He Missed My Surgery for Her - FULL | Reelshort
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The moment the scalpel sliced into my left eye, my husband, Darian Blackwood, was tangled up in bed with his
00:07mistress.
00:08When I woke from general anesthesia, the first thing I did was open my chat with Darian.
00:14Darian, tomorrow night's the full moon. My curse is going to flare up again.
00:19The doctor said the success rate this time is only one in three.
00:22If I wake up and you're not there, then we're over.
00:25The messages had been sent a day ago. He still hadn't replied.
00:29Then an anonymous message popped up.
00:32A video. He was roughly pulling open his mistress's nightgown straps, kissing drunkenly along her neck.
00:39The bedside clock showed the exact time I'd been in surgery the night before.
00:44In the video, he looked so passionate.
00:48But in our chat history, every reply he ever sent me was cold.
00:52I'm busy. Get my assistant to sign the papers.
00:55I'm in a board meeting. You don't need to tell me these things anymore.
00:59Eventually, he muted my messages altogether and assigned me a private assistant.
01:04Someone who's only was signing documents that required a partner's authorization.
01:08Sorry, but I don't think he'll have time to visit you today either.
01:11I stared blankly at that message and finally decided to give up on this relationship.
01:16I texted the assistant.
01:18Don't come anymore.
01:20Then I called my lawyer.
01:22Draft a separation agreement for me.
01:25As the anesthesia wore off, my skull started throoping with pain.
01:30I couldn't even close my eyes.
01:31When this curse flared up, I might lose my left eye completely.
01:36Half conscious, I wondered if I died on that operating table this time.
01:42When would Darian find out?
01:45Probably when they called him to identify my body.
01:48After all, his time and attention would never belong to a beta like me.
01:52Someone without pheromones.
01:54That evening, the isolation room door opened.
01:57Darian walked in carrying a thermos bag and a gift bag.
01:59How are you feeling?
02:01I'm okay.
02:02That's good.
02:07Brought you soup.
02:10I'm allergic to seafood.
02:11The one who lucked seafood was his mistress, Luna.
02:14Then had taken the gift bag.
02:16Sorry, I couldn't stay with you last night.
02:19This is to make up for it.
02:20Inside was a delicate hair clip.
02:23He didn't care about anything related to me.
02:26He didn't even know that after multiple serenial surgeries,
02:29I'd shaved my head long ago.
02:31Luna got sunburned at the beach,
02:33so I brought her to the hospital to get checked.
02:36As he spoke, he poured me a bowl of soup.
02:39She got burned pretty badly.
02:41Her whole back's red.
02:44I said nothing.
02:45Why aren't you drinking it?
02:47He leaned closer, and I caught the heavy, sugary scent of perfume.
02:51I ignored the question.
02:52You changed cologne?
02:53He paused, then smiled.
02:57Luna recommended it.
02:59Smells nice, doesn't it?
03:02If you like it, I'll have her bring you some.
03:05After all these years, he should have known that as a scentless beta,
03:08I hated anything that masks natural scent.
03:11But nothing about me had ever mattered to him.
03:13The isolation room fell silent for a few seconds.
03:17Then his phone notification broke the quiet.
03:20Oh, right.
03:21The assistant said you told him not to come anymore?
03:22He won't need to sign anything for me anymore.
03:25Hmm.
03:25As long as you're getting better.
03:27Softly, I said.
03:28I'm not.
03:29The curse is getting worse.
03:31I may need permanent isolation at any time.
03:37Do you still want this relationship?
03:40Darian, look at this video!
03:41It's so funny!
03:43He muted the volume and finally looked at me.
03:47What did you say?
03:49The machines kept beeping steadily.
03:52You went to the Hamptons this time?
03:54Done with work?
03:55His expression stayed calm.
03:57Luna's been wanting to go to the beach for ages.
04:00There happened to be a project inspection there, so I took her along.
04:05If you want to go, I'll take you once you recover.
04:08There was a knock at the door.
04:10My attending physician walked in to discuss my treatment plan.
04:13You guys talk.
04:14Luna's probably done with her checkup by now.
04:16Darian glanced at his watch and grabbed his coat.
04:18He was always like this.
04:20Living entirely in Luna's bright, lively world.
04:24Nothing about me had ever mattered to him.
04:26The day I was discharged, Darian said he'd pick me up.
04:29I sat outside the hospital waiting for him.
04:32Beside me was a canvas bag filled with discharge papers, medical files,
04:36and a huge pile of suppressive medication.
04:39I scrolled through my phone.
04:41Luna had updated her story again.
04:437 a.m.
04:44A sunrise jogging photo.
04:46Two silhouettes from behind.
04:48One tall, one short.
04:50Caption, early birds get the sunrise.
04:528 a.m.
04:53A bathroom door fogged with steam.
04:55A smiley face drawn in the condensation.
04:57Someone's waiting for me to shower.
05:008.30 a.m.
05:01Breakfast on a hotel balcony.
05:03Two sets of utensils under warm sunlight.
05:06Mornings are better when you eat with someone.
05:08The man who said he was coming to pick me up was busy living someone else's life.
05:13At 10 o'clock, Darian's car finally arrived.
05:16The passenger side window rolled down.
05:18Luna.
05:19Hi, Bianca.
05:21Darian's dropping me off at work.
05:25Traffic was bad.
05:27Darian got out from the driver's seat and opened the back door.
05:30I said nothing and walked over carrying my medication.
05:33Luna leaned against the car window, suddenly staring at my left eye.
05:37What happened to your eye?
05:39It looks cloudy.
05:40That's so weird.
05:42She waved her fingers in front of me.
05:44Can you see this?
05:47How many fingers?
05:48She's near feast.
05:50Darian interrupted.
05:51Oh.
05:51Luna pulled her hand back.
05:53My left eye had been blind for three years.
05:55I'd told him more than ten times.
05:57He still didn't remember.
05:59Luna and opened the car door and walked over.
06:02What are all these meds?
06:04Can I look?
06:05She reached into my bag.
06:07I shifted slightly, trying to avoid her touch.
06:10The bag wasn't tied properly.
06:12The moment she touched it, pill bottles and medication boxes spilled everywhere.
06:17Pills rolled across the ground.
06:19Some disappeared into cracks between the steps.
06:21Others rolled beneath the tires.
06:23How can you not even hold onto a bag properly?
06:26Darian frowned and looked away.
06:28I crouched down, picking them up one by one.
06:31My stitches had only just been removed.
06:33The moment I bent down, pressure mounded through my cull and my vision darkened.
06:38Luna crouched too.
06:40Let me help.
06:41In her panic, she crushed several pills beneath her hand.
06:44Oops.
06:45Sorry, Bianca.
06:47Darian crouched beside her and helped her back up.
06:49They're broken.
06:50Forget it.
06:51No need to pick them up.
06:52They're not expensive.
06:53I slowly stood.
06:55Yeah, not expensive.
06:57He checked his watch and frowned.
06:59Then have her go back into the hospital and get me new ones.
07:02That's unnecessary.
07:03She was only trying to help.
07:04You can go get them yourself.
07:06Luna's going to be late for work.
07:08I'll drop her off first.
07:09I'll send someone to pick you up.
07:10Luna was already back in the passenger seat, waving at me through the window.
07:15Bye!
07:17Darian left me with nothing but his back.
07:20I thought I would cry.
07:21But my eyes stayed dry.
07:23Even my heartbeat remained calm.
07:25Like the person driving away wasn't someone I loved.
07:28Just a stranger.
07:29Maybe I really didn't care anymore.
07:31When I got home, I took the partner agreement out of my bag and signed it.
07:36Then I started packing my things.
07:38One 24-inch suitcase was enough to hold eight years of my life.
07:42There was a framed photo of Darian and I on the bedside table, taken at a gala three years ago.
07:48Back then, my hair was still long, tied in a low pintail.
07:51He wore a dark suit and smiled softly.
07:53I picked up the frame and turned it over.
07:55On the back, someone had written,
07:57You're already the past.
07:59The one beside him now is me, Luna.
08:01I stared at it for a few seconds before turning it back over and placing it on top of the
08:06agreement.
08:08My phone rang.
08:09Darian.
08:10He almost never called me first.
08:12I answered.
08:13There was music in the background, like he was at a bar.
08:17Darian, about the separation agreement, he interrupted me.
08:21Luna likes your painting, Moonlight Fragments.
08:23Of course it was about her.
08:25I paused.
08:27Not for sale.
08:28She really likes it.
08:30One million.
08:31I don't like her.
08:33I'm not selling it to her.
08:35Silence hung on the other end for two seconds.
08:38How much do you want?
08:39Name your price.
08:40I laughed softly and set the phone down on the table.
08:43The bedside drawer was slightly open.
08:45I pulled it open.
08:47Inside was our marriage certificate.
08:49Luna had stuck one of her selfies directly over my face.
08:52In the picture, she smiled brightly and threw up a peace sign.
08:56My face was completely covered.
08:58I remembered the day we took that photo.
09:00I was healthy then.
09:01Full of color.
09:03Darian stood beside me, smiling gently.
09:06When I found out Luna had tampered with the certificate, I contrunted him about it.
09:10He barely glanced at it before promising he'd go replace it with me.
09:13It's just a photo.
09:15It's not a big deal.
09:16Luna likes joking around.
09:18Just let her have this one.
09:20Three years.
09:21He never found the time to replace it.
09:24His voice came through the phone again.
09:26Luna's sensitive.
09:27If she doesn't get what she wants, she'll keep making a fuss.
09:29Just give in and stop making things difficult for me.
09:32Since you won't sell it no matter how much I offer, then your gallery sponsorship won't be approved either.
09:37Let me know when you change your mind.
09:40Do whatever you want.
09:41I tugged at the corner of my lips.
09:43The sound of the call ending echoed through the empty room.
09:46Everything in my left eye was blurry gray, like fog that would never clear.
09:50And that familiar pain slowly crept back into my chest.
09:54When Darian first pursued me, everyone in the family thought he'd lost his mind.
09:58My unpredictable curse.
09:59My unstatable temper.
10:01My scentless beta body.
10:02None of it made me seem fit to be anyone's partner.
10:04But he said it didn't matter.
10:06He said quiet was fine.
10:07Coldness was fine.
10:09He liked all of it.
10:10For the first time in my life, I thought maybe I could rely on someone.
10:13But what happened after that?
10:15He was always busy.
10:17Said he'd spend time with me once the company stabilized.
10:19The way he looked at me changed slowly.
10:21From heartbreak whenever my curse flared up.
10:23To helplessness.
10:24To numbness.
10:26Eventually, he stopped coming altogether.
10:29He missed so many moments and every time I told myself,
10:32Next time we'll be different.
10:34Next time he'll come.
10:35Until the surgery where I almost died.
10:38As my consciousness faded, I thought,
10:40I'm probably never going to see Darian again.
10:43When I woke up, I only had one thought.
10:45I wanted to see him.
10:47So I spent 20 exhausting hours traveling to Paris,
10:50Where he was supposedly on a business trip.
10:51And what I saw was him naked in bed with Luna,
10:54Holding her in his arms.
10:56That's when I finally understood.
10:57He wasn't busy.
10:59He hadn't lost the desire to share his life with someone.
11:02That someone just wasn't me anymore.
11:03It was the first time in my life I broke down like a mad woman.
11:08I slapped that girl hard and smashed everything I could get my hands on.
11:12Why are you doing this to me?
11:13Do you know I almost died?
11:15Broken glass sliced across my calf.
11:18Warm blood streamed down my leg.
11:20But I felt nothing.
11:21Do you think I'm pathetic?
11:23Is that it?
11:28Calm down.
11:29The way you look right now is ugly.
11:32I stood trembling among the shattered glass,
11:35Gasping for breath.
11:3620 hours of flying.
11:38Going straight from the operating table just to see him.
11:41All of it turned to ashes in that moment.
11:44From that day on, Darian rarely came home.
11:48He muted my notifications.
11:50The only way I could know anything about his life
11:52Was through Luna's posts.
11:57Three days later, I got a message from Darian.
12:00Charity gala tonight.
12:018 o'clock.
12:02Be there.
12:02He ignored my messages and still hadn't signed the separation agreement.
12:06After thinking it over, I decided to talk to him face to face.
12:09I put on a wig and slipped the agreement into my bag.
12:13The moment I entered the ballroom, I saw Darian with Luna in his arms.
12:17They were dancing in the middle of the floor.
12:18She leaned against him while he lowered his head to say something, smiling softly.
12:23I stood there watching for a moment before walking in.
12:26You froze beyond his gallery funding because of me?
12:29Do you think she'll be upset?
12:31Luna whispered in his ear brightly.
12:33She starved for affection.
12:34A little comforting and she'll get over it.
12:35Without missing a step, Darian patted her waist lightly.
12:38I stood at the edge of the dance floor.
12:40People nearby glanced between me and the couple dancing.
12:42Isn't that Darian's beta?
12:44Haven't seen her in forever.
12:45Is she here to catch him cheating?
12:48With how biased Darian is towards that girl?
12:50Who even knows who the real third party is?
12:52Look at her.
12:53Did you hear?
12:55The song ended.
12:57Why are you here?
12:58Darian saw me and let go of Luna.
13:00Luna looped herself around his arm and smiled sweetly at me.
13:03I need to talk to you.
13:04I immediately understood.
13:06She was the one who'd sent the message.
13:08I looked at Darian.
13:09Luna tugged on his arm.
13:12Darian, the next dance is starting, he frowned.
13:15Whatever it is, wait until this dance is over.
13:17Suddenly, the lights flickered, then went out.
13:21The crowd erupted into noise.
13:23In the darkness, a hand suddenly yanked hard at my wig, pain ripping across my scalp.
13:28Then the lights came back on.
13:30I looked down, my wig lay on the floor.
13:33All that remained on my head was a layer of short stubble and red scars left behind by
13:38the curse.
13:44The entire ballroom fell silent.
13:46Eyes turned towards me from every direction.
13:49That's horrifying.
13:50No wonder Darian never brings her anywhere anymore.
13:52If it were me, I'd feel sick just looking at her.
13:54Is that cursed backlash?
13:55Is it contagious?
13:55A camera flash went off.
13:57Someone had raised a phone and started taking pictures.
14:00Luna smiled faintly.
14:02She crouched down, picked up the wig, and held it out to me.
14:07Biana, I'm sorry.
14:08It was too dark.
14:10I didn't see.
14:11I stared blankly without taking it.
14:14Darian walked over, helped me up, and pulled me outside.
14:18Balled.
14:19Dragged through the entire ballroom under everyone's eyes.
14:21The whispers slowly faded behind us.
14:24Neither of us spoke.
14:26My mind was empty.
14:27My hands shook uncontrollably.
14:30I hadn't thought about those dark years in a very long time.
14:33Isolation.
14:34Vomiting.
14:35Seeing my bald reflection in the mirror while everyone whispered,
14:38Stay away from her.
14:39And now the person I once loved most had personally shoved me back into that hell.
14:44When we got home, Darian poured me a glass of water.
14:47I'll have all the photos and videos from tonight deleted.
14:50I said nothing.
14:52You don't need to think too much about it.
14:54I'll make sure nobody spreads them.
14:56I blinked slowly.
14:57Including Luna?
14:58She was the one who texted me.
15:01He frowned.
15:02The lights were out.
15:03She couldn't see.
15:04She's not that kind of person.
15:05Do you really not see how cool she is, or do you just refuse to?
15:09The great head of the Blackwood family can't possibly be too blind to see through something this obvious.
15:14The living room fell silent for several seconds.
15:17Then his phone rang.
15:18Luna's teary voice leaked through the speaker clearly in the quiet room.
15:24Darian, is Bianca mad at me?
15:26I really didn't mean it.
15:28I'll apologize tomorrow, okay?
15:30Please don't be angry with me.
15:32Don't cry.
15:32No one's blaming you.
15:34He hung up and looked at me.
15:35She's upset.
15:36I need to go check on her.
15:37Didn't you say you had something to tell me?
15:39We'll talk properly when I get back.
15:40He walked to the door, changing his shoes and grabbing his keys.
15:44Darian.
15:45He stopped.
15:47You always say you'll come back.
15:48Talk to me.
15:49But when have you ever actually come back?
15:51He clearly had no intention of staying.
15:53I'll be back in an hour.
15:55Without even turning around, Darian left.
15:57I walked into the bedroom and placed the separation agreement beneath the picture frame.
16:01Then I pulled out my suitcase and called a cab to the airport.
16:05At one in the morning, I boarded a flight to London.
16:07Three hours had already passed since Darian said he'd come back to talk.
16:11As the plane began taxiing, a message from him popped up just before I shut my phone off.
16:17What's the meaning of that agreement?
16:18I didn't reply.
16:20I turned off my phone.
16:22Darian.
16:24Let's never appear in each other's lives again.
16:26The plane landed at Heathrow.
16:28When turning on, the phone vibrate for several minutes before stopping.
16:33I didn't look.
16:36Passed customs.
16:37Collected luggage.
16:39Took a taxi.
16:41The hotel was booked in advance.
16:44The front desk handed over the room key.
16:46I took it.
16:47Elevator up.
16:48Opened the door.
16:50Put down the suitcase.
16:53Sat by the bedside.
16:57The phone vibrated again.
17:00I picked it up.
17:02It's from Darian Blackwood.
17:03Dozens.
17:04Explain the agreement.
17:07Said we'd talk.
17:08Where did you go?
17:09Don't push it.
17:10There's a limit to throwing tantrums.
17:13Bianca, are you serious?
17:14I didn't scroll up.
17:19Locked screen.
17:20Threw it on the nightstand.
17:22The next day went to Royal Free Hospital.
17:24The attending doctor was a beta.
17:27In his forties.
17:28Speaking at a moderate pace.
17:30Mrs. Reed.
17:31Dr. Lynn has briefed me.
17:32We need a full workup before the purification protocol.
17:35Odds?
17:35Better than last time.
17:37But the vision loss in your left eye is permanent.
17:40He glanced at me.
17:41Didn't say more.
17:42The nurse took me to handle admission.
17:44Fill out forms.
17:45The emergency contact act field was blank.
17:48Who should we put here?
17:51No one.
17:52I'm alone.
17:54She didn't press further.
17:55Left it blank.
17:56The ward was cramped.
17:57The window faced a busy street.
17:59The sound of traffic was faint.
18:01Quieter than New York.
18:02The phone rang.
18:04It was Darian.
18:05I picked up.
18:06I asked Dr. Lynn.
18:07You went to London?
18:08His voice was hoary.
18:09The background was wind noise from the airport runway.
18:12He was probably standing on the tar pack.
18:14Darian.
18:15Sign the papers.
18:16You flew alone for the purification?
18:18Do you even know your condition?
18:20Then when will you sign?
18:22Bianca.
18:22We are really doing this?
18:26Where do you think we should be?
18:28Fine.
18:29I'll have Luna apologize.
18:31I admit I neglected you.
18:32But you don't have to take it this far.
18:34I don't need it.
18:36Bianca.
18:36I'm hanging up.
18:37Sign the papers.
18:39I didn't wait for him to say anything more.
18:41Turned off.
18:42Stuffed the phone under the pillow.
18:44The phone vibrated under the pillow once.
18:46Then again.
18:47I didn't take it out.
18:49After hanging up the phone,
18:50Darian sat in the study of Blackwood Estate for a long time.
18:53He sank into the leather chair,
18:55trying to sort out his thoughts.
18:57Why did Bianca want to dissolve the partnership?
18:59Because of Luna?
19:00Because he didn't accompany her on the full moon night?
19:02Because he was always busy?
19:04He felt these were all small matters.
19:06He hadn't marked anyone else.
19:08Hadn't committed domestic violence.
19:10Hadn't frozen her credit card.
19:12He just.
19:13Didn't care as much anymore.
19:15Right.
19:15Just didn't care as much.
19:17In the first two years of marriage,
19:19he sent her iMessages every day.
19:21Asking if she had eaten.
19:22Asking about the degree of curse flare-ups.
19:24Asking if she missed him.
19:25Later messages became fewer and fewer.
19:27Not intentional.
19:29Really had nothing to say.
19:30He felt this wasn't his fault.
19:31Isn't that how feelings are?
19:33Passion cools.
19:34Novelty exhausts.
19:36Who can still be like the honeymoon period after eight years of marriage?
19:39He picked up his phone.
19:40Opened her chat box.
19:42Dense green bubbles.
19:43All sent by her.
19:44The last time he replied to her was half a year ago.
19:47He didn't know when he had developed this habit.
19:49Just didn't want to look.
19:50Her messages were always those few lines.
19:52Did you eat?
19:53Going into isolation.
19:54Can you come home?
19:55The doorbell rang.
19:56He placed his phone face down on the table and stood up.
20:00Two housekeepers in gray uniforms from Beta.
20:03Miss Reed arranged for us to clear out her belongings.
20:06Clothes, shoes, personal items.
20:09All to be donated.
20:10Darian stood at the door stunned for a few seconds.
20:13She sent you?
20:14Yes.
20:15Ma'am scheduled it last week.
20:17The two aunts pushed the cart.
20:18Opened the walk-in closet.
20:19Taking down her clothes one by one.
20:21Silk nightgowns.
20:22Cashmere coats.
20:23Scarves.
20:24He recognized that off-white Max Mara coat.
20:27He had accompanied her to buy it.
20:29Three years ago, when she said she wanted to go sketching in Iceland, he helped her pick it.
20:33And those Manolo Blanik flat shoes.
20:35Her feet were small, hard to buy.
20:37These were found after browsing seven stores.
20:39He watched all her things being folded, stacked into black recycling bags.
20:43Wait.
20:44I'll buy these.
20:46The aunts left.
20:47The door closed.
20:48The house was dead silent.
20:49He sat on the sofa, holding that coat.
20:52The phone vibrated again.
20:53Bianca.
20:54I want that T-bone steak you make tonight.
20:56He looked at that message, didn't reply.
20:59A few minutes later it vibrated again.
21:01Darian?
21:02Are you busy?
21:03He placed the phone on the coffee table, didn't touch it.
21:06The sky darkened.
21:07He didn't turn on the lights, sat in the darkness for a long time.
21:10Later he stood up, walked into the study.
21:12The safe was hidden behind the bookshelf.
21:14He entered the password, her birthday.
21:17Pulled it open, on top was a Moleskine journal.
21:21He opened it.
21:22The first page had a movie ticket stub pasted on it.
21:24La La Land a date was their first date.
21:26She wrote beside it.
21:27He was 15 minutes late, but his hair was flying.
21:30When he ran in, I forgave him.
21:31The second page was a Polaroid.
21:33She wore a knit hat, face red from cold.
21:36She wrote.
21:37Fourth purification today.
21:38He said I look cute bald.
21:39Liar.
21:40But I want to believe him.
21:41Third page.
21:42Fourth page.
21:43Fifth page.
21:44Every page was her writing.
21:45Characters small, crowded together.
21:47Recording every treatment.
21:48Recording the paths he walked with her.
21:50Recording things he said.
21:51When I get better.
21:52We go to Tromso for the Aurora.
21:54You promised so many times.
21:56I wrote it here so you can't lie.
21:58The last page of the journal had an airplane ticket tucked in it.
22:01Destination, Tromso.
22:02Next to it was a sticky note.
22:04In her handwriting.
22:05When I get better.
22:06When you have time.
22:07Let's go.
22:08Don't stand me up again.
22:10He had simply forgotten.
22:11He closed the journal.
22:13Hugged it to his chest.
22:14The journal was small.
22:16The cowhide cover pressing against his palm.
22:18Those characters showed through the paper.
22:20Carrying an aged warmth.
22:22He only now realized she wrote so much.
22:24And he never looked once.
22:25He picked up his phone.
22:27Booked a flight to London.
22:29The purification ritual was scheduled for two weeks later.
22:32The days in the hospital were very quiet.
22:35Every morning blood draw.
22:36Every afternoon examination.
22:38Messages from Darian kept popping up on my phone.
22:41I occasionally swept a glance.
22:42Didn't reply.
22:43He asked which hospital I was at.
22:45I deleted the chat box.
22:47He said he flew over.
22:48I still didn't reply.
22:49The day before the ritual.
22:51The nurse came for pre-operative education.
22:53When signing the informed consent form.
22:55My hand holding the pen shook a bit.
22:57Turns out.
22:58Not needing to wait for anyone's signature wasn't as hard as imagined.
23:01That night there was a torrential downpour.
23:03I slept early.
23:04Woken in the middle of the night by knocking.
23:06Opened the door.
23:07The corridor light was blinding.
23:09Darian stood in the doorway.
23:11Shirt wrinkled.
23:12Hair messy.
23:12Carrying a rimawa.
23:14I called a dozen hospitals to find you.
23:19Signed?
23:19I won't sign!
23:22Bianca, I don't think our marriage is beyond repair.
23:24And I don't buy that you feel nothing for me.
23:27I couldn't be bothered to waste words anymore.
23:31Darian, you overestimate yourself.
23:33And you underestimate me.
23:36There's nothing left to talk about except the divorce.
23:40I'm sorry for neglecting you, Bianca.
23:43It won't happen again.
23:46You never used to think you were wrong.
23:48I was always the unreasonable one.
23:51The past is the past.
23:53The past was too long.
23:54I closed the door.
23:56He stood in the corridor and didn't leave.
23:58I turned off the lights and lay back on the bed.
24:00After a long time I heard footsteps, gradually fading away.
24:05The next day was the surgery.
24:07Before anesthesia, Dr. Chin came in to check.
24:10The person outside?
24:11Family?
24:12No.
24:13The anesthesiologist began pushing the medicine.
24:16A chill spread from my arm.
24:17I closed my eyes.
24:18When I woke, the sky was completely dark.
24:21My throat was dry and painful, like swallowing sandpaper.
24:25The nurse pulled out a tube, saying in accented English,
24:27Surgery was successful.
24:29I nodded.
24:30Then saw a person sitting by the bedside.
24:33Darian sat in the chair, elbow propped on the bed rail, asleep.
24:36Coat draped over his legs, hair messy,
24:38Blue stubble growing on his chin.
24:40Every time before in surgery, after hovering between life and death,
24:43I always hoped the first person I saw upon opening my eyes would be him.
24:47But every time I woke, there was only the pale ceiling.
24:50Now that he came, there was dead water in my heart.
24:52I looked at him for a few seconds, then turned to look out the window.
24:56The London night was deep blue, without stars.
24:59He woke, raising his head.
25:01How do you feel?
25:02Doctor said it worked.
25:04He didn't mention last night.
25:05Water?
25:06Didn't mention the agreement, didn't mention Luna.
25:08As if he just happened to pass by, dropping by to take a look.
25:12When are you leaving?
25:13I don't want to see you.
25:14When you're better.
25:16He reached out wanting to hold my hand.
25:17I withdrew it under the covers.
25:19I know you're serious this time.
25:21I didn't speak.
25:23I wasn't good enough before.
25:25Go back.
25:26I'm tired.
25:28No energy to argue.
25:30He sat there unmoving.
25:31For a long time, the nurse came in to change dressings.
25:34Only then did he stand up to make way.
25:36The nurse left.
25:37He sat back down.
25:39I didn't look at him again.
25:41The third day post-surgery, the wound still hurt, but lighter than last time.
25:45Darian came every day, arriving in the morning, leaving at night.
25:48The nurse thought he was my husband.
25:50I didn't have the strength to correct her.
25:52The fifth day afternoon, the ward door was pushed open.
25:56Luna stood in the doorway.
25:57Light colored coat, long hair loose, eye sockets red.
26:00That strong strawberry pheromone instantly drowned out the disinfectant smell.
26:04She looked at Darian.
26:05Darian.
26:06Darian stood up from the sofa, frowning.
26:08How did you find this place?
26:10Asked around everywhere.
26:11Darian, come back with me, okay?
26:13Darian didn't move.
26:14I called you so many times.
26:16You wouldn't answer.
26:18I went to the house.
26:19You weren't there.
26:19I've been here for days, just waiting.
26:22I messed up, I know.
26:24Tell me what to fix.
26:24Enough.
26:25He interrupted.
26:27Luna was stunned.
26:28You know exactly what you did.
26:29I didn't say anything before doesn't mean I didn't know.
26:32Her lips trembled.
26:33I was for you.
26:35Darian, I love you.
26:37Out.
26:38You weren't like this.
26:40You used to protect me.
26:41Did she brainwash you?
26:42Is she forcing you?
26:43Darian picked up his phone, dialed.
26:46Come in.
26:47Take her out.
26:48Make sure she doesn't come back.
26:49As Luna was pulled out, she was still looking back.
26:51Her crying voice echoing in the corridor, gradually disappearing.
26:55The ward returned to silence.
26:57Darian stood with his back to me.
26:59After a while, he turned around, sat back in the chair by the bed.
27:02He said,
27:03Sorry did we wake you.
27:05Get some rest.
27:06I looked at the ceiling, didn't speak.
27:09A week later, Dr. Chen said still needed observation.
27:13But the left eye is gone.
27:15I know.
27:15Falling asleep, in the ward, only the sound of instruments ticking.
27:19I turned my head to take a look.
27:21Darian was still there.
27:22He was curled on that sofa a size too short.
27:25MacBook on his knees, screen lit.
27:26But he wasn't looking at it.
27:28Awake.
27:29I ignored, opened my phone.
27:31Hundreds of messages.
27:33All from Darian.
27:34Every message I sent before the surgery, he had all made up for.
27:37I'm here.
27:38I'm sorry.
27:39I should have been there.
27:40I'm here now.
27:41I looked at a few, averted my gaze.
27:44You don't have to do this.
27:46I want to.
27:48Darian, it's pointless.
27:50You don't have to accept it.
27:53I just need to do it.
27:54He looked at me, eyes full of red veins, lips chapped.
27:57He closed the computer, put it back in his pocket.
28:00I turned over, back to him.
28:01The curtains weren't drawn tight.
28:03A line of light fell on the back of my hand.
28:06A month later discharged.
28:08I booked a ticket to Nice, France.
28:10The day of departure, Darian stood at the hospital entrance.
28:14I'll go with you.
28:16No need.
28:17You shouldn't be alone.
28:18I was alone before.
28:20He didn't speak.
28:21I hailed a taxi.
28:23He stood in place, wind filling his coat hem.
28:25I didn't look back.
28:27I went to a small town on the Côte d'Azur.
28:29Phone on, messages poured in.
28:31Darian's, dozens, hundreds.
28:33Did you land?
28:34Is the place safe?
28:35Did you pack enough meds?
28:37Weather.
28:38Cold there.
28:39Did you eat?
28:40Just reply so I know you're safe.
28:42Half an hour later, another, it's cold there.
28:45Wear layers.
28:46I didn't reply.
28:47He started sending gallery exhibition invitations to my email.
28:50Paris, Milan, Berlin.
28:52He said his friends in the art circle could help me hold a solo exhibition.
28:56He said my art deserved to be seen.
28:58Reply, not interested.
29:00This isn't compensation.
29:01Your art is genuinely good.
29:03He sent another contract.
29:04A sponsorship agreement from some international art fund.
29:08Is this your money or the family offices?
29:10He was silent for 10 minutes.
29:12You know everything.
29:13I don't need anything from you anymore, Darian.
29:16The phone rang.
29:17I picked up.
29:18Then he asked.
29:20Then what do you want?
29:21Nothing.
29:22Just sign the papers and disappear.
29:24Bianca, wherever you go, I'll follow.
29:26I'll prove I was wrong.
29:27I love you.
29:27Follow me to London, Paris, Berlin.
29:31Buy a house there.
29:31I'll move to the next city.
29:33Buy up all of Europe.
29:34I'll go to the Americas, Africa, Antarctica.
29:37I won't spend my life hating you.
29:39But I will spend every second of it showing you I don't love you anymore.
29:42You say you want to prove you were wrong.
29:44I'll prove I never look back.
29:46I didn't wait for him to say anything more.
29:48Hung up.
29:49Later he really did follow.
29:51When I was in Paris, he stayed at a hotel on the other side of the Seine.
29:54I moved to Lyon.
29:55He moved too.
29:56I stayed in Kyoto for a month.
29:58He rented an apartment nearby.
30:00We never spoke.
30:01Occasionally seeing each other from afar on the street, he would stop, standing in place
30:05watching me walk past.
30:08In early winter, I went to Chamonix at the foot of the Alps.
30:11The snow was heavy, the roads slippery.
30:14I fell, skinning my knee.
30:15When getting up, caught a glimpse of a figure in a dark gray coat at the street corner.
30:19He didn't come over.
30:21That night the snow stopped.
30:22I sat at the window of the wooden house.
30:24My phone lit up.
30:26His text.
30:27Back then I didn't understand.
30:28Now I do.
30:30Moonlight outside the window shone on the snow.
30:32Very bright, but couldn't sink down.
30:34I looked at that message for a long time, typed.
30:37Darian, stop appearing in each other's lives.
30:39He didn't reply.
30:41The next morning, the front desk handed me a letter without a stamp.
30:44My name was written on the envelope, the handwriting his.
30:47I took it to the room, placed it on the table.
30:49Didn't open it.
30:51Through the envelope, could feel the paper inside.
30:53Probably four or five pages written.
30:55Pulled open the curtains, the snow had cleared, sky bright.
30:59The street was clean, he wasn't there.
31:01He went back.
31:02In spring, I received an email from the lawyer.
31:05I booked a ticket back to New York.
31:06He was already waiting.
31:08Gray Brioni suit, neat hairstyle, person a bit thinner, jawline sharper.
31:12We stood face to face.
31:14Let's go.
31:15We sat side by side before the notary signing.
31:18The staff member checked, stamped.
31:20All set.
31:21Bianca.
31:22I looked at him.
31:23He opened his mouth.
31:25Adam's apple rolling.
31:26In the end only said one sentence.
31:28Can I hug you?
31:29Voice very low.
31:31The trailing tone swallowed by the echo in the hall.
31:33He stood before me, both hands hanging at his sides, not raised, like a person who
31:37had lost all chips.
31:38I looked at his eyes, the corner of his eye read.
31:41Three seconds.
31:42Maybe five.
31:44I didn't answer, turned around, didn't look back.
31:46The hind was very quiet.
31:48He didn't chase, nor did he call my name again.
31:51Pushed open the door.
31:52The light outside was dazzling.
31:54Left I couldn't see, right I was stung sore by the light.
31:57I returned to that small town in the south of France, stayed for a long time.
32:01Snow on the mountaintop hadn't melted.
32:03Flowers at the foot of the mountain bloomed into a sea.
32:06Sunlight outside the window was dazzling.
32:08I remembered a long time ago, someone said they would take me to see the aurora.
32:12In that journal was tucked an airplane ticket, destination Norway.
32:15The date blank.
32:16Not going.
32:17Moonlight cannot sink into the deep sea.
32:19It shines on the sea surface, bright in one piece, shattered in another piece.
32:24Looks very close, actually very far.
32:26Just like some people, you thought they loved you, but they were just passing by.
32:30But it doesn't matter.
32:32The sky will always brighten.
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