- 14 hours ago
Return from the Cold
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00It is Christmas Day, and my husband, Riss, just kicked our three-year-old daughter.
00:06Get out of the car!
00:07Current outside temperature is minus five degrees Celsius.
00:12All because his mistress's daughter didn't want to sit with a dirty kid.
00:16When the car stopped in the emergency lane on the highway, I thought Riss needed to use the restroom.
00:21Emma's asleep, don't wake her.
00:22Riss didn't turn around.
00:25Sarah, take Emma and get out of the car.
00:30What?
00:31Riss, forget it, we can squeeze in.
00:33I don't want to sit with that dirty kid, she was coughing just now!
00:38Riss turned around, his eyes cold in a way I had never seen before.
00:41Did you hear me?
00:43Get out!
00:43Tiffany is already on her way, she'll be here in half an hour.
00:46Wait here for a bit.
00:49On the highway, minus five degrees Celsius, I held my three-year-old daughter and watched him start the car
00:55again.
00:55The taillights grew smaller and smaller in the wind and snow.
01:01Mommy, where's Daddy?
01:03I forced a smile.
01:04Daddy, Daddy went to Grandma's house ahead of us.
01:08Auntie will come pick us up in a little while.
01:10My phone was at 30% battery.
01:12I called Tiffany, Anse, twice, three times.
01:15Finally, it connected.
01:17Sarah?
01:18Tiffany!
01:19Your brother told you to come pick us up.
01:21Where are you?
01:22Huh?
01:23Pick you up?
01:25Oh, right, I remember now.
01:27My brother did tell me.
01:28But I'm at a party with friends right now.
01:30I can't get away.
01:32You guys wait a bit.
01:33I'll head over later.
01:34Tiffany, it's freezing out here on the highway.
01:37Emma can't handle this.
01:40Ugh, Sarah, you're so delicate.
01:41What's the big deal about waiting a little while?
01:43My brother said Sophia and Olivia can't be exposed to the cold wind.
01:47They need to get home quickly.
01:48The two of you, an adult and a kid waiting a bit longer, won't kill you.
01:52I called Riss again, turned off, called again, still off.
01:55Mommy, I want to go home.
01:57I kissed her forehead.
01:59Soon we'll be home very soon.
02:01My eyes ached terribly.
02:03Four years of marriage, and this was the first time I truly understood how cruel Riss could be for Sophia's
02:09daughter.
02:09He left his own wife and biological daughter on the highway,
02:12all because Olivia said she didn't want to sit with that dirty kid.
02:16Headlights appeared in the distance.
02:17I frantically waved my arms.
02:19A black SUV slowed down and stopped in front of us.
02:23The window rolled down.
02:25It was a young man.
02:26Do you need help?
02:27Can you give us a ride?
02:28Just to the next service area.
02:30The man looked at the child in my arms and frowned.
02:32Get in.
02:33I'm so grateful.
02:35I was just about to open the car door.
02:37Sarah?
02:39It was Riss's cousin, Ethan.
02:43Sarah, why are you here?
02:44Where's my brother?
02:45I gave him a brief explanation of what had happened.
02:48Ethan's face turned ashen as he listened.
02:50Is he insane?
02:51He left you and Emma here?
02:53Sophia's daughter is a person, but his own daughter isn't?
02:56Let them get in first.
02:57We'll squeeze.
02:59There's no room.
03:00You all go.
03:01I'll wait here.
03:02That's not okay.
03:05Hurry up.
03:06Emma's face is purple.
03:07She can't keep freezing.
03:08I got into the back seat holding Emma, and the warm air washed over us.
03:12My frozen body began to sting painfully.
03:15Sarah, call me when you get to the service area.
03:17I'll have my brother.
03:18You'll come pick you up.
03:20Ethan, it's so cold out there.
03:22What will you do?
03:23I'm a grown man.
03:24What do I have to be afraid of?
03:26Take care of the kid first.
03:27Go now.
03:27The car started moving.
03:28I watched through the rear window as Ethan stood in the wind and snow.
03:33His figure growing smaller and smaller.
03:35My nose burned.
03:36My own husband had abandoned his wife and daughter on a highway.
03:39And in the end, the one who helped me was an outsider.
03:42Emma fell asleep in my arms.
03:43I felt her forehead.
03:45Can you go faster?
03:46My daughter has a fever.
03:48The driver nodded and sped up.
03:52I took out my phone wanting to call Tiffany again.
03:55No signal.
03:55The highway passed through a mountainous area.
03:58And the signal came and went.
04:00How long until the service area?
04:0120 kilometers.
04:02But in this weather, at least half an hour.
04:05Half an hour?
04:05I held Emma tight, touching her forehead again and again.
04:09Getting hotter and hotter.
04:10Baby, wake up.
04:12Don't sleep.
04:12Emma groggily opened her eyes.
04:14Mommy, I feel sick.
04:16I know.
04:17We're almost at the hospital.
04:18Just hold on a little longer.
04:19She suddenly started coughing.
04:21Coughing so hard her little face turned purple.
04:23I patted her back, and my tears finally fell.
04:26Please, go faster!
04:28I've already gone as fast as I can.
04:30The road is slippery in the snow.
04:32I unbuttoned her coat and saw her chest heaving rapidly.
04:35These were the symptoms of acute pneumonia.
04:37She had it once last year.
04:39We almost lost her.
04:41Emma, look at Mommy.
04:42Don't close your eyes.
04:45Mommy, I'll tell you a story?
04:46About little bite wraps?
04:48Her eyelashes fluttered, but her eyes never opened.
04:51Her breathing grew weaker and weaker.
04:53Help!
04:53My daughter is dying!
04:56But on the highway, there was nothing but wind and snow.
05:00The car finally pulled into the service area.
05:02I ran into the convenience store holding Emma.
05:05Is there a doctor?
05:06My daughter is sick.
05:07She needs emergency help.
05:09There's no doctor here.
05:11Call 911!
05:12Hurry!
05:15The cell tower is down.
05:16Calls aren't going through.
05:18My legs gave out.
05:19I nearly crumpled to the floor.
05:20Emma in my arms had gone silent.
05:23The owner rummaged around for a long time
05:24and turned up a box of fever reducers
05:26and anti-inflammatory medicine.
05:28Try giving the child these.
05:29My hands were shaking so badly
05:31I couldn't tear open the packaging.
05:32Emma lay on my lap.
05:33Her breathing so faint
05:34it seemed like it could stop at any moment.
05:36I got the medicine into her mouth.
05:39Emma, swallow it, please.
05:40A tablet slipped out from the corner of her mouth.
05:44How about I drive you to the county hospital?
05:47But with this much snow, the road might be closed.
05:50Go!
05:50Right now!
05:51I pulled out all my cash and pressed it into his hands.
05:54Please.
05:56The owner gritted his teeth.
05:57All right.
05:58I'll take the chance.
05:59The car crept forward on the snow-covered road.
06:02Every bump made Emma's body go a little limper.
06:04I held her small hand and kept talking.
06:07Emmy, didn't you say you wanted to go to Disneyland?
06:11Mommy will take you.
06:14We'll ride the biggest carousel.
06:17And you want to wear the Elsa princess dress, right?
06:22Mommy will also take you to Universal Studios.
06:25They have Transformers there.
06:27Want to go see your big heroes?
06:29Her eyelashes trembled slightly.
06:30My phone suddenly vibrated.
06:32There was signal!
06:33With trembling hands, I dialed Rissa's number.
06:35It rang for a long time.
06:36Finally, it connected.
06:38Hello?
06:39The background was quiet.
06:40Rice, like he was at home.
06:42Emma is sick.
06:43It's serious.
06:45Where are you?
06:46On the way to the county hospital.
06:47Come quickly.
06:48Sarah.
06:49He cut me off.
06:50Didn't Tiffany go to pick you up?
06:51She didn't come!
06:53She never came!
06:54That's impossible.
06:56She just posted on her mind say she was on her way.
06:58I froze.
06:59I opened WeChat and found Tiffany's profile.
07:02Her latest post ten minutes ago.
07:03A selfie with a highway in the background.
07:06Going to pick up my sister-in-law.
07:08My brother is so thoughtful.
07:09Still thinking of me.
07:10Her location showed she was a hundred kilometers away from us.
07:14She hadn't moved at all.
07:15You saw it, right?
07:17Tiffany will be there soon.
07:18Just wait a little longer.
07:19We can't wait!
07:20Emma is dying!
07:22Our daughter is dying, Russ!
07:24Sarah.
07:24It's the new year.
07:26Don't say things like that.
07:27Sophia and Olivia just arrived.
07:29My mom is happy right now.
07:30Don't ruin it.
07:31Once Tiffany picks you up, take Emma to a clinic.
07:34Kids get fevers.
07:35It's normal.
07:36She won't die.
07:37Stop being unreasonable.
07:39Be good.
07:40Your husband?
07:42He muttered.
07:43So unreasonable.
07:44Hold on tight.
07:46I'm taking a shortcut.
07:47I won't let anything happen to this child.
07:49The car turned onto a mountain.
07:51The snow was falling even harder.
07:57Emma's breathing was almost inaudible.
07:59I felt for her heartbeat.
08:00So faint it felt like a hallucination.
08:03Emma, don't scare Mommy.
08:05Mommy was wrong.
08:06Mommy shouldn't have lost her head over love.
08:10Mommy was wrong.
08:12Mommy shouldn't have married him.
08:15Mommy shouldn't have made you suffer.
08:17I reached into my inner pocket and pulled out a small metal device the size of a button.
08:22My father had given it to me.
08:24Sarah, the Parkers favor sons over daughters.
08:29If one day they mistreat you and Emma because she's a girl, press this.
08:33I pressed it.
08:34No sound.
08:35But I knew the signal had been sent.
08:36Father had told me, once pressed, his people would arrive within three hours without fail.
08:43But three hours?
08:44Could my Emma hold on for three hours?
08:47We finally arrived at the county hospital.
08:50I rushed into the emergency room holding Emma.
08:52The nurse took one look at Emma and immediately called for a doctor.
08:56Acute pneumonia, heart rate dropping.
08:57Prepare for emergency recitation.
09:00I was stopped outside the resuscitation room.
09:02Through the glass.
09:03I watched the doctors intubate Emma and connect her to the monitors.
09:07That tiny body lying on the hospital bed looked like it could disappear at any moment.
09:11I crouched in the corner, trembling all over.
09:13My phone rang again.
09:14Reese.
09:15I answered but said nothing.
09:17Sarah, where are you two?
09:18My mom is waiting to eat dinner.
09:20His tone was impatient.
09:21I opened my mouth but couldn't make a sound.
09:24Say something.
09:25I forced out two words.
09:27Hospital?
09:28Emma is being resuscitated?
09:31What?
09:32He paused.
09:32Why did you go to the hospital?
09:33Where's Tiffany?
09:36She didn't come.
09:37Impossible.
09:38She just messaged me saying she picked you up.
09:40I opened the family group chat.
09:42Twenty minutes ago, she had sent a message.
09:44A woman's back was visible in the passenger seat, wearing what looked like my down jacket.
09:49She had taken that photo of me earlier.
09:51She's lying.
09:52Rice, come to the hospital.
09:53Come now.
09:54Sarah, is it that you don't want to come home for Christmas?
09:57Is it because Sophia is here and you feel uncomfortable, so you made up this kind of lie?
10:02You think I'm lying to you?
10:03What else?
10:05Why would Tiffany need to lie to me?
10:07She's my own sister.
10:09What are you?
10:10A woman who's useless now that she's given birth to a daughter.
10:14I gripped my phone.
10:15My nails digging into my palm.
10:18Rice, if Emma dies today, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life.
10:23Whatever.
10:24Besides, my mom says Sophia can still give birth to a son.
10:29Since you can't produce a son, you'd better step aside soon.
10:33The call ended.
10:34I listened to the dial tone as I slowly slid down to the floor.
10:37The door to the resuscitation room opened.
10:40The doctor walked out.
10:41Mask pulled down to his chin.
10:44Who is Emma's family member?
10:45I scrambled to my feet.
10:48I'm her mother.
10:50We saved the child, but...
10:55But what?
10:56Due to prolonged oxygen deprivation, there is brain damage.
11:01It may affect her intelligence going forward, and she could even be...
11:05permanently paralyzed.
11:08How is that possible? She's still so small.
11:11We did everything we could.
11:13The doctor sighed.
11:14Go handle the admission paperwork first.
11:15The follow-up treatment costs won't be cheap.
11:17I stumbled over to pay the fees in a days.
11:20Insufficient balance in my account.
11:22He was only gave me 3,000 yuan a month for living expenses.
11:26Saying it was enough to raise a daughter.
11:29I called him.
11:31What now?
11:33Emma needs money for surgery.
11:35Transfer 50,000.
11:36He raised his voice.
11:3750,000.
11:38Do you think I'm an ATM?
11:40Or a money printing machine?
11:42Rice, Emma is your daughter.
11:44A girl.
11:45Even if she gets better, she's just a financial drain.
11:51Are you going to transfer the money or not?
11:53No.
11:54If you can manage it, earn it yourself.
11:55Oh, right.
11:56My mom says you don't need to come home for Christmas this year.
11:59Running to the hospital during Christmas.
12:00What terrible luck.
12:02After Christmas is over, we'll go file for divorce.
12:05The house is mine.
12:06You didn't contribute any money, so you get nothing.
12:08As for Emma...
12:09He paused.
12:10If you can't afford to raise her, send her to an orphanage.
12:13Either way, I don't want a financial drain.
12:16I hung up the phone.
12:17I stood in front of the payment window, looking at the person inside.
12:20Can the treatment start first?
12:23I'll pay it back slowly over time.
12:25I'm sorry.
12:26Hospital policy requires a deposit to be paid up front.
12:29I walked out of the hospital and stood in the snow.
12:31My phone vibrated.
12:33Ethan was calling.
12:35Sarah, where are you?
12:36Rice said Tiffany picked you up.
12:38Ethan, do me a favor.
12:41Just say it!
12:42If I die, help me take care of Emma.
12:45What are you talking about?
12:47I have no money, and there's no saving Emma.
12:50Ress doesn't want her anymore, and I can't do it either.
12:54Take her to an orphanage.
12:55At least she'll survive.
12:56She won't die.
12:57Sister-in-law, don't do anything rash.
12:58Where are you?
12:59I'll come right now.
13:00No need.
13:01I hung up and turned off my phone.
13:04I walked back to the ward.
13:06Emma lay on the bed, tubes running all over her small body.
13:09Her little face was pale, as if she were simply asleep.
13:12Baby, mommy, I'm sorry.
13:14In the next life, don't reborn as my guide.
13:17Find a good family, and be a child who is truly loved.
13:21I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
13:23Then I turned and walked out of the ward.
13:26On the hospital rooftop, the wind and snow were fierce.
13:29I stood at the edge, looking down below.
13:31The people coming and going looked so small.
13:32If I jumped, everything would be over.
13:34Emma would be sent to an orphanage.
13:36Everyone would be satisfied, except for me and my daughter.
13:39I closed my eyes and leaned forward.
13:44And yanked me back hard.
13:46I fell to the ground and looked up.
13:48Several men in black suits stood before me.
13:51The one in front was a middle-aged man in his 50s.
13:54Sarah.
13:56I froze.
13:58Dad.
13:59Emma was carried on as well, with an attending physician taking over immediately.
14:03Intracranial pressure is too high.
14:05Surgery must happen now.
14:09Westlank Medical Center, prepare a green channel.
14:13Father held my hand, which was trembling the entire time.
14:16I'm sorry, Dad came too late.
14:21I'm sorry.
14:23I looked at him as if in a dream.
14:25Dad, weren't you farming back in the hometown?
14:28Father froze, then smiled bitterly.
14:32Farming, that was a lie.
14:35You were determined to marry Ress,
14:37and I was afraid he'd find out our family had money and was only marrying you for it.
14:43So I pretended to be poor for four years.
14:47I thought as long as he treated you well, being poor was fine.
14:51But I never expected...
14:53He looked at the unconscious Emma, and tears fell.
14:58I never expected they could be so cruising my granddaughter like this.
15:04The helicopter landed on the rooftop of the Westlank Medical Center.
15:08Emma was taken directly into the operating room.
15:11The best specialists, the best equipment.
15:14Father stood outside the operating room and made a phone call.
15:18The Parkers, before the market opens tomorrow, I want to see it hit the limit down.
15:22Terminate all cooperation, every single one.
15:25The banks, you know what to do.
15:30After hanging up, he sat down beside me.
15:33Sarah, Dad is giving you two options.
15:37The first, divorce, take the money, bring Emma abroad, and never come back.
15:43The second...
15:44He looked at me.
15:46Stay, and watch the Parkers fall.
15:49Watch Rice kneel before you and beg for forgiveness.
15:53I thought about it.
15:55The second one.
15:56But I want to add one condition.
15:59Go ahead.
16:00Get me a corpse.
16:01One that looks exactly like me.
16:03With a child, frozen to death by the side of a highway.
16:07Father frowned.
16:08You want to?
16:10I want them to think I'm dead.
16:14And then I want to watch, with my own eyes, how they celebrate.
16:17How they rejoice while I and Emma are supposedly dead during the new year.
16:22Father was silent for a long time, then nodded.
16:27All right.
16:31The corpses were made to look very convincing.
16:34One adult, one child, lying in the snow by the side of the highway.
16:38By the time they were discovered, they had already frozen still.
16:41The one who found them was a nearby villager who called the police.
16:45Using the ID card found on the body, the police contacted Reese.
16:49When the call came in, the Parkers were sitting down to their New Year's Eve dinner.
16:54A full table of dishes, laughter filling the room.
16:58Sophia sat beside Reese, picking out food for him.
17:01Olivia sweetly called out,
17:03Grandma.
17:04Mrs. Parker smiled so wide, her mouth barely closed.
17:08Sophia is just so much better.
17:12Even the daughter she had is so well-behaved and obedient.
17:17Nothing like Sarah's girl.
17:19Always crying.
17:20Not cute at all.
17:21So annoying.
17:22Reese's phone rang.
17:24He glanced at it and frowned.
17:25The police?
17:27He answered.
17:29Hello?
17:29Is this Mr. Rice?
17:31Is your wife Sarah traveling on the highway with your daughter?
17:33Yes.
17:34Why?
17:35We found two bodies on the side of the highway.
17:38Preliminary determination is that they froze to death.
17:41The female victim had an ID card on her, with the name Sarah.
17:46There was also a girl, approximately three years old.
17:49Please come and make an identification.
17:53What did you say?
17:56Your wife and daughter may have had an accident.
18:03Who is it?
18:04Such bad luck calling during the New Year.
18:07Reese stood up, his face deathly pale.
18:09Sarah and Emma froze to death?
18:13When Reese arrived at the funeral home, his legs felt weak.
18:17The police led him into the morgue.
18:19The cold cabinet was opened, revealing two bodies, one large and one small.
18:24The larger one was wearing my down jacket, hair messy, face showing frostbite.
18:30The smaller one was curled up in the adult's arms, as if asleep.
18:37Is this them?
18:39Reese opened his mouth, but couldn't speak.
18:41He reached out, trying to touch my face.
18:44His hand trembled violently.
18:47No way.
18:48He shivered all over, murmuring.
18:50Tiffany clearly went to pick them up.
18:53We checked the surveillance.
18:54Your sister's car never got on the highway.
18:58She just drove around the city and then went home.
19:03Also, the last phone call on the deceased phone was to you.
19:08The time was 7 p.m. last night.
19:10She said the child was sick and begged you for help.
19:13You said the police hesitated.
19:16A girl, even if cured, is just a money-losting burden.
19:21I thought, I thought she was lying to me.
19:24I didn't know she really...
19:28If you had known, would you have gone?
19:30The police looked at him.
19:38The morgue door was pushed open.
19:41Mrs. Parker rushed in.
19:43Oh, my granddaughter!
19:45My dear sweetie, how could you just leave like this?
19:49She suddenly stopped and grabbed Reese.
19:52Son, dead is good.
19:53This is a good thing!
19:55Sarah's dead, so now you can marry Sophia!
19:59Sophia is still young.
20:01Still can bear children.
20:02She'll definitely give the Parkers a son!
20:05Reese turned to look at her.
20:07His gaze vacant and unfamiliar.
20:10Mom, that's my daughter, your granddaughter!
20:13Dead is dead.
20:15Besides, it's not a boy anyway.
20:18This is perfect timing.
20:20No need to divorce and split assets.
20:23Hurry and tell them to cremate the bodies.
20:24Don't delay the new year!
20:26Come on, Sophia is waiting for us to eat!
20:29Reese was pulled along.
20:30He looked back once at the cold cabinet.
20:34Wait.
20:35He shook off Mrs. Parker's hand and went back.
20:38He crouched by the bodies, looking for a long time.
20:42Sarah, I'm sorry.
20:44I was wrong.
20:45I really...
20:45I didn't know it would be like this.
20:48What apology?
20:49It's her short life.
20:50She deserved to die.
20:53Shut up!
20:55Mrs. Parker was stunned.
20:57Reese stood up and told the police.
20:59I want to take the bodies away.
21:01To hold a funeral.
21:03To make it grand.
21:07The Parkers hung white streamers and lilies.
21:10A wake was held in the side parlor, right next to the room I had occupied in life.
21:15Sophia and Olivia moved into the master bedroom, and the whole family hovered around them.
21:20Reese stayed in the wake room, keeping vigil beside the caskets.
21:24Tiffany came once.
21:25Reese, I didn't mean to.
21:27I just got caught up having fun with my friends and forgot...
21:33Who knew they would actually die?
21:36Reese looked at her, his eyes bloodshot.
21:38Got caught up having fun?
21:42Two lives.
21:43And you think I got caught up is enough?
21:46Tiffany cried.
21:47Then what do you want from me?
21:48To pay with my life for hers?
21:50Does she even deserve that?
21:55A woman who couldn't give birth to a son, and a little money-losing rest hand!
22:01They died!
22:01So what?
22:05Tiffany was stunned.
22:08Get out.
22:12Sophia came over, holding Olivia, her voice soft and consoling.
22:16Riths, Sarah's spirit in heaven wouldn't want to see you like this.
22:21Reese looked up at her.
22:23Do you know what they were doing when the accident happened?
22:26Sophia was startled.
22:28I was at your place having dinner.
22:31They were waiting in the snow to die.
22:34Waiting for someone who was never going to come for them.
22:39Sophia's face went pale.
22:40That was your sister's fault.
22:41What does it have to do with me?
22:43It was your mother who insisted I come back with you, throw the right with you to celebrate the new
22:47year.
22:47I wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of coming back with you.
22:52Besides, you're the one who threw them out.
22:55Yes, you went through a lot of trouble.
22:57Reese cut her off.
22:58But they froze to death.
22:59Literally froze to death.
23:01Two lives lost.
23:03Just because Emma was a girl, did they deserve to die?
23:07Sophia fell silent.
23:08These past few days, I keep thinking,
23:11What if I had answered the phone?
23:14What if I had gone to pick them up?
23:16What if I hadn't said those things?
23:22His voice broke.
23:24Sophia bit her lip and turned to leave.
23:27Before walking out the door, she tossed back one last remark.
23:31Rice, don't forget.
23:34I'm the one who can give the Parkers a son now.
23:38The door to the wake room closed.
23:41Reese slid down against the casket and sank to the floor.
23:44In the security footage, I watched his shoulders tremble.
23:48How laughable.
23:50When someone is alive, you don't cherish them.
23:52Only after they're dead do you come to mourn.
23:55I sent my father a message.
23:57Can we begin?
23:59Father replied,
24:01Whenever you're ready.
24:07The Parkers' business began to collapse.
24:10First, their biggest client suddenly terminated their contract
24:13and signed a ten-year deal with a competitor.
24:15Then, the bank called in its loans and the cash flow dried up.
24:19Reese was overwhelmed, sleeping at the office every day.
24:22Mrs. Parker called and scolded him.
24:25You never come home.
24:27What if Sophia gets upset?
24:29The company is finished.
24:31Do you understand?
24:33Finished is finished.
24:35We still have money anyway.
24:37Money?
24:38Mom, we're about to go bankrupt.
24:42The house, the cars, the savings,
24:44all of it is going towards paying off debt.
24:47You might not even be able to afford food from now on.
24:50How is that possible?
24:52How is it not?
24:54He sat in his office, staring out the window.
24:57This city, he had spent ten years building something here.
25:01Now, overnight, it was all gone.
25:03His phone rang.
25:04An unknown number.
25:05A man's voice.
25:07Mr. Parker, did you receive the gift?
25:10Who are you?
25:12You don't need to know who I am.
25:14You only need to know that this is just the beginning.
25:17The debt you owe must be repaid with the entire Parker family.
25:20The call ended.
25:22Reese called back.
25:23The number was already disconnected.
25:25He held the phone, his hands beginning to shake.
25:30The Perikers officially entered bankruptcy liquidation.
25:33The house, the cars, all assets, everything was auctioned off.
25:39Mrs. Parker moved out of the villa and into a rental apartment.
25:43Reese arranged for the cremation.
25:45After everything was over, he kept the ashes in two urns and took them back with him.
25:50He lived alone with the urns.
25:54He placed them on the floor beside him when he slept.
25:58Sophia took Olivia and left, taking the last of the cash with her before she walked out the door.
26:03I can't suffer along with you.
26:05Olivia still has school.
26:07Reese didn't stop her.
26:09Tiffany came to find him once and called him insane.
26:14You've ruined the whole family fortune over a dead woman.
26:18How can you face mom?
26:19Reese looked at her.
26:20Then who faced Sarah?
26:23Who faced Emma?
26:26Tiffany never came back.
26:31Reese started looking for work.
26:33But in this city, the reputation of a bankrupt CEO spreads faster than a virus.
26:39No one would hire him.
26:41He ended up at a construction site in the old district.
26:44He earned $200 a day, working until his back felt like it would snap.
26:49At night, he'd return to his rented apartment and eat cheap bread from a convenience store.
26:53Then he'd sit on the floor holding the urns and talk to himself.
26:58Sarah, the foreman yelled at me today.
27:00Said I was weak.
27:01Said I didn't work like a real man.
27:03I remembered how you used to tell me to slow down.
27:06Your health is more important.
27:07I thought you were just nagging back then.
27:10Now I realize you were the only one who actually cared about me.
27:14He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
27:17If Emma were still here, she'd be starting preschool about now.
27:23The cigarette burned down to his fingers.
27:25But he didn't even feel it.
27:28In the surveillance room, my father looked at me.
27:30Have you seen enough?
27:33My debt is settled.
27:35It's time to start my own life now.
27:37My father nodded.
27:38Fine.
27:39But there's one thing you should know.
27:42What is it?
27:43I asked.
27:44Rice is looking for you.
27:45It looks like he figured out double was a fake.
27:50While going through my remains, he found something that didn't add up.
27:55Tucked inside the pocket of my old winter coat was a crumpled store retit.
28:00The date on it was three days after I had supposedly died.
28:03It was for a strawberry shortcake, Emma's favorite.
28:07Dead people don't buy cake.
28:10Reese stared at the receipt, his hands trembling violently.
28:13I was the one who made sure he found it.
28:17He went straight to that bakery to check the security footage.
28:21On the screen, a woman in a mask was holding a little girl's hand.
28:26Even with her face covered, that silhouette, that walk.
28:30It was Sarah and Emma.
28:33Reese sprinted out of the store like a madman.
28:36He visited every place we used to go.
28:38The parks, the malls, the playgrounds.
28:41Finally, outside a private preschool, he spotted Emma.
28:47She was wearing a pink dress with her hair and pigtails.
28:50A man in a suit held her hand, leading her toward a car.
28:55Emma!
28:56Emma froze, then quickly hid behind the man in the suit.
29:01Sir, what are you doing?
29:04That's my daughter.
29:06Where's Sarah?
29:07Where's her mother?
29:10I don't know anyone named Sarah.
29:12This is my employer's daughter.
29:14Move aside.
29:15Reese did not believe him.
29:16He reached out to pull Emma toward him.
29:19Suddenly, Emma burst into tears.
29:21Bad man!
29:22You're a bad man!
29:23You made Mommy cry!
29:25You made Mommy cry!
29:26Reese went stiff.
29:27Emma.
29:29I'm your daddy.
29:31No, you're not!
29:31My daddy is dead!
29:32Mommy said so!
29:33She said he didn't want us!
29:35And now he's dead!
29:38Reese looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
29:41Just then, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the car.
29:44The window rolled down slowly.
29:46I sat in the back seat, watching them.
29:49Long time no see, Rice.
29:51Reese turned.
29:52When he saw me, his pupils blew wide with shock.
29:56You really...
29:56You're not dead!
29:58I stepped out of the car, walked over to Emma, and swept her into my arms.
30:03No thanks to you, I'm still breathing.
30:05Mommy, that scary man tried to grab me!
30:07It's okay, baby.
30:08Mommy's here.
30:09You played me.
30:11You lied to me this whole time.
30:13I did.
30:15The double was a fake.
30:17My death was a setup.
30:18How else was I supposed to make you feel what it's like to lose everything?
30:22How could you be so cruel?
30:24Cruel, Rice?
30:26Were you cruel when you kicked your wife and daughter out onto the highway in a blizzard?
30:30Were you cruel when you refused to pay for her medical bills?
30:34Reese opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
30:41The black sedan's engine hummed softly.
30:44Holding Emma in my arms, I turned to get into the car.
30:49Reese suddenly lunged at us like a madman.
30:51Please!
30:52I know I was wrong.
30:53I really know I was wrong.
30:55Just give me one more chance.
30:58I'll make it up to you.
30:59I'll be a good father.
31:00A good husband.
31:04A chance?
31:07When you abandoned us on the highway in minus five degrees weather?
31:11Did you give us a chance?
31:13Did you?
31:15Drive the car.
31:17I raised my hand and signaled the driver.
31:20The driver stepped on the gas immediately.
31:23Reese was dragged forward two steps.
31:28Sarah!
31:29I'll find you!
31:30I swear!
31:31I'll find you both!
31:38Three days later.
31:39My father and I were in the study.
31:42The entire wall was lined with holographic screens, broadcasting breaking news from across the city.
31:48My father sat in his leather chair, tapping his fingers on the desk.
31:54He's still looking for you.
31:55I set down my glass and slid a legal document across the desk toward him.
32:00A custody lawsuit.
32:02Plaintiff, Sarah Swift.
32:05Defendant, Reese Parker.
32:07I'm going to force him to confess every single one of his crimes in open court.
32:12I'll make sure he legally loses the right to ever come near Emma again.
32:17I want the whole world to see what a piece of trash he truly is.
32:22My girl, you've finally grown up.
32:25Suddenly, my smart band flashed a bright red emergency alert.
32:29It was security guard.
32:31I answered the call, my heart sinking.
32:35His voice trembled, filled with sheer panic.
32:39Rice has lost his mind.
32:41He's found where you live.
32:44Outside the villa gates, Reese clutched a paper with an address on it in his hands.
32:49I want to see my daughter.
32:50She's my daughter.
32:52Sir, this is private property.
32:53No one enters without permission.
32:56Get out of my way!
32:57That's my child!
32:59I have the right to see her!
33:02Sarah!
33:03Open the door!
33:04I know you're in there!
33:06Emma!
33:07Daddy's here!
33:08I signaled the security to let him through.
33:10The door slowly opened.
33:12Reese strode into the main hall.
33:14I stood holding Emma by the hand, with my father beside me.
33:18Sunlight spilled across my body.
33:21Warm.
33:21Bright.
33:22Untouchable.
33:24The moment he saw me, he froze.
33:27Emma, remember this.
33:30This man is not your father.
33:32He's just a stranger who tried to hurt you and mommy.
33:38Stranger.
33:39Bad man.
33:41Reese tried to lunge forward, but was pinned down by the security guards.
33:47One week later, the Supreme Court convened.
33:50Reese stands in the defendant's box.
33:52His hair has gone gray.
33:53He looks like he aged 10 years overnight.
33:56At the plaintiff's table, I sit calmly in a simple tailored suit, composed and unshaken.
34:01My lawyer presents all the evidence, piece by piece.
34:05Highway security footage proved that he kicked his own wife and daughter out of the car.
34:11Phone records proved that he blocked my calls and refused to pay for emergency medical bills.
34:17Emma.
34:18She is your daughter.
34:19Are you going to transfer the money or not?
34:22No.
34:23The judge bangs the gavel.
34:26Defendant Rice Parker, how do you plea to these charges?
34:29Reese looks up at me.
34:33I plead guilty.
34:35I ruined my own family.
34:37I'm so sorry.
34:40Rice Parker is permanently stripped of all custody and visitation rights for Emma Swift.
34:45A lifetime restraining order is issued.
34:48Rice Parker must pay full child support until Emma is an adult, along with massive emotional damages and medical bills.
34:56For child abandonment and endangering a minor, Rice Parker is sentenced to community service and will be permanently blacklisted on
35:04all financial and social credits.
35:07The final gavel falls.
35:09I stand up and turn my back on him.
35:12We walk out of the courtroom.
35:15And the sunlight covers us both.
35:20Three months later, I'm sitting by the window of a small cake shop.
35:24Emma is sitting beside me.
35:26Warm sunlight pours through the glass, falling gently over the table, filled with pastries and cream cakes.
35:32The world outside feels calm, almost distant.
35:36Mommy, look!
35:37The cakes are so pretty!
35:39Yeah, baby.
35:40Mommy brought you here to eat them.
35:44And we're going to every day.
35:48Mommy, will that badmigman ever come back?
35:51Never again.
35:52From today on, nobody can ever hurt you.
35:55Mommy will protect you forever.
35:56My smart band lights up with a soft chime, a message from my dad.
36:02All remaining Parker assets have been transferred and consolidated under the Swift family.
36:07Reese is now working at a construction site to repay his debts.
36:10He is completely finished.
36:12Tiffany, Sophia, and Mrs. Parker have all gone broke and turned on each other.
36:18Welcome home, my little princess.
36:21I turn off the screen.
36:22I look out into the distance and whisper softly,
36:27Rice, look at us now.
36:29Everything you destroyed, I rebuilt.
36:32Everything you owed us, you will spend the rest of your life paying for it.
36:36And Emma and I,
36:39we will be happy forever.
36:41You
36:41You
36:42You
36:42You
36:43You
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