- 6 hours ago
La elección del bombero
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The night air was thick with smoke as flames devoured the stairwell,
00:03sealing off any escape route.
00:05My three-years-old daughter and my husband's childhood golden retriever
00:10were both trapped in the inferno.
00:12I grabbed onto my firefighter husband's protective gear,
00:16my voice raw with desperation.
00:19Save our daughter first!
00:21She's trapped in there!
00:23From the stairwell came Chloe's tear-choked scream.
00:26Ethan, please save Lucky!
00:28If anything happens to it, I won't be able to go on living!
00:32Behind his mask, my husband's eyes flickered.
00:35The water hose that had been aimed toward my daughter's direction
00:39suddenly pivoted and the powerful stream carried the dog to safety through the flames.
00:44As a burning beam crashed down with a thunderous roar,
00:48I watched my daughter's tiny hand reaching out to me one last time disappear into the flames.
00:55Ethan, his gear, blackened with soot, grabbed me as I began to lose my mind, making excuses.
01:02Both people and animals are lives, but Lucky needed help first.
01:07It's all Chloe has left of her parents.
01:09She only has that dog, but you still have me.
01:12The acrid smoke burned my lungs as I shoved his arm away.
01:16I don't want you!
01:17I only want my lily!
01:19Another thunderous crash echoed from the living room.
01:23As more beams collapsed, sparks scattered across the hallway floor.
01:27I tried to rush toward the flames like a mad woman, but he held my wrist in an iron grip.
01:33Sarah, calm down.
01:35The fire's too intense.
01:37I've already called for backup and they'll be here any minute.
01:40Chloe suddenly threw herself at me, sobbing.
01:43Sarah, don't blame Ethan.
01:45It's my fault, but Lucky is the only reason I have left to live in this world.
01:53I yanked my hand away from hers.
01:55Get away from me!
01:57Your little dog matters, but my daughter doesn't!
02:01Ethan suddenly pinned me against the wall.
02:04The scorching tiles burning into my back.
02:06He pulled off his deformed mask, those eyes still, stubbornly defending himself.
02:12The situation really was critical at the time.
02:16I cut him off, my voice shaking uncontrollably.
02:19Critical enough that you didn't have time to even glance at your daughter?
02:25When you turned that hose on the dog, didn't you hear Lily crying?
02:30She was calling for daddy.
02:32Are you deaf?
02:33The overhead light fixture sparked and crackled.
02:36Electrical wires hissing.
02:38I watched Ethan's Adam's apple.
02:40Bob violently.
02:41He turned to look toward the fire scene, then quickly turned back to stare at the dog.
02:47In Chloe's arms, a muffled sound escaped his throat.
02:51When Chloe's parents died, they only left her that dog.
02:54I let out a bitter laugh.
02:56Tears mixing with soot as they rolled into my mouth.
02:59So in your heart, Lily and I together aren't worth as much as Chloe and her dog?
03:08Weak coughing echoed from within the inferno.
03:11That's Lily's voice.
03:13My heart seized, and I fought desperately against the restraints.
03:16Lily's alive.
03:17You have to save her.
03:19She's still coughing.
03:20Ethan's body went rigid.
03:22For a moment, instinctively starting to move forward.
03:25But Chloe's arms locked around his, holding him back.
03:29Don't go.
03:30Lucky's traumatized, and I'm scared to be alone.
03:34She deliberately buried her face against Ethan's chest.
03:38Her hair brushed against the burns on his neck, and his steps faltered.
03:43He glanced back at the living room, engulfed in flames, then down at the sobbing Chloe.
03:48In his arms, finally, he gritted his teeth and pushed me toward the emergency exit.
03:54Get downstairs.
03:55I'll call for backup to rescue Lily.
03:57I clung desperately to his waist, my nails digging through his torn protective gear.
04:02Save our daughter, Nell.
04:03Please.
04:04She's our daughter.
04:05Ethan pried my fingers away with brutal efficiency.
04:08Stop being hysterical.
04:10Follow orders.
04:11I crashed into the stairwell landing.
04:13I watched him turn and carefully take the golden retriever from Chloe's arms through the thick smoke.
04:19I could barely make out, a small figure still moving.
04:23In the corner of the living room, Lily's teddy bear, lay beside the flames.
04:28Consumed by fire, sirens pierced the night air.
04:31I knelt in the hallway, frantically spraying the spreading flames.
04:35With a fire extinguisher, the chemical powder choked me, nearly to unconsciousness.
04:40Stand back.
04:41Professionals are here.
04:43Other firefighters rushed past me, taking over.
04:46High-pressure water arced through the air before my eyes.
04:50I collapsed to the ground, soaked to the bone.
04:52I stared at the blazing inferno.
04:55Ethan stood with Chloe, behind the safety perimeter, by the white ambulance.
05:00Several paramedics and scrubs worked frantically around the golden retriever.
05:05I scrambled to my feet and rushed toward them, only to be blocked by a nurse.
05:09Sorry ma'am, we're handling an emergency.
05:12Captain Miller specifically requested priority treatment for this canine patient.
05:17I shook with rage.
05:18My daughter's life hangs in a balance in there, and you're treating a dog?
05:23Ethan intercepted me.
05:25Calm down, the fire's under control, and the search and rescue team is already inside.
05:30I grabbed his wrist, my nails nearly piercing his wounds.
05:34Do you think Lily's in your way?
05:36Have you been wanting to get rid of both of us?
05:39Ethan yanked his hand away, irritation flashing in his eyes.
05:43Can you be rational for once?
05:45Chloe's parents were heroes.
05:47Lucky is their only legacy.
05:49It's completely different.
05:51Just then, rescue workers emerged, carrying a stretcher.
05:55Crimson stains seeped through the white sheet.
05:58My legs buckled as I stumbled forward, crawling desperately.
06:01Lily, my baby!
06:04The medical staff blocked me.
06:07Ma'am, please step aside.
06:08The child still has vital signs.
06:10We need to operate immediately.
06:12I clutched the doctor's white coat.
06:14Doctor, please save her!
06:16I'm begging you!
06:17Please save her!
06:19But the doctor looked helplessly at Ethan.
06:21All our emergency equipment is being used to monitor the dog.
06:25I screamed hysterically, but watched Ethan frown and tell the doctor.
06:29Make sure the dog is stable first.
06:32It's very important to Chloe.
06:34Just do basic treatment for the child.
06:36Neighbors began whispering.
06:38Around us, Mrs. Gray, our housekeeper, stood in the crowd with a cold sneer.
06:43What a sin!
06:44His daughter worth less than a dog!
06:47What kind of mother is that?
06:49Exactly, I heard that childhood friend has been living in their house for three years.
06:57Their relationship is probably far from innocent.
07:01No wonder he doesn't care about his own daughter.
07:06Those comments pierced my ears like needles.
07:10I looked at Lily on the stretcher, barely clinging to life.
07:14Her little charred hand stuck out from under the sheet, covered in wounds.
07:18Meanwhile, Ethan was carefully escorting the dog cage into the ambulance.
07:23A bone-deep chill rose from my feet.
07:26Two ambulances roared away, one carrying Lily, one carrying the golden retriever.
07:32Ethan didn't hesitate to climb into the one with the dog.
07:36In the end, my daughter was pronounced dead despite all efforts to save her.
07:41The next day, I touched Lily's face one last time in the morgue.
07:46Her small body was already cold and stiff.
07:49Soot still clung to her eyelashes.
07:52But her hand clutched the charred ear of her little bear, deformed by flames.
07:57When the morgue attendant gently reminded me that time was up, I removed my wedding ring
08:03and slipped it onto her blackened little finger.
08:06Don't be afraid.
08:07Mommy will always be with you.
08:11Ethan never showed up.
08:13It was drizzling on the day of the burial.
08:16I stood alone before the headstone.
08:18In the photo, she smiled, showing two little canine teeth.
08:23The background was from our family portrait.
08:25Last year on her birthday, when Ethan had taken us for professional photos.
08:30Back then, he still had his arm around my shoulder, his eyes full of tenderness.
08:35Sarah, stop the act.
08:38Come home.
08:39I won't hold it against you this time.
08:42Ethan's voice came from behind me.
08:44I turned to see him, standing in the rain, with a black umbrella.
08:48His suit was perfectly pressed.
08:50And beside him, Chloe held the golden retriever.
08:53The dog even wore a pink little outfit.
08:56My heart plummeted into an ice cellar.
08:59Where?
08:59Back to that house burned by fire?
09:02I pulled divorce papers from my purse and threw them at him.
09:06Sign it.
09:07I never want to.
09:08See you again.
09:09The papers fell into the mud.
09:11Ethan didn't even glance at them.
09:13He stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.
09:16Rain from his umbrella, dripping on my face.
09:20Just because I saved that dog?
09:22Sarah, be reasonable.
09:24Chloe's parents were heroes.
09:26Lucky is their only memento.
09:28I jerked my hand free, pointing at the headstone, and screaming.
09:33So my daughter deserved to die?
09:35She was your daughter too.
09:37Ethan's eyes flickered.
09:39Then he sneered coldly.
09:40You think I don't know what you're trying to pull?
09:43Making a fake headstone to trick me?
09:45I'm warning you.
09:46Don't try to gain sympathy.
09:48This way, I won't fall for it.
09:50My blood turned to ice.
09:52He'd never believed me.
09:53In his mind, I could even fake my daughter's death.
09:57I pointed at the cold stone marker, my fingertips white, with pressure.
10:02A fake headstone?
10:03Then tell me, where is Lily?
10:05Chloe suddenly screamed.
10:07The golden retriever broke from her arms and charged at me, sharp claws scratching my legs.
10:13Oh no!
10:14Lucky!
10:15Don't be scared!
10:16She frantically grabbed for the dog, but whispered so only we could hear.
10:20Stop struggling.
10:22Ethan doesn't believe you at all.
10:25All my blood rushed to my head, as I raised my hand to strike.
10:29But Ethan caught my wrist, in an iron grip.
10:32You've gone too far!
10:33He shielded Chloe behind him, his eyes full of disappointment.
10:37Chloe came here out of kindness, and you want to hit her.
10:41The rain drops felt like ice pellets, hitting my face.
10:45I looked at this, familiar yet strange man.
10:48Suddenly, all words seemed meaningless.
10:50I broke free from his grasp, my voice terrifyingly calm.
10:54Ethan, you'll regret this.
10:56He laughed coldly, putting his arm around Chloe, as they walked away.
11:01I'll give you three days to cool off, if you're still, acting crazy after that.
11:05Don't blame me, for not being nice.
11:08Their retreating figures, grew smaller in the rain.
11:11The golden retriever, kept barking at me.
11:13As they left, I knelt before the headstone, pressing my face, against the cold stone.
11:19Letting the rain wash, over my cheeks.
11:22The photo on the marker, blurred in the rain, just like my daughter's little hand, reaching out to me.
11:28Before the flames consumed her, her final image.
11:31The next day, when the lock on my apartment door, was being picked.
11:35I was folding Lily's little dresses, into a storage box.
11:39The golden retriever's barking, made every hair, on my body stand on end.
11:46Sarah, open the door.
11:48I know you're in there.
11:49Chloe's voice came through the door, sickeningly sweet and false.
11:53Ethan asked me to bring you some food.
11:55I grabbed the fruit knife, from the table, hiding it behind my back, and yanked the door open.
12:01Chloe stood there, holding the golden retriever.
12:04When she saw the knife, she screamed dramatically.
12:07The dog broke free, and lunged at my ankle.
12:10Sharp canine teeth, sank deep into my flesh.
12:13I staggered backward in pain.
12:15The fruit knife clattered to the floor.
12:18The golden retriever held my pant leg, in its jaws, shaking its head viciously.
12:23Blood droplets rolled down, into my sock.
12:26Lucky, let go!
12:28Chloe pretended to pull at the dog, but deliberately ground, her heel into my foot.
12:33Don't scare him, he never bites people normally.
12:36I caught the flash of satisfaction, in her eyes.
12:40The hatred in my chest, grew like wildfire.
12:43I endured the sharp pain, and kicked the golden retriever away.
12:46It whimpered and hid behind Chloe, growling threateningly.
12:50I steadied myself against the wall, my ankle burning.
12:53What exactly do you want?
12:56She bent down to pick up the fruit knife, wiping it clean with a handkerchief.
13:01I just came to convince you, to come home.
13:04But you threatened me with a knife, really treating kindness like garbage.
13:08She pressed the knife into my hand, then suddenly covered her face, and started crying.
13:14I know you still blame Ethan, for saving Lucky, but you can't take it out on us.
13:20I stared at the dog, licking blood from its mouth, nausea rising in my stomach.
13:25Just then, Ethan's voice echoed, in the hallway.
13:28What are you doing now?
13:29He rushed over, and pulled Chloe, protectively behind him, seeing my bleeding ankle.
13:35He frowned, but his gaze first fell on.
13:38Chloe's reddened eyes.
13:39Are you okay?
13:40Did she hurt you?
13:41Chloe sobbed and shook her head, shrinking deeper into his arms.
13:45I just wanted to check on Sarah, but she had a knife.
13:49Lucky bit her while protecting me.
13:51It's all my fault.
13:52I steadied myself against the wall, the searing pain making it hard to stand.
13:57Look clearly.
13:58She brought the dog, to pick my lock, and deliberately let it attack me.
14:02Ethan's gaze swept, over my ankle wound, then at the trembling dog, in Chloe's arms.
14:08In the end, he chose to believe her.
14:12Can't you be mature?
14:13His voice was full of disappointment.
14:15Chloe came to check on you, out of kindness, and you threatened her with a knife?
14:20Then you falsely accuse her, of setting the dog on you?
14:24You're really despicable.
14:25I looked at the undisguised suspicion, and accusation in his eyes.
14:30Then at Chloe's triumphant expression, in his arms.
14:33Suddenly, everything seemed absurd.
14:36I laughed, but tears poured down my face.
14:39Look at my wound!
14:40Is this who you think I am?
14:42What else?
14:43The words slipped out before he could catch himself.
14:46Realizing his mistake, he stubbornly refused to take them back.
14:49You've been acting since the fire, using Lily as an excuse to demand divorce, and now staging
14:55your own dog attack.
14:56Sarah, I really misjudged you.
14:59My ankle was still bleeding, staining the floor red.
15:02The pain in my heart was worse, then the physical wound.
15:06A dense, aching throb, so painful I could barely stand.
15:09I leaned against the wall, step by step toward the door.
15:13Each step left bloody footprints.
15:15On the floor, Ethan watched my swaying figure, his throat working.
15:19But he said nothing in the end.
15:21I stumbled out of the building, into the cold rain.
15:24The water immediately soaked my hair.
15:28My ankle wound burned as the rain seeped in.
15:31But I felt no cold, no pain.
15:33Only a bone-deep numbness.
15:35I didn't look back or go to the hospital.
15:37Just walked aimlessly in the rain.
15:39Blood dripped on the pavement, blooming into dark red flowers.
15:43Soon washed clean by the rain.
15:45Just like the traces Lily left in this world.
15:47So light, as if she'd never existed.
15:50In the living room, Chloe sat on the sofa, feeding the golden retriever imported dog food.
15:56Sarah won't really leave angry, will she?
15:59He said nothing.
16:00His heart suddenly aching.
16:02The next second, he received a call from the district police station.
16:06Mr. Miller, regarding the death certificate cancellation for your daughter Kylie, we still need you to come confirm.
16:13A thunderous crash.
16:15Ethan felt the whole world spinning.
16:17His phone slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor.
16:20The broken screen reflected his shattered heart.
16:23Only now did Ethan realize, I hadn't been acting or deceiving him.
16:27The daughter, who used to call him daddy, in her sweet little voice was really gone.
16:32The police call hit Ethan like lightning.
16:34He stood frozen.
16:36His fingertips still stinging.
16:37From the phone's impact.
16:40Chloe noticed his pale expression.
16:43Anne walked over, feigning concern.
16:45As she touched his arm.
16:47What's wrong?
16:48What happened?
16:49Ethan violently shook her off.
16:51Still in shock.
16:52His voice trembling.
16:53The police said they need to process Lily's death certificate cancellation.
16:59Chloe's smile froze instantly.
17:01Then she put on a worried expression.
17:03Could there be some mistake?
17:04Like, hasn't Sarah been acting all along?
17:07Ethan let out a low growl.
17:09His heart feeling crushed.
17:10By an invisible hand.
17:12He finally understood.
17:13Why my eyes held such despair.
17:16At the gravesite.
17:17Why I'd rather be bitten by a dog.
17:19Than let them near.
17:20It wasn't acting.
17:21It was soul deep agony.
17:23He rushed toward the door.
17:25Like a madman.
17:26Chloe screamed behind him.
17:28Where are you going?
17:29His voice carried panic.
17:31He didn't recognize in himself.
17:32Grabbing his coat as he ran out.
17:35I'm going to find Sarah.
17:36The hallway's motion sensor lights.
17:38Flickered on and off with his footsteps.
17:41Like his sanity wavering.
17:42Between light and dark.
17:44Sitting in his car.
17:45He realized his hands were shaking.
17:47He couldn't press.
17:49The ignition several times.
17:52His mind flashed.
17:53With my heart wrenching cries.
17:55At the fire scene.
17:57My rain soaked silhouette kneeling.
17:59At the gravestone.
18:00My dead eyes when my ankle bled.
18:02You'll regret this.
18:03The words echoed in his ears.
18:05Like a curse.
18:06He pulled out his phone.
18:08With trembling hands.
18:09And opened our chat.
18:11The last message.
18:12Was from the day before the fire.
18:14I'd sent Lily's crayon family portrait.
18:17Ethan's fingers shook as he typed.
18:19I'm sorry.
18:19I was wrong.
18:21Where are you?
18:21But only a red exclamation mark replied.
18:24He refused to give up.
18:26And called my number.
18:27The cold mechanical voice responded.
18:29The number you have dialed is turned off.
18:32Again and again.
18:33Until his phone died.
18:35Only then did he slump against.
18:37The steering wheel.
18:38Rain still fell outside the car window.
18:40Blurring the streetscape.
18:41And the red in his eyes.
18:43The passenger door opened.
18:45And Chloe climbed in.
18:46Still carrying the scent of.
18:48The golden retriever.
18:49The rain's too heavy.
18:51Don't be impulsive.
18:52Sarah's probably just upset.
18:54She'll get over it in a few days.
18:58Ethan turned to look at her.
18:59For the first time finding that.
19:01Perpetually innocent face utterly grating.
19:04Something deep inside him.
19:05Began to waver.
19:07But Chloe quickly teared up.
19:08Grasping his hand.
19:10And shaking it gently.
19:11I know you're hurting now.
19:13But you can't blame yourself.
19:15The situation was so urgent.
19:16And no one could have predicted this.
19:18Besides.
19:19You still have me.
19:20Chloe's fingers were cool.
19:22Deliberately tender.
19:23Ethan jerked his hand back.
19:25As if burned.
19:26His mind in chaos.
19:28He did need comfort.
19:29And outlet.
19:30And Chloe always appeared.
19:32At just the right moment.
19:33Let's go home.
19:34He started the car.
19:36His voice exhausted.
19:37Returning to the empty house.
19:39Ethan automatically called out.
19:41I'm home.
19:42But only heard.
19:43The golden retriever's barking.
19:45The living room still bore traces.
19:47Of fire damage.
19:48Lily's height marks on the wall.
19:50Were charred and mottled.
19:51Those crooked little marks.
19:53Had once recorded our daughter's growth.
19:55Chloe brought him hot water.
19:57Drink something warm.
19:59Don't think too much.
20:00Sarah will come around.
20:03He took the cup.
20:04But its warmth.
20:05Couldn't thaw the ice.
20:07In his heart.
20:08After charging his phone.
20:09He tried contacting me again.
20:11Still red exclamation marks.
20:13Late at night.
20:14He lay in bed.
20:15The space beside him empty.
20:17I used to sleep there.
20:18I was a light sleeper.
20:20Whenever he returned from a call.
20:22I'd wake up and sleepily.
20:23Pull the covers over him.
20:25Chloe slept in the guest room.
20:27Occasionally whispering to.
20:29The golden retriever.
20:30For the first time in five years.
20:32Ethan felt like a stranger.
20:34In his own home.
20:35He pulled out his phone.
20:37And found a video of Lily.
20:38The three-year-old wore a red dress.
20:40She held a birthday cake.
20:42And sang sweetly.
20:43Happy birthday.
20:44Daddy.
20:45Daddy's a big hero.
20:46In the video.
20:47Ethan smiled tenderly.
20:49Spinning Lily around.
20:50Our Lily is the little hero.
20:52Tears hit the phone screen without warning.
20:54Blurring the image.
20:56Ethan covered his face.
20:57Muffled sobs echoing in the silent night.
21:00This time.
21:01He truly lost his little hero.
21:03Over the next few days.
21:04Ethan was like a lost soul.
21:06He constantly zoned out during calls.
21:09His colleagues noticing something was wrong.
21:11He began obsessively recalling.
21:13Everything about me.
21:14Those details he'd overlooked now.
21:17Cut his heart like knives.
21:18He remembered when we first married.
21:20I always complained about how hard it was.
21:24To wash his firefighter uniform.
21:27So I bought heavy duty stain remover.
21:29No matter how late he came home.
21:31I'd wash and press his uniform clean.
21:33My husband's a firefighter.
21:35He looks most handsome in uniform.
21:37Can't have a single stain.
21:38But now his uniform stayed dirty.
21:40With no one to wash it overnight.
21:42Chloe just threw dirty clothes.
21:44In the washer.
21:45When ironing.
21:46She'd frown.
21:47This uniform fabric is so rough.
21:49It hurts my hands.
21:51He remembered the day Lily was born.
21:53He was handling a major fire.
21:55When he rushed to the hospital.
21:57I'd just left surgery.
21:58Pale but smiling.
21:59Look.
22:00She has your big eyes.
22:02He held the tiny baby.
22:03His heart melting.
22:04Swearing to treat us well forever.
22:07But on the day of the fire.
22:08He watched our daughter consumed.
22:10By flames.
22:11Chloe brought breakfast.
22:13Pushing burnt eggs toward him.
22:14Eat up.
22:15I woke up late today.
22:17I'll do better next time.
22:19Looking at the charred eggs.
22:20Made his stomach turn.
22:21I used to wake early.
22:23And make different breakfasts every day.
22:24Knowing his stomach was sensitive.
22:26I'd always make millet porridge.
22:27The eggs were always perfect.
22:29Sunny side up with no burnt edges.
22:31When he worked late.
22:32I'd always wait with warm soup.
22:33The goji berries and red dates.
22:35Always arranged just so.
22:38He used to laugh at my fussiness.
22:40Now he understood.
22:41It was love hidden in details.
22:43I'm not hungry.
22:44He pushed the bowl away.
22:45And headed for his study.
22:47Are you still mad at me?
22:48Chloe grabbed his arm.
22:49Eyes reddening.
22:50I know I'm not as capable as Sarah.
22:53But I'll learn.
22:54Please don't treat me this way.
22:56I'm scared.
22:57Her tears fell on his hand.
22:59Before.
22:59Ethan would have softened and comforted her.
23:02But now he just felt irritated.
23:04Ethan shook her off.
23:05Stop crying all the time.
23:07It's annoying.
23:08I'm not blaming you.
23:09He went into his study.
23:11And closed the door.
23:12Finally dropping his mask.
23:14On the desk sat the pencil holder I'd given him and made from Lily's clay.
23:18Crooked but treasured by Ethan.
23:20Beside it.
23:20Our wedding photo.
23:22In the picture.
23:23I smiled radiantly.
23:24Eyes full of hope for the future.
23:26Back then.
23:27I always pestered him for photos.
23:29Wanting to fill all our albums.
23:31Ethan always found it troublesome.
23:33Now our last family photo.
23:35Was from Lily's first birthday.
23:37Ethan picked up the photo.
23:39Tracing my smiling face.
23:41Tears falling again.
23:42How had he lost someone.
23:44So wonderful.
23:45That evening.
23:46He sat on the balcony smoking.
23:48From the living room.
23:49Came Chloe's laughter.
23:50As she played with the golden retriever.
23:53That laughter was jarring.
23:54In the quiet night.
23:55It reminded him of this same time before.
23:59The house used to be filled with Lily's chatter and my gentle scolding.
24:04Lily.
24:05Don't climb on daddy's back.
24:07Daddy.
24:07Lift me up.
24:08Daddy's the best.
24:09Don't spoil her.
24:10She might fall.
24:11Those mundane daily moments now.
24:13Seemed impossibly precious.
24:15He stubbed out his cigarette.
24:17And started toward the living room.
24:19But heard Chloe on the phone.
24:20Oh, Ethan's so good to me now.
24:23Sarah.
24:24That plain Jane.
24:25Is long forgotten.
24:27Don't worry.
24:28Ethan only has eyes for me now.
24:30Ethan froze.
24:31Blood rushing to his head.
24:32He burst through the door.
24:34Chloe dropped her phone in terror.
24:36Face pale.
24:37How long have you been there?
24:39Ethan approached step by step.
24:41Eyes cold as ice.
24:42What did you just say?
24:43Say it again.
24:44Chloe frantically picked up her phone.
24:47Avoiding his gaze.
24:48I was just joking with my friend.
24:50Please don't misunderstand.
24:52I didn't mean it.
24:54Ethan grabbed her wrist.
24:55So hard she screamed.
24:57Chloe cried and struggled.
24:59It hurts.
25:00Ethan.
25:00Let go.
25:01I was really just joking.
25:03Don't be angry.
25:04The golden retriever rushed.
25:06To bite his pants leg.
25:08Ethan kicked the dog away.
25:09It yelped pitifully.
25:12Seeing this.
25:13Chloe cried harder.
25:15How could you kick Lucky?
25:16It's innocent.
25:18Ethan laughed coldly.
25:19Throwing her hand away.
25:21You're all innocent.
25:22Only my daughter deserved to die.
25:24Right?
25:25Looking at this hysterical woman.
25:27He felt completely alien.
25:29He pulled out his phone.
25:30And tried calling me again.
25:32Still turned off.
25:33He opened our chat.
25:34And sent message after message.
25:37Sarah.
25:37I know I was wrong.
25:39Please come back.
25:40About Lily.
25:41I'm sorry.
25:42I'll pay any price to make amends.
25:44Where are you?
25:45Give me an address.
25:46I'll come find you.
25:48Please.
25:48Give me another chance.
25:50But still no response.
25:51He slumped on the sofa.
25:53Chloe cautiously approached.
25:55Don't be angry.
25:56I'll never say such things again.
25:58Ethan ignored her.
26:00Calling his buddy.
26:01Help me find someone.
26:02Sarah.
26:03My wife.
26:04Find where she's living now.
26:05As fast as possible.
26:07After hanging up.
26:08He leaned back and closed his eyes.
26:10In the darkness.
26:11All he saw were my desperate eyes.
26:13And Lily's outstretched hand.
26:17Regret washed over him like a tide.
26:19For the first time.
26:20He clearly realized.
26:22He'd lost not just his daughter.
26:24But the woman whose.
26:25Whole world had once.
26:26Revolved around him.
26:28His buddy was efficient.
26:29The address arrived.
26:30The next morning.
26:32Ethan stared at it in shock.
26:33An old.
26:34Run down neighborhood.
26:35Far from downtown.
26:37In terrible condition.
26:38He was surprised.
26:40Someone as particular.
26:41About cleanliness as me.
26:43How could I live in such a place?
26:45He drove there immediately.
26:47Heart pounding with.
26:48Anticipation and fear.
26:50Anticipating seeing me.
26:51Fearing I'd refuse.
26:53Passing a corner flower shop.
26:55Something made him stop.
26:56And buy white roses.
26:58My favorite flowers.
26:59He'd never bought them before.
27:01Always calling them wasteful.
27:03He clutched the bouquet so tightly.
27:05The petals wilted.
27:06Near the complex.
27:08He saw a familiar figure.
27:09On a bench.
27:10Chloe.
27:11She held the golden retriever.
27:13Talking excitedly on the phone.
27:15Not loud.
27:16But close enough for him.
27:17To hear clearly.
27:18You don't know how good.
27:20Ethan is to me now.
27:21That idiot Sarah is long gone.
27:24The fire?
27:24Of course I said it on purpose.
27:26With that little brat.
27:28Always clinging to Ethan.
27:30Once she was gone.
27:31Ethan would be mine alone.
27:34Ethan was struck by lightning.
27:36Blood freezing instantly.
27:38He stood rigid.
27:39The white roses falling with a thud.
27:41Petals scattered like Lily's clothes.
27:43Consumed by flames.
27:45Chloe continued smugly.
27:47I planned it all out.
27:48That night while they slept.
27:50I lit the curtains.
27:51And quietly locked.
27:52Lily's bedroom door.
27:54Ethan feels most guilty.
27:56About my heroic parents.
27:58He'd definitely save Lucky first.
28:00I just didn't expect it to go.
28:02So smoothly.
28:04That little brat.
28:05Really didn't make it out.
28:07Now Ethan understood.
28:08The fire.
28:09That took Lily's life.
28:10Wasn't an accident.
28:12It was Chloe's premeditated arson.
28:14She personally locked away.
28:16Lily's escape route.
28:17And he.
28:18This so-called heroic firefighter.
28:20Not only failed to.
28:22Protect his daughter.
28:23But shielded her killer while lashing out.
28:25At his grieving wife.
28:27Ethan rushed over.
28:28And grabbed Chloe's hair.
28:29Slamming her to the ground.
28:31The golden retriever ran away screaming.
28:34Barking frantically nearby.
28:35You evil witch.
28:37Ethan's eyes were bloodshot.
28:39His voice inhuman.
28:41You set the fire.
28:43You killed Lily.
28:44Chloe hit the ground hard.
28:46Dazed.
28:46Seeing him.
28:47Her face went deathly pale.
28:49Let me explain.
28:50It's not what you think.
28:52Ethan grabbed her throat.
28:53Hatred almost consuming him.
28:55I heard every word you said.
28:57You deliberately set the fire.
28:59And killed my daughter.
29:01I'll kill you.
29:02His grip tightened.
29:03Chloe's face turned red.
29:05Arms and legs flailing.
29:06I did it because I love you.
29:08Ethan.
29:09I can't live without you.
29:11Ethan laughed coldly.
29:12Eyes full of blood.
29:14Your love cost my daughter's life.
29:16Chloe.
29:16You disgust me.
29:18Ethan released her.
29:19Chloe collapsed.
29:20Coughing violently.
29:21Blood at her mouth's corner.
29:23Seeing his murderous expression.
29:25She finally felt afraid.
29:27Crawling to hug his legs.
29:29I was wrong.
29:30I'll never do it again.
29:32Please forgive me this once.
29:34Ethan kicked her away.
29:35And pulled out his phone.
29:36Shaking so badly he could barely dial.
29:38He called 911.
29:39Voice trembling with rage and regret.
29:41Hello police.
29:42I want to report arson and murder.
29:44The killer's right here.
29:46After hanging up.
29:47He stared at Chloe cowering on the ground.
29:49Every word dripped with hatred.
29:52You wait.
29:53The law will give Lily justice.
29:55Then Ethan remembered something.
29:57And ran frantically toward the complex.
29:59He had to find me.
30:00Tell me everything.
30:01Seek redemption.
30:02Ethan stumbled as he ran.
30:03One thought consuming him.
30:05Find me.
30:05Beg forgiveness.
30:06Even if just to see me from afar.
30:08The narrow complex roads.
30:09Rounding a corner.
30:10He saw a familiar figure.
30:12It was me.
30:13Coming out of a convenience store.
30:14With a bag.
30:15Walking slowly and calmly.
30:17My ankle injury hadn't fully healed.
30:19So I walked with a slight limp.
30:21Sarah.
30:22He roared my name.
30:23Eyes instantly wet.
30:24I turned at the sound.
30:26Seeing him.
30:26My eyes held no emotion.
30:28Like looking at a stranger.
30:30Then I calmly turned.
30:31And walked into the building.
30:33My retreating figure.
30:35Was resolute.
30:36Without pause.
30:37That unit door slowly closed.
30:39Before him.
30:40Like an unbridgeable chasm.
30:42Forever separating everything.
30:44Between us.
30:45Ethan pounded frantically.
30:46On the unit door.
30:47His voice hoarse from shouting.
30:49Sarah.
30:50Open up.
30:51Let me explain.
30:52I know I was wrong.
30:53I know the truth now.
30:55No response from inside.
30:56I leaned against the door.
30:58Listening to his desperate pounding.
31:00Tears falling silently.
31:01But I felt no wavering.
31:03What use was the truth now?
31:05Could my Lily come back?
31:07Police quickly arrived.
31:09Taking the still sobbing Chloe away.
31:12The golden retriever.
31:13Was also taken by animal control.
31:15Due to its attack record.
31:17It was eventually euthanized.
31:19Chloe's deliberate arson.
31:21And murder case was ironclad.
31:23Combined with her complete.
31:24Lack of remorse.
31:25She was sentenced to death.
31:27With a two year reprieve.
31:28Her parents heroic honors.
31:30Were also revoked.
31:32Their ashes removed from.
31:33The hero's cemetery.
31:35Perhaps that was her greatest punishment.
31:37Ethan's life completely collapsed too.
31:40He was dismissed from the fire department.
31:42For improper incident handling.
31:44And harboring a suspect afterward.
31:46All honors revoked.
31:48The once fire rescue hero.
31:50Became universally despised.
31:52Wherever he went.
31:53He felt people's strange looks.
31:55And whispered conversations.
31:57Ethan began searching for me frantically.
31:59Every day he waited at.
32:01My complex entrance.
32:02Rain or shine.
32:04He'd bring sweets I used to love.
32:06Wait for me on my route.
32:07Home from work.
32:08Stand under my window all night.
32:10Please come see me.
32:11I know I deserve death.
32:13But I want to make amends.
32:14I sold the house and all the money's yours for starting a business.
32:17You can hit me.
32:19Scold me.
32:19Just don't ignore me.
32:22But I never responded.
32:24I'd throw away anything he brought.
32:26Through the building's cleaning lady.
32:28When he blocked my path.
32:29I'd take detours.
32:31When he called out downstairs.
32:33I'd put in earphones.
32:34Not because I wasn't in pain.
32:36I was numb from pain.
32:37So numb that even hatred felt unnecessary.
32:40Once.
32:41He cornered me at the complex entrance.
32:43His eyes were sunken.
32:45Beard unkempt.
32:46Completely gaunt.
32:47Ethan dropped to his knees before me.
32:49As people watched.
32:51Sarah.
32:52Please.
32:52Give me another chance.
32:53He grabbed my pant leg.
32:55Voice humble as dust.
32:57I know Lily can't come back.
32:58But in take care of you forever.
33:00Let me atone.
33:01I looked down at him.
33:02This man I'd once looked up to.
33:04And depended on was now nothing.
33:06But wretchedness and regret.
33:08I gently freed my leg.
33:10Voice calm as still water.
33:11You don't owe me anything.
33:13But Lily.
33:13The place for your atonement is at her grave.
33:16Not here.
33:17I paused.
33:18Looking at his anguished eyes.
33:19Also.
33:20What was between us ended completely.
33:23The moment.
33:24Lily was swallowed by flames.
33:26I turned and left without looking back.
33:28Behind me.
33:29His suppressed sobs echoed.
33:31But my heart felt nothing.
33:33Some damage.
33:34Once done.
33:35Can never be repaired.
33:38Later.
33:38I heard he'd move to a rental.
33:40Near Lily's cemetery.
33:42He visited her grave every day.
33:44Sitting there from dawn to dusk.
33:46He'd tell Lily's stories.
33:48Leave her favorite snacks.
33:49At the grave.
33:50Confess to her headstone.
33:52But so what?
33:53My daughter would never again smile.
33:55And call him daddy.
33:57Six months later.
33:58I left the city for a small southern town.
34:01I found work as a library administrator.
34:03Quiet.
34:04Peaceful days.
34:05In my free time.
34:06I'd walk by the sea.
34:07I'd tell the waves about.
34:09My longing for Lily.
34:10Sometimes I thought of Ethan.
34:12Our former sweetness.
34:14That fire that destroyed everything.
34:15But those memories.
34:17Were like sand drawings.
34:19On the beach.
34:20Gently erased by waves.
34:21Leaving only faint traces.
34:23One day.
34:24I received an anonymous package.
34:26Inside was a small music box.
34:29Playing Lily's favorite lullaby.
34:31A note in Ethan's messy handwriting.
34:33Sarah.
34:34I know you won't forgive me.
34:36I only hope you can live well.
34:38I'm sorry dot.
34:39I placed the music box.
34:41On my bookshelf.
34:42When sunlight streamed.
34:43Through the window.
34:44It would turn gently.
34:46Playing that familiar melody.
34:48I knew life had to continue.
34:49Carrying memories of Lily.
34:51Bearing all my wounds.
34:53I would live well.
34:54And Ethan would spend.
34:55His remaining days.
34:57In endless regret.
34:58Perhaps that was his best punishment.
35:00On the other side of the city.
35:02Ethan stood before Lily's grave.
35:04Holding our old family photo.
35:06In the picture.
35:07We smiled so brightly.
35:08Now.
35:09Only he remained.
35:10In the cold wind.
35:12Guarding a cold headstone.
35:13And irreparable regret.
35:15The flames had burned down.
35:16Our house and our past.
35:18Those belated truths and regrets.
35:20Could only scatter like dust.
35:22In time's wind.
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