05Malcolm turned his head sharply.
27:07She can't speak?
27:11She might recover with rest, but her voice will likely remain permanently horny.
27:16I looked at him, questioning him with my eyes.
27:19He glanced at me and understood immediately.
27:21You won't be able to speak or sing anymore.
27:24I stared blankly for a long time, then opened my mouth, trying to make a sound.
27:28He immediately covered my mouth, shouting in a panic.
27:31The doctor said you need total silence for the next two months.
27:35Do you want to be mute forever?
27:40Stop causing trouble for me.
27:46Warm tears dropped onto my face.
27:48I reached up with a trembling hand to wipe Malcolm's eyes.
27:51He caught my wrist and gave a sad, bitter smile.
27:55Since you cannot speak, my world is finally quiet.
28:00I don't have to answer meaningless questions or hear your bad singing.
28:04My chest ached.
28:05Malcolm used to love my singing.
28:07I remembered when he first came to our home.
28:10He broke things during the day and cried all night.
28:13I wiped his tears, but he swatted my hand away.
28:16I patted his back, and he told me to leave him alone.
28:19Then I sang the song Grandma taught me.
28:21The little bird sings, coming here every spring.
28:29He stopped crying.
28:31The next night, he hid his face in my arms and whispered.
28:37Sing it again, and I won't cry.
28:39Malcolm was only this sad because I couldn't sing anymore.
28:42The doctor looked at the report and frowned.
28:44About to speak, when Alicia rushed in wearing her wedding dress,
28:47she pointed at me, crying.
28:49I never realized you were so manipulative.
28:54You did this on our wedding day to make him feel guilty so he would stay with you.
28:58Alicia had said that as long as I was in Chicago, Malcolm would never be happy.
29:03I didn't want Malcolm to be unhappy.
29:05I looked at her and Malcolm, and I smiled.
29:07I forced the words out through the searing pain in my throat,
29:10repeating what she had taught me.
29:14Yes, he owes me.
29:17He will never have a good life.
29:24Malcolm gripped my wrist so hard the pain bowed me over, sharp and crushing.
29:28Still, I forced a smile, grinding the words out.
29:33You are only good enough to stay right here and do as you're told.
29:41That broke him.
29:43His voice cracked, raw and shouting.
29:51I've degraded myself for you for ten years!
29:58I don't owe you a damn thing anymore!
30:01Get out!
30:02I never want to see you again!
30:04He bunched a fistful of my hair and hauled me roughly toward the exit.
30:08The doctor chased after us, yelling.
30:10Mrs. Brooks has severe burns, but she also has...
30:13The heavy thud of the door severed the rest of his sentence.
30:17Alicia fell in to step beside him, her voice soft and persuasive.
30:21Let's send her to my family's nursing home.
30:25I know you care about her, but please, stop thinking about bringing her home with us.
30:33Okay?
30:34Malcolm's shoulders dropped, and he let out a heavy sigh of surrender.
30:38He shoved me into the car, refusing to look me.
30:44At the moment Malcolm turned to lead Alicia away, a swarm of reporters descended.
30:49Mr. Harrington, did you leave your own wedding for your adopted sister?
30:57Are the rumors of a romance true?
30:59Does Miss Quinn know?
31:01Malcolm pressed his lips into a thin line, saying nothing.
31:04Alicia took his arm with practice poise, flashing a smile for the cameras.
31:10You must be joking.
31:12My husband is a man of integrity.
31:15He certainly wouldn't have an affair with a mentally disableable woman.
31:19He was simply repaying a past debt of gratitude.
31:23Bodyguards cleared a path back to the venue.
31:26Inside, the officiant's voice filled the grand hall.
31:29Mr. Harrington, do you take Miss Quinn to be your wedded wife?
31:35To love and cherish her in sickness and in health?
31:39For richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?
31:43Alicia looked up at him, but the tenderness in his eyes wasn't meant for her.
31:51Mr. Harrington?
31:53The officiant's voice rose, pressing him again.
31:56Her hand trembled as she dug her nails into Miss Palm.
31:59The sharp pain snapped him back to the present.
32:01He finally spoke, the words dragging.
32:04I do.
32:05The hall erupted in cheers.
32:08The ceremony was flawless, burying the negative rumors already trending online.
32:18Malcolm's father nodded with satisfaction.
32:21It's about time.
32:23Follow the path I've laid out.
32:26Build your family and career.
32:29And let the past stay dead.
32:33Don't disappoint me again.
32:35That night, Malcolm sat on the edge of the bed, his expression blank.
32:41Alicia tried her best to seduce him, but when he remained cold, she finally gave up.
32:47You won't admit it, but you love her, don't you?
32:51She sounded resigned.
32:55People like us don't get to live how we want.
32:59Just forget her.
33:01Live the life we're supposed to live.
33:04Even if it's just a duty, it's the best outcome for you, for me, and for her.
33:11He didn't answer.
33:13He just retreated into the bathroom, chain-smoking.
33:19In the haze, his mind drifted back to when he was 15.
33:23He used to mimic the adults smoking raw tobacco at the village entrance.
33:28Whenever I smelled it on him, I'd wrinkle my nose, assuming he was dirty.
33:32I'd shove him toward a washbasin and scrub his back without hesitation, just like when they were kids.
33:39My clear gaze would wander over him, making his face burn.
33:44Don't you know?
33:46If you look at a man's body, no one will want to marry you.
33:51That wasn't actually true.
33:53I was beautiful.
33:54Even with my disability, plenty of men were willing to pay to make my their wife.
33:58But Malcolm had chased every suitor away with a stick.
34:01Then he lowered his head, his voice so quiet he wasn't sure who he was talking to.
34:06It doesn't matter if no one else wants you.
34:12I'll marry you myself.
34:16They put me in a white room with padded walls.
34:19The window was sealed shut, leaving just a few little holes drilled in for air.
34:24They let me out for a few hours a day, though.
34:26The place was packed with people wearing the same blue and white striped clothes I was.
34:31There was a middle-aged woman with two braids who'd stand on tables reciting poetry.
34:35And an old man who liked to smear his dinner on the walls like finger paint.
34:39But the one I saw the most was a little boy who didn't know how to use a fork.
34:42He always grabbed his spaghetti with his bare hands, smearing sauce all over his face.
34:47I crouched down next to him and took his small hand,
34:51prying his fingers open one by one to press the fork into his palm.
34:56You gotta hold it like this.
34:58I rasped, showing him.
35:05My brother taught me that.
35:07But while I was trying to teach him, tears slipped out and fell right into his plate.
35:13Spooked.
35:13He flipped the plate over and scrambled under the table, screaming.
35:22I reached underneath and pulled him out, rubbing his back gently.
35:27He bit my wrist, sinking his teeth deep.
35:31I hissed, but I kept humming that old nursery rhyme with my scratchy voice.
35:35The little bird sings, coming here every spring.
35:43His jaw slowly relaxed.
35:45He leaned back against my chest and picked up the fork as I asked.
35:55The nurses there were gentle.
35:57They'd slip fruit candies under my pillow.
36:02But my stomach felt hard and blocked up and I threw up everything I ate.
36:08I saved the colorful wrappers anyway, hiding them under my mattress.
36:15The day the first snow fell, the little boy dragged me out to the courtyard, all excited.
36:21Snowflakes landed on his open palms.
36:23He tipped his head back and opened his mouth to catch them, eyes crinkling with joy.
36:33I did the same, tasting it myself.
36:35It was cold and tasted like nothing.
36:38Silly kid.
36:39I fished the last two candies out of my pocket, unwrapped one, and fed it to him.
36:44I wrapped the other one back up carefully.
36:46I had to save that one for Malcolm.
36:48He's loved sweets since he was little.
36:50Alicia came to visit while I was drifting in and out.
36:53She sat by my bed, faint dark circles shadowing her eyes.
36:56Lillian, just blame this on me.
36:59Her voice was soft.
37:00Leave Chicago and go back home, okay?
37:03I didn't have the strength to speak, so I just nodded.
37:06I still wanted to go back and check if the little bird had returned to its nest in this cold.
37:12The car pulled away slowly in the snow.
37:15I leaned against the window watching the flakes dance outside.
37:19My eyelids got heavier and heavier until I didn't want to open them anymore.
37:28I lost track of time before the car finally jerked to a stop.
37:31The driver, a middle-aged woman who'd clearly lost her patience, practically kicked me out onto the shoulder of the
37:37road.
37:38Clutching the heavy bags of bread the nurses had secretly shoved into my hands, I started the slow walk into
37:44the village.
37:44The dirt road hadn't changed, a few locals squatting in the sun craned their necks as I passed.
37:50Hey, isn't that Lillian?
37:52The Brooks slow girl?
37:54Didn't that city boy take her off to live the good life?
37:57Why is she back looking like such a wreck?
38:00The gossip made my ears ring.
38:02I covered them with my hands and ran the rest of the way, shouldering open the creaky wooden door of
38:07my house.
38:07My eyes went straight to the bird's nest tucked under the eaves.
38:10Panic set in.
38:11I dragged the ladder over and climbed, my leg shaking to look inside.
38:16It was completely empty.
38:17I burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
38:20Why hadn't the bird come back?
38:22Did it get lost?
38:25The ladder wobbled, and I tipped backward.
38:28A heavy pain slammed into my chest when I hit the ground, and I coughed up a mouthful of blood.
38:34Through the haze of confusion I heard clear, bright laughter.
38:38Lily!
38:39You dummy!
38:40You have to wedge the ladder!
38:41Into the groove!
38:43A teenage Malcolm was sitting on the roof swinging his legs.
38:47When the birds lay eggs next year, I'll get them for you.
38:51We can raise a whole nest of them, okay?
38:53Okay.
38:54I swallowed the metallic taste of blood, my voice hoarse.
38:57I struggled to sit up.
38:58The back of my head throbbed with a dull numbness.
39:01When I reached up to touch it, a clump of dry, yellowing hair came away in my hand.
39:06On the first day, I tried to clean the house, but my nose wouldn't stop bleeding.
39:10As the drops hit the dirt floor, I had to scratch away the dark red spots with my fingernails.
39:17On the second day, I found Malcolm's old textbook at the bottom of a trunk.
39:22He had spent a whole year teaching me one specific page that featured a drawing of a teacher with glasses.
39:27I remembered how he used to rub my hair and praise me.
39:32Lily, you're so smart.
39:34Brad couldn't recite this at school, and his palms got swollen from the ruler.
39:39We used to laugh about that.
39:41But now, staring at the dense rows of text, I couldn't recognize a single word.
39:48On the third day, the pain in my head was unbearable.
39:51I tried to roll over but tumbled right off the bed.
39:55I crawled across the cold floor, grabbed a piece of stale bread from the table, and shoved it into my
40:01mouth.
40:03The door was kicked open, a tall figure stood silhouetted against the light.
40:07He looked down at me lying on the ground, my face drained of color, my scalp showing through my thinning
40:12hair, and blood staining the bread I was eating.
40:15His legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees in the doorway, weeping loudly.
40:23Squinting through my failing eyes, I asked softly,
40:27Is that... milk?
40:30He rushed over and hugged me tight, his whole body trembling.
40:39Why didn't you tell me you had a brain tumor?
40:42Is that how you want me to live?
40:45Carrying that guilt until I die?
40:49How could you be so cruel?
40:51Come on, I'm taking you to a doctor in Chicago right now.
40:54He tried to pull me up but froze when he realized how light and frail I was.
41:01I shook my head.
41:02I don't want to go anywhere.
41:04I'm just tired.
41:06Malcolm ignored me and lifted me into his arms.
41:09His hot tears fell onto my face.
41:13As we passed under the eaves, I tugged at his shirt.
41:21Malk, please look for me.
41:22Did the bird come back to the nest?
41:28He froze.
41:30With red eyes, he gently set me down on the bench in the yard and climbed the ladder.
41:39He stayed there for a long time before looking back with a forced smile.
41:46They're back.
41:47The birds are all back.
41:50Relief finally washed over me and I slowly closed my eyes.
41:57Lily?
41:58His voice shook as he tucked my cold feet against his chest to warm them.
42:04The birds really are back.
42:07Open your eyes and look.
42:13If you don't want to leave, I'll stay here with you.
42:17We can look for bird eggs together again next year, okay?
42:23I suddenly thought of that text from Malcolm's book and asked him to help me read it one last time.
42:30He stroked my head, his hand coming away with more loose hair.
42:37Choking back sobs, he began to read.
42:44Birds may fly away, yet they find their way back.
42:48Trees may drop,
42:51yet their branches reach for the sun.
42:57Flowers may vanish,
42:59yet they rise
43:00and bloom
43:01again.
43:03I followed along, my voice breaking.
43:08But,
43:10Melk,
43:11you're the smart one.
43:14Tell me,
43:16why do our days
43:19never return once they're gone?
43:21I smiled after I said it.
43:23Turned out I remembered the words after all.
43:25He continued reciting,
43:27laughing and crying at the same time.
43:29But his voice sounded increasingly distant,
43:31like it was coming from far away.
43:33As he reached the final sentence,
43:35warm sunlight filled the courtyard
43:37and a sudden fluttering sound came from the eaves.
43:40He looked up and saw two birds circling the old nest,
43:43busy building their home.
43:44He suddenly realized the body in his arms was cold,
43:47and her chest had stopped rising.
43:49He didn't speak.
43:50He just tightened his hold
43:52and stared blankly
43:53at the busy birds,
43:54remembering a song.
43:57The little bird sings,
43:59coming here every spring.
44:03I ask the bird why it comes,
44:07and the bird says,
44:08because the spring here is the most beautiful.
44:14Name mybefore.
44:14I know.
44:19You've seen them.
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