- 6 hours ago
[Doblado ESP] Rehabilitación para dejarte | Drama Doblado Completo 2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:08What the hell happened here?
00:13I misbehaved. They punished me for it.
00:17My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's body.
00:20He stared at the scars he'd never seen.
00:23Then he said,
00:26You deserved it.
00:28He sent me to that place three years ago to cure me of loving him.
00:34I spent three years locked inside that place.
00:37Now, I stopped loving him, just as he wanted.
00:40Then he came running back and said,
00:42I regret it.
00:44For eight years, I was a fixture by Roderick Dunlap's side.
00:48Everyone said I was addicted to him.
00:50I was so obsessed with him that I'd run off any woman who got close to him, whatever it took.
00:55Once, I offered one of them money to leave Roderick.
01:00The woman laughed in my face.
01:02Being with Roderick meant an endless supply of cash.
01:05Why would anyone walk away for such a pathetic amount?
01:09Then that woman took a staged fall down a flight of stairs.
01:13Roderick thought I pushed her.
01:16And I ended up being sent to a rehab center by him.
01:24Others went there to quit smoking, drinking, or gaming.
01:27I was there to let go of Roderick.
01:30In the end, I succeeded only for him to tell me he regretted it.
01:34The moment I stepped out of the rehab center, I saw an Audi parked there.
01:39It looked totally out of place.
01:42I glanced at it and lowered my head, preparing to walk away.
01:45The person who got out of the car called out to me.
01:49It was Roderick.
01:51He had grown more mature in the last three years.
01:53I glanced at him once, then looked away.
01:57The staff at the center taught us that staring was rude.
02:00Especially at someone we liked.
02:02Yes, after three years, I had been completely reformed.
02:10Roderick told me to get in, and I did so, sitting quietly in the back seat.
02:14I kept my head down, staring at my lap and not moving a muscle.
02:18Roderick sat beside me.
02:20I could feel the weight of his intense gaze.
02:22The car was dead quiet.
02:24I held my breath, scared to make a peep.
02:27But a cough escaped me anyway.
02:29It was just my old cough.
02:31The car pulled up at the Dunlap's mansion.
02:34Roderick's grandmother, Maggie Dunlap, lived there.
02:37Today, as I remembered, marked her 80th birthday.
02:41Then it hit me why Roderick had come to get me.
02:43He started to walk in.
02:46I hesitated for a second, then blurted out,
02:50Um, Roderick?
02:52I didn't bring a gift.
02:54When he turned around, my heart was pounding out of my chest.
02:59I quickly looked down.
03:01I knew my quickened heartbeat was from fear, not from affection.
03:06Somehow, I'd turned into a total coward.
03:08If someone even glanced my way, I'd get a jolt of fear.
03:14I'd toss and turn all night in nightmares, haunted by those staring eyes.
03:21Follow me.
03:22Roderick brushed off my worry.
03:24He was as cold as always.
03:26Or maybe he only saved that coldness for me.
03:29I had to jog a little just to keep up with him.
03:33Mari!
03:34You're back!
03:35Come in, dear!
03:36Maggie was right there at the front door.
03:38Waiting for me, Dot Maggie, had always had my back.
03:41Always encouraged my crush on Roderick and even snuck me info on his plans.
03:46I walked over to her.
03:48Hello, Maggie.
03:49Mari, honey.
03:51Why are you being so distant?
03:53You're not mad at me for what happened, are you?
03:56Maggie stroked my hair, her eyes full of affection.
03:59I shook my head.
04:00I could never be mad at her three years ago.
04:02If Maggie hadn't threatened to harm herself,
04:04I probably would have been sent to jail instead.
04:09On the outside, it looked like a regular school.
04:12But only the people who'd been locked up there knew what real torture was like.
04:17During the meal, I kept my head down.
04:19Shoveling down spaghetti as fast as I could.
04:22I didn't make a sound.
04:24Didn't reach for anything else.
04:26Just ate fast like I hadn't had a meal in a month.
04:30Marianne!
04:31Yes, sir!
04:32Hearing my name, I set down my fork and stood up straight.
04:36We all froze me, Roderick and Maggie.
04:38I met their shocked stares for a split second.
04:42Then I looked down at the silverware I'd set neatly on the table.
04:45Even with how panicked I was,
04:47I just stood there, confused.
04:50It hit me then I'd forgotten I wasn't at the center anymore.
04:53I had no idea why Roderick had called me.
04:56You scared her, you big idiot!
04:58Maggie swatted Roderick's arm before turning to me.
05:01Sit down, Mary.
05:02You're home now, sweetie.
05:04Just relax.
05:06I did what Maggie said and sat back down.
05:09But I couldn't eat another bite.
05:11Something about the way they looked at me told me they'd noticed.
05:14The girl who walked in three years ago was gone.
05:16And the one sitting here now was someone they didn't recognize.
05:22Grandma was talking to you.
05:23Why weren't you listening?
05:27Roderick's tone was sharp.
05:29I couldn't tell if he was mad I'd ignored Maggie or just ticked off about getting swatted.
05:34I'm sorry, Maggie.
05:36I was just very hungry.
05:37I didn't hear you.
05:39I gave her an apologetic look.
05:41The counselors at the center always drilled it into us.
05:45Apologies have to be sincere.
05:47Only I knew the truth.
05:48It wasn't hunger.
05:49It was fear.
05:50Fear of getting punished for not eating fast enough or for leaving food on my plate.
05:55I vaguely recalled her telling me to try the other food.
05:58I'd heard her, but I just couldn't react fast enough.
06:02So Roderick called out to me.
06:04By the time dinner was over, my forehead was covered in a light sweat.
06:08I wasn't sure if it was from the heat in the room or my own anxiety.
06:12Three years in that place had taught me one thing.
06:15Never let your guard down, not even at a dinner table.
06:19After dinner, I returned to Grandpa's old house.
06:25Thank you for the ride.
06:26I gave Roderick a small bow.
06:28Maggie had wanted me to stay the night, but I'd turned her down.
06:32I didn't want any more contact with them than I had to,
06:34so I'd asked Roderick to drive me home.
06:38You really want to stay here?
06:40Roderick frowned.
06:41I glanced back at the house.
06:43It hadn't been touched in three years.
06:45Now it was completely overgrown with weeds.
06:48But I nodded.
06:49I had nowhere else to go anyway.
06:51I was flat broke, and the clothes I was wearing were from three years ago.
06:55The rehab center had given us uniforms, so these clothes had never even been worn out.
07:01I bent down to pull some weeds.
07:03The little critters living there scurried away.
07:05I saw cockroaches, mice, and a snake coiled in the corner, too lazy to move.
07:10Once upon a time, I would have jumped straight into Roderick's arms.
07:14Now, I just stared at them calmly and looked for a stick to shoo the snake away.
07:20Roderick pulled me back toward the car.
07:24What's wrong?
07:25I didn't even realize he was still there.
07:28Didn't you see that snake?
07:29Oh, right I'd forgotten Roderick hated reptiles.
07:36I saw it.
07:38It's fine.
07:39I'll just shoo it away with a stick.
07:41If it bothers you,
07:43you can just leave!
07:45I caught myself reassuring him.
07:47I reached for the door handle, ready to hop out.
07:50But Roderick locked the doors and drove off.
07:54I quickly buckled my seatbelt.
07:56W-where are you taking me?
07:59He didn't say a word.
08:01I didn't dare ask again.
08:03He took me to his private apartment.
08:05He closed the door behind us without a word.
08:08I couldn't leave it was a keypad lock.
08:11He went straight to the shower,
08:13probably trying to wash off the creeps from seeing all those critters.
08:17I sat straight on the living room couch.
08:19About an hour later, Roderick came downstairs in pajamas,
08:23his hair still wet.
08:24I knew better than to stare.
08:26Stay here until your place is cleaned up.
08:29You can sleep here tonight.
08:30I thought about it for a second,
08:32then nodded.
08:35That house was a mess.
08:37Tackling it all alone would have kept me going way past midnight.
08:40He walked over.
08:41I stood up and stepped aside without thinking.
08:44Roderick grabbed my chin,
08:45forcing me to look at him.
08:47So you're over me?
08:49His expression was questioning.
08:52Yes.
08:53I didn't hesitate for a second.
08:55Any delay would have felt like an insult to everything I'd been through.
09:00That night, the nightmare returned.
09:02In my dream,
09:03countless eyes stared back at me,
09:05filled with hatred, disgust, and contempt.
09:08Every single one of them belonged to Roderick.
09:13The next day, when Roderick left for work,
09:16I asked him to drop me off downtown.
09:18He didn't seem to mind,
09:20as long as I wasn't in his way.
09:22I hesitated in front of a florist's hiring sign.
09:25I didn't have a college degree.
09:27I never finished college because Roderick had me sent to that rehab center.
09:32Hunting for a job?
09:33The shop owner noticed me staring at the sign but not coming in,
09:36so he finally asked.
09:38I nodded.
09:39The owner looked to be in his mid-twenties,
09:42and he seemed pretty nice.
09:43The pay was $3,000 monthly,
09:45and no diploma was required.
09:48I just had to be on time to help out at the shop every day.
09:51I asked the owner for a $1,000 advance.
09:54Money makes the world go round.
09:56I needed it for everything.
09:58My official start date was the next day,
10:00and to my surprise, he trusted me.
10:02I spent $400 on a used electric scooter from a local shop.
10:07Once upon a time,
10:08$400 wouldn't have meant squat to me.
10:11Now, I had to haggle just to get it for that price.
10:14It's not like I was an orphan or anything.
10:16Three years ago,
10:17my parents disowned me
10:18to protect the company and the family's reputation.
10:22The only person who'd ever really loved me, Grandpa,
10:24was gone a long time ago.
10:26If he were still here,
10:27I probably never would have ended up like this.
10:31I rode the scooter back to Grandpa's old house.
10:34The weeds outside were already gone.
10:36Roderick must have sent someone to clear them.
10:39Inside, everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.
10:44It took me for hours just to make the place halfway livable.
10:49Most of the stuff inside was broken beyond fixing.
10:53I was trying to carry out the junk when I tripped.
10:58Everything went flying all over the floor.
11:00I was a mess my knee hurt,
11:02and I was covered in dirt.
11:04I saw a pair of shiny leather shoes stop in front of me.
11:07I didn't even have to look up to know who they belonged to.
11:10I got up slowly, my knee throbbing with pain.
11:14Mr. Dunlop.
11:17Can I help you with something?
11:19I'd gone from calling him Rod, to Roderick,
11:21and now to Mr. Dunlop.
11:23It was better this way keeping my distance.
11:26I never wanted to go back to that hellhole ever again.
11:29Grandma sent me to check on how you're doing.
11:32Roderick's brow was furrowed.
11:33Please tell her I'm fine,
11:35and she doesn't have to worry about me.
11:37I crouched back down to clean up the mess
11:39that fall had just made everything worse.
11:44Roderick grabbed me by the back of my collar,
11:46with a tear, my shirt split right open.
11:49It was the same shirt I'd worn yesterday
11:51and the same one I'd had three years ago.
11:53The fabric was so thin it tore almost instantly.
11:57Mr. Dunlop, have some respect!
11:59My voice was sharp with anger
12:01as I clutched the torn fabric.
12:03Thank God it was only the back that tore,
12:05but it was my only shirt.
12:07I hadn't had time to buy new clothes,
12:09and now how was I supposed to go shopping?
12:11But Roderick's eyes were fixed on the scars on my back.
12:15What the hell happened here?
12:18I misbehaved.
12:19They punished me for it.
12:21My voice was flat,
12:22like I was talking about someone else's pain.
12:25You deserved it.
12:26He walked out.
12:28I glanced over my shoulder.
12:29My back was covered in scars old and new,
12:32all from whippings.
12:33The newest ones were probably from a few days ago.
12:37I couldn't even remember exactly which day.
12:39They hadn't even fully healed yet.
12:43I found a dusty shirt in the closet,
12:46shook it off,
12:47and slipped it on right away.
12:48Pretty soon,
12:49I felt an itch on my back,
12:51right over the wounds.
12:52They probably got infected.
12:54Of course,
12:55just as I was heading out to buy new clothes,
12:57Roderick came back.
12:59Was he back to laugh at me?
13:00He tossed a bag at me?
13:03Change into these.
13:05I refused.
13:07He had a girlfriend,
13:08and it felt wrong for him to be buying me clothes.
13:11But it had been three years.
13:13Maybe Chelsea was his wife now,
13:14not that I cared.
13:16Roderick pulled me roughly back inside the house.
13:18I sat down and did what he told me.
13:20He cleaned the wounds on my back with antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
13:24It stung.
13:25But I didn't make a sound.
13:27It was nothing next to what I'd been through.
13:29His hands were rough but strangely careful.
13:31Like he was trying to undo something he couldn't name.
13:37Why is this one right here across your waist?
13:39Roderick pointed to a particularly ugly scar.
13:42It wasn't just a surface scrape whoever hit me had aimed right for my kidneys.
13:46I shook my head.
13:47Um,
13:48I don't know.
13:50He finished up cleaning the wounds and helped pull my shirt down.
13:54Why did they do this to you?
13:56I was already wearing a new shirt.
14:00Because I misbehaved.
14:02Then, as if worried he might not believe me, I added.
14:09But I'm good now.
14:10What did you do?
14:12Roderick pushed, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.
14:17One of the counselors caught me after I dropped some food on the table.
14:21Roderick frowned but said nothing.
14:23I glanced at him nervously.
14:25After a long pause.
14:28Elsewhere.
14:29Where else did they hurt you?
14:31I shook my head.
14:32It's not like they chose to go for my back.
14:34I'd curl up into a ball.
14:36So my back was just the only part left exposed.
14:39It's getting late.
14:41You should go now.
14:42I didn't want to be in the same room as him.
14:44It felt suffocating.
14:46Besides, it was already dark outside.
14:49Oh, it's fine.
14:50I'll crash here for the night.
14:53Silence hung between us.
14:54I didn't argue.
14:56But I stayed awake long after the lights went out.
15:01I hadn't eaten since breakfast at his apartment.
15:04Using the groceries I'd picked up earlier, I whipped up a simple meal on the old hot plate.
15:10Thank God Grandpa never used gas otherwise.
15:12I'd have had nothing to eat.
15:15You're not at the center anymore.
15:17You don't have to eat so fast.
15:19Roderick's voice reached me as I hurried through the meal.
15:21But I was already finished, and Roderick had barely touched his food.
15:26Old habits die hard.
15:27Roderick took my bedroom, so I slept in Grandpa's old room.
15:31Late that night, my knee and back started throbbing.
15:33My head felt heavy and dizzy.
15:36When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a white ceiling.
15:40The sharp smell of disinfectant was everywhere.
15:42I didn't have time to wonder how I'd gotten here.
15:45All I cared about was that I was going to be late for my first shift.
15:49I tiptoed over to put on my shoes, careful not to wake Roderick.
15:53Roderick's sleepy voice stopped me right as I was almost out the door.
15:58Where are you off to?
16:00I got a job.
16:01I'm going to be late for work.
16:02Do you even know you're running a fever?
16:04He sounded annoyed.
16:06Was it because he'd had to pay for the medical bills?
16:10Don't worry, Mr. Dunlop.
16:13I'll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.
16:15I gave him a quick, polite bow and slipped out the door.
16:20Thankfully, I made it to work just in time.
16:25It was Valentine's Day, and the flower shop was absolutely packed.
16:30My job was simple, just working the register.
16:33I didn't know how to do anything else yet.
16:35The shop was small, but the owner was amazing, and customers just kept coming in.
16:40But out of all the people who could have walked in, I never thought I'd see Chelsea Harvey.
16:46Arm in arm with Roderick, laughing and talking up a storm.
16:50Chelsea, the same girlfriend Roderick, had brought home all those years ago.
16:55Chels, Rod.
16:58The shop owner walked over to greet them politely.
17:01My mind went completely blank, and I froze in place.
17:05It turned out the owner was Chelsea's brother.
17:07My life was starting to feel like a bad soap opera all over again.
17:11I'd suffered for three years because of Chelsea.
17:14And now here I was, working for her brother.
17:17How pathetic was that?
17:25Chelsea spotted me.
17:28Flinched in fake fear and buried her face in Roderick's chest.
17:32Cliffy, what is she doing here?
17:34She's...
17:35She's the one who...
17:36Chelsea pointed a shaking finger right at me.
17:39Clifford Harvey stared at me in shock.
17:40Then his face twisted with disgust.
17:43He grabbed me by the arm and shoved me right out the door.
17:49It all happened so fast.
17:51I stumbled and crashed to the ground.
17:54Roderick just stood there and watched.
17:56Cold as ice.
17:59Humiliated, I got up and ran all the way back to the old house.
18:03I locked myself in Grandpa's room.
18:05It was the only place I ever felt safe.
18:11Thanks to that, I had to find a new job.
18:13And I had to pay back that $1,000 advance.
18:19I hated owing anyone anything.
18:24Job hunting sucked for days, until I finally got hired as a dishwasher.
18:29It was tiring, but it kept me busy.
18:31Kept my mind off things.
18:34I thought maybe I could finally live a quiet life.
18:37But some people just couldn't stand to see me happy.
18:40Chelsea's shadow followed me wherever I went.
18:48The floor manager had told me to bring the clean dishes out to be sanitized.
18:59Well, look who it is.
19:01The Crawford Group Harris.
19:04Ah!
19:06Oh wait.
19:07I mean, a pathetic little shadow nobody wants around.
19:11As I walked through the dining area, a few girls blocked my way.
19:15Their voices thick with sarcasm.
19:18They were my old college classmates.
19:20It's also Chelsea's little minions.
19:22Chelsea was standing right behind them.
19:25Watching it all go down, no sign of her usual innocent act.
19:31I tried to ignore them and walk past.
19:34I didn't want any trouble.
19:35Did I say you could leave?
19:37Someone yanked my hair so hard, it sent a sharp pain shooting through my scalp.
19:41The noise set off a commotion.
19:45All I could think about was the plates.
19:48I'd have to pay for them.
19:50Roderick's voice cut through the noise from behind me.
19:52What's going on here?
19:54My hands, busy picking up the broken pieces, froles for a second.
19:59I cut my finger on a shard.
20:02It didn't even hurt.
20:03I knew something way worse was about to happen.
20:08Sure enough, I heard Chelsea's fake sweet voice complaining to Roderick.
20:12We were just trying to make up with Mari.
20:17Just catch up a little.
20:19But then she...
20:25Before Chelsea could finish, another girl cut in.
20:28But then she lost her temper and tried to hit Chelsea with a plate!
20:43I kept picking up the broken pieces calmly.
20:48I knew I was going to lose this job too.
20:50The floor manager rushed over and chewed me out.
20:52I do knock out avoidance.
20:54I'm truthfully busting dunking!
20:56Munt!
20:56Nup!
20:57Test!
21:01I handed over almost all the cash I had on me.
21:05All but ten bucks.
21:08I'm sorry.
21:11I'm sorry.
21:18With my last ten bucks, I stopped at a pharmacy, then headed home.
21:24Back at the house, I went into Grandpa's room.
21:33Picked up his photo and held it tight.
21:38I'm sorry, Grandpa.
21:39Grandpa, I didn't turn out the way you hoped I would.
21:46You taught me that loving someone means having the courage to go for them.
21:50So you never regret it.
21:55But Grandpa, I'm so tired.
21:57I can't do this anymore.
21:58I'm giving up.
22:02What if I come to be with you instead?
22:08You're not saying no, so I'll take that as a yes.
22:14I downed all the sleeping pills I bought at the pharmacy.
22:17I downed all the sleeping pills I'd bought at the pharmacy.
22:25I was scared Roderick would use this as an excuse to send me back to that center.
22:30I couldn't live like that anymore.
22:32I couldn't find a single reason to keep going anymore.
22:36But sleeping pills were supposed to put you to sleep.
22:47Why did it hurt so much instead?
22:52A sharp cramp hit my stomach, and I could feel my eyes starting to close.
22:58Right as my eyes closed for good, I thought I saw Roderick standing in the doorway.
23:10When is she going to wake up?
23:11She's been asleep for days.
23:13When I came to, it seemed I heard Roderick's voice.
23:25Why was he still clinging to me even after death?
23:34It wasn't until a team of doctors began examining me that I understood.
23:45Roderick had rushed me here to have my stomach pumped.
23:53I'd been given a second chance.
24:01That figure I saw hadn't been an illusion.
24:03It was him.
24:11Are you sending me back?
24:14I looked at his darkened expression.
24:25The doctor says you may be suffering from depression.
24:30Roderick avoided my question.
24:34I nodded dot, but that wasn't the point.
24:44All I cared about was whether I had to be sent back.
24:53Why didn't you tell me?
24:58Would you have believed me if I had?
25:03Telling him would only have made him think I was making excuses to leave that place.
25:17I had reached out to him.
25:20Each resident was granted a scheduled call to family twice a year.
25:31During my first six months, I called him once.
25:36I'm sick.
25:38I cough up blood sometimes.
25:40And they hit us.
25:46Can I please come home?
25:54I promise I won't bother you anymore.
25:57What did he say back then?
26:00You come to...
26:02Find a better excuse next time.
26:07Then he hung up.
26:13After that call, I was beaten again.
26:17I never called him after that.
26:24Why did I cough up blood?
26:32Their blows had landed on my back.
26:34Over and over.
26:35The internal damage eventually affected my stomach and lungs.
26:47Seeing Roderick fall silent, I knew he still didn't believe me.
26:51I lowered my head and didn't ask again whether he'd send me back.
26:56I moored me long, the pair in the sari that we's out in sparing and disceveling functy.
27:00Should I be sent back?
27:01I won't leave alive.
27:06In a place like that, no one would notice whether a person was breathing.
27:11I thought once I got out, I could start over.
27:15But I was wrong.
27:17My peace was always shattered whenever Roderick came into the picture.
27:25The doctor called Roderick out, saying some test results were ready.
27:34The door swung open as Roderick strode back in.
27:45He yanked the blanket aside, then my hospital gown.
28:03His eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he stared at me.
28:18He looked terrifying, just like at the staff at the center.
28:23They had that same look in their eyes.
28:35That look always came right before a beating.
28:39I pulled the blanket up and hid underneath it.
28:49The bed shifted as Roderick sat down beside me.
28:54He gently tug.
28:57He gently'd at the covers.
29:01Mary, come out.
29:03You'll suffocate.
29:08His voice softened, as if he'd realized he'd scared me.
29:15Promise you won't hit me?
29:24My voice was muffled under the blanket.
29:27Only after he promised did I poke my head.
29:38He asked again, patient this time.
29:41What happened to your kidney?
29:45I shook my head.
29:51I don't know.
29:55Roderick took out his phone and said he would investigate this thoroughly.
30:01Ever since learning about my depression, Roderick had barely left my side.
30:06It was as if he was afraid I might try something again.
30:09But I saw that the rehab center had been shut down on television.
30:13No doubt it was Roderick's doing.
30:15It had posed as an educational institution.
30:18Behind closed doors, it ran vile operations.
30:22Did he do this to you too?
30:24Roderick pointed at the screen.
30:27Mari Kambai, VO.
30:28The man being interviewed was the infamous director.
30:31He spoke excitedly to the reporter.
30:33I was helping.
30:35They should be thankful.
30:38Without my guidance.
30:40Do you think they'd be so compliant now?
30:43Go ask their parents.
30:45Their children are model citizens now, aren't they?
30:49I took a kidney as my fair compensation.
30:52My method was simple.
30:53Add something to their bedtime milk, then proceed with the removal.
30:56I'd watch them wake up in agony.
30:59The man grew more animated as he spoke.
31:01I felt a wave of dread seep into my bones.
31:06The bloody scene felt like it had happened yesterday.
31:09That night, I went to bed as usual.
31:11Before lights out, we all had to drink the milk the attenders brought.
31:15Refusal meant a beating.
31:18In my sleep, I felt like I was being restrained.
31:22Then, slowly, a sharp pain pierced my side.
31:29My eyes flew open to see the director's horrifying face leaning over me.
31:33It wasn't a dream.
31:35He was staring intently at my waist.
31:37The pain made me black out.
31:40I didn't wake until the next day.
31:44He threatened me.
31:46If I ever spoke a word, my other kidney would meet the same fate.
31:50No wonder so many people there moved stiffly, and no one ever said a thing.
31:54Mari!
31:56I stared at him, my gaze empty.
31:59Then, a mouthful of blood surged up and spilled over.
32:03I collapsed.
32:08I had no idea how long I was out.
32:12When I woke up, I was still connected to a ventilator.
32:17I shifted my fingers, trying to wake Roderick.
32:21His weight was resting on my hand, and it had gone numb.
32:29You're awake.
32:30How do you feel?
32:31You were in shock, did you realize?
32:33But I was in shock.
32:35How would I know?
32:37But was this really Roderick?
32:41His jaw was shadowed with stubble.
32:44His eyes streaked with red.
32:46This wasn't the same cool, collected man I remembered.
32:50I tried to speak, but had no strength left.
32:53I just lay still.
32:56Let the doctors and Roderick do what they needed to do.
33:00I learned I'd been unconscious for four days.
33:05Roderick had stayed by my side the whole time.
33:10That afternoon, a doctor removed the ventilator.
33:15I could talk again.
33:20What's the prognosis?
33:21Weeks?
33:22Months?
33:22I knew my time was running out.
33:25Roderick's hand, which had been holding a spoon to feed me broth, paused.
33:29After a long moment.
33:33Six months.
33:34Maybe less.
33:38A faint smile of relief touched my lips.
33:42Good.
33:42I could get to see Grandpa soon.
33:45Lung cancer?
33:49I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
33:52I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
33:52Even after, I'd learned to behave, and the beatings mostly stopped.
34:02I kept coughing up blood.
34:04The depression only made things worse.
34:12Roderick nodded.
34:15Can I get back to work?
34:26Can I get back to work?
34:31Roderick frowns.
34:32Roderick frowned, putting a clear distance between himself and Chelsea.
34:35I didn't care what Chelsea was.
34:38I just needed her to stay away.
34:43I started a small street stall on a decent block, selling burritos.
34:50I had planned to find a regular job, but Roderick forbade it.
34:58When he set his mind to something, no one could change it.
35:07He offered me two options.
35:10Start my own small business, or stay home.
35:16Doing something I chose with the time I had left was a good idea.
35:20I stood nervously behind my cart, worried no customers would come.
35:24The location was close to campus.
35:27Steady foot traffic from students and professionals.
35:30It was a fully licensed area for street vendors to operate.
35:39Best of all, it was close to Grandpa's house.
35:47Hey, how much for a burrito?
35:50I was lost in thought when a guy with a brighty smile walked up to my stall.
35:57I looked up and met his clear eyes.
35:59He had faint dimples, wearing a basketball jersey, a ball in his hand, as if he'd just come from a
36:05game.
36:05I was caught off guard for a second.
36:09He spoke again before I came out of my trance.
36:12For some reason, looking into his eyes didn't make me uneasy at all.
36:17Usually, any eye contact filled me with dread.
36:20So many pairs of eyes haunted my nights.
36:29Would you like to try one?
36:30It's free.
36:32Why free?
36:33Is it because I'm so good looking?
36:34He grinned and rubbed his chin playfully.
36:37His playful tone made my face grow warm.
36:40No, it's my first day.
36:42If it turns out unpasteable, I couldn't possibly take your money.
36:49I'd practiced at home over and over, but doing it for real felt completely different.
36:55Oh, so I'm your gimme pee pig.
36:59No!
37:01I thought I'd scared him off.
37:03Just kidding.
37:04Go ahead.
37:04I'll eat it however it turns out.
37:05He laughed warmly.
37:07Most vendors could make one in three to five minutes.
37:10My clumsy attempt took nearly seven.
37:12The outside was crispy, though not burnt.
37:15Maybe I should make you another one?
37:19He took the wrapped burrito and bit into it.
37:21This is perfect.
37:25It's great.
37:26Seriously, this is how it should be.
37:28Nice and crispy.
37:30His compliment made me smile.
37:33So, how much?
37:34You're not going to charge me an arm and a leg, are you?
37:36No.
37:37He widened his eyes in alarm.
37:38This one's complimentary.
37:40A lucky start for my first day.
37:43I'm Leonard Williams, by the way.
37:44As he turned to leave, he glanced back and waved.
37:47I watched him walk away.
37:49It struck me then how distant my own college days felt.
37:52If I hadn't been so reckless back then, I would have graduated a year ago.
38:00As the day went on, more customers came.
38:07I was almost too busy to keep up.
38:11But I got quicker and more confident with each one.
38:16I didn't pack up until I'd run out of ingredients.
38:24I'll drive you home.
38:25Roderick pulled up beside me in his car.
38:27It's fine.
38:27I have my scooter.
38:29I nodded toward my scooter parked out nearby.
38:34It's getting chilly tonight.
38:35You'll catch a cold.
38:36I won't die from it.
38:44Marianne, how long are you going to keep fighting me on everything?
38:48Roderick caught my wrist as I started to walk away.
38:53Mr. Dunlop, do not forget.
39:00I was the one who pushed your girlfriend down the stairs.
39:06I'm the one to blame.
39:14In that moment, to cut any last tie between us, I claimed the guilt.
39:21Mary stopped lying.
39:22I know the truth now.
39:24She fell on her own.
39:27Suddenly, his arms came around me from behind.
39:32Hadn't he told me to protect Chelsea?
39:38So you were protecting her?
39:40While I bore all the blame?
39:45No.
39:47I was afraid once you knew the truth,
39:49you'd hate me for not believing you sooner.
39:53I was wrong.
39:54I'm sorry.
39:56I'm sorry.
40:01His arms tightened around me.
40:04I only found out two days ago.
40:08I went to Chelsea to stay away from you.
40:10And we argued.
40:13She let it slip.
40:16I could no longer hold back my tears.
40:21They fell onto the back of his hand.
40:23At least I would clear my name before I died.
40:26Don't cry, Mari.
40:28He released me, bending down to wipe my tears.
40:33I sobbed uncontrollably in his arms.
40:40For a moment, neither of us spoke.
40:44Three years of silence.
40:46Three years of pain I'd swallowed without a word.
40:49And now, finally, someone believed me.
40:57Rod.
40:58Here.
40:59I pointed to my chest.
41:02It doesn't beat for you anymore.
41:06Rod, if I could, I'd wish we had never met.
41:10I wiped my tears and gave a faint smile.
41:15This is the last time I'll call you that.
41:18From now on, let's each live our own lives.
41:22I'd treat this as a goodbye.
41:24A proper end to those eight years I spent loving him.
41:30I could never forget the three years in that place.
41:35And the person who'd sent me there was Roderick himself.
41:43He reached for me, but I stepped back.
41:46Mr. Dunlap, please don't disturb me again.
41:51I want my remaining time.
41:53To be peaceful.
41:57With that, I left.
41:58I drove my scooter home.
42:02Roderick's car followed at a distance in the rearview mirror.
42:06I ignored him.
42:10I went to my stall as usual every day.
42:17Roderick watched from a distance.
42:21I just ignored him.
42:26Hey, I'm back!
42:28Brought my classmates to try your burritos.
42:30It was Leonard.
42:31My first customer.
42:35I glanced at the two boys behind him
42:37and gave a slight nod in greeting.
42:39What kind would you like?
42:41A real sense of ease washed over me.
42:43Something I hadn't felt in a long time.
42:46Whatever you recommend.
42:55Maybe one of each?
42:56I'll take some back for my roommates, too.
42:59One of his buddies said, eyeing the ingredients.
43:04So, how much?
43:05You didn't let me pay last time.
43:07You've got to charge me today, or I won't come back.
43:10I hadn't said I wouldn't charge him.
43:13I still needed to pay back my debt.
43:16Six dollars each.
43:18Cash only, though.
43:19If you don't have any, you can get change at the store down the block.
43:24I pointed to the sign on my cart and then toward the store down the block.
43:29Wait right here!
43:30I'll be back!
43:31I watched Leonard walk away and sighed.
43:34The young seemed so full of life.
43:36It was easy to forget I was only a year older than him.
43:40Yet my life felt worlds apart.
43:45Hey, isn't he good-looking?
43:47And he's single.
43:48Maybe give him a shot?
43:50His classmates clearly thought my glance at Leonard meant more than it did.
43:54I shook my head and stayed silent.
43:57I was making around three to four hundred dollars a day.
44:04Soon, I had enough to repay my debt.
44:07Clifford seemed to have been waiting for me.
44:09He looked different.
44:11Guilty, almost.
44:14I heard what really happened.
44:17Chelsea admitted the truth to Roderick.
44:20I'm sorry for what I did to you.
44:22I didn't reply.
44:24I placed the money on the counter and left.
44:32Finally, I was free of that burden.
44:35Why did Leonard keep coming to my stall?
44:38Did he really love burritos that much?
44:42Do you really like burritos that much?
44:45I finally asked.
44:47No.
44:47Why?
44:49Taking another bite.
44:52Why do you come every day?
44:55Were you short on money for meals?
44:58But he didn't look like he was struggling.
45:02Because you're here.
45:03Between bites.
45:04I didn't fully process his words.
45:07Not until he swallowed, leaned closer, and looked at me seriously.
45:12Be my girlfriend?
45:16I froze for a second, then shook my head.
45:19I took his hand and placed it on my waist.
45:22I'm missing a kidney here.
45:26I have lung cancer here.
45:28He shrugged, unfazed.
45:30I know.
45:32I've always known.
45:34How could he know, reading my surprise?
45:37I'll tell you later.
45:39His hand lingered gently on my waist.
45:42Did it hurt?
45:44My eyes stung.
45:45No one had ever asked me that before.
45:49Not Roderick.
45:50Not my parents.
45:51Not a single person in three years.
45:57But this young man did.
46:01Six months later, I held the medical record the doctor had just given me.
46:06He said the cancer cells were gradually receding.
46:12Leonard had made sure I ate three meals a day.
46:14He walked me to every checkup.
46:19For the first time in years,
46:21I wanted to live.
46:23And it showed.
46:26With a positive mindset,
46:28consistent medication,
46:29and no late night depressive episodes,
46:32full recovery was possible.
46:37There were cases of people beating cancer.
46:40It just wasn't easy.
46:47But I had managed it.
46:53Hey, where are you?
46:54You're not at your stall today.
46:56My phone buzzed with a message from Leonard.
46:59He'd bought me this phone himself.
47:02He'd claimed it was a buy one, get one deal.
47:05That he had an extra,
47:06and if I didn't take it, he'd throw it away.
47:09Who believed that?
47:10I certainly didn't.
47:14At the hospital.
47:20Half an hour later,
47:22Leonard came jobbing toward me in his basketball jersey.
47:29What did the doctor say?
47:32I put on a somber face,
47:33pretending to be downcast.
47:35I saw his expression dim,
47:37but he kept his voice steady.
47:41It's okay.
47:43I'll be with you every step of the way.
47:46I cut him off.
47:47Just kidding.
47:48The doctor says I'm doing really well.
47:52I couldn't bear to tease him for long.
47:57You've gotten mean.
47:59He pretended to be upset,
48:01but then he picked me up
48:02and spun me around twice.
48:12So, does this mean you'll say yes?
48:14He looked at me eagerly.
48:16Say yes to what?
48:19Interest at him playfully.
48:21Be my girlfriend.
48:23But I'm not completely healed yet.
48:25What if it comes back?
48:27I don't care.
48:31My job is to love you
48:32and make you happy.
48:35If you're happy,
48:36you'll get better.
48:38He hugged me tightly,
48:40nuzzling against me.
48:42Alright, I...
48:43suppose I'll say yes.
48:47I wrapped my arms around him in return.
48:51I sounded as if I was doing him a favor.
48:54The truth was,
48:56he had been the one settling for me all along.
49:01As Leonard and I walked away hand in hand,
49:04I saw Roderick.
49:10I hadn't seen him.
49:11I hadn't seen him in two or three months.
49:14He stood watching us,
49:15his eyes red.
49:22He'd pick me up to attend the service,
49:23and that was it.
49:24I'd also repaid him for all the medical bills.
49:27Even the money for the food cart.
49:32I knew he'd been watching me from a distance.
49:36He'd tried to approach me a few times.
49:43But I'd threatened to harm myself each time,
49:46and he'd finally stayed away.
49:52Mari, who is this?
49:53His eyes were still red.
49:56He already knew the answer.
50:01My girlfriend.
50:02Leonard answered first,
50:03raising our joined hands.
50:07Is he good to you?
50:10Yes.
50:15I know what it looks like when you love someone, Mari.
50:19And I can see it's not me anymore.
50:22Took me a while to face it.
50:26Be happy.
50:29I wish you the same.
50:30He turned and walked away.
50:35I didn't look back.
50:36Some people are meant to be part of your story,
50:38but not your ending.
50:42I heard later that Roderick left to teach in a remote mountain.
50:46As for me,
50:47I was curled on the sofa,
50:49looking at the man in front of me.
50:51You said before that
50:52you knew about my health?
50:55How?
50:58I sprained my ankle during a game
51:00and ended up in the hospital.
51:03I was in the room next to yours.
51:05I overheard something while walking by,
51:07got curious,
51:08and looked through the glass.
51:14One look, and I just knew.
51:16He made it sound so casual.
51:18That's it?
51:19I didn't buy it.
51:21Your classmates mentioned something.
51:24My photo is your computer wallpaper,
51:26the one from when I was a sophomore.
51:28I meant the guys who had stopped by my stall for burritos.
51:31Sure enough,
51:33Leonard looked briefly embarrassed.
51:37He was probably cursing them in his head.
51:41Okay, fine.
51:45I was an exchange student at your university in my freshman year,
51:48doing a photography project.
51:51You were there that day,
51:52so full of life.
51:54I couldn't help but take a picture.
51:56Later,
51:56I heard you were with Roderick.
51:58So,
51:59I kept my distance.
52:01I don't do homewrecking.
52:03He lifted his chin slightly.
52:05It wasn't until I saw you in the hospital
52:07that I realized how stupid I'd been all along.
52:10If I had stepped in back then,
52:12maybe none of this would have happened to you.
52:15After that,
52:16I kept an eye on you,
52:17waiting until the day I ran into you at your stall.
52:18He looked genuinely regortful.
52:21I reached out and hugged him.
52:24Don't blame yourself.
52:26Some things were meant to happen.
52:28It wasn't your fault.
52:29I'd almost missed the chance to be with someone so wonderful.
52:32But in the end,
52:33nothing was too late.
52:34Other people go to rehab for drugs,
52:36alcohol,
52:37or gambling.
52:38I went to quit loving a man.
52:40In the end,
52:42I didn't just quit him.
52:44I learned to love myself again.
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