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