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00:00On the first day of my marriage to Noah, my mother called the police and said I was being controlled.
00:05Emma Wicker, are you safe?
00:06Yes.
00:07Did you marry voluntarily?
00:08Yes.
00:09Has your husband stopped you from contacting your family?
00:12Mom stood outside with tears in her eyes.
00:14Dad was behind her, his face hard.
00:16Ryan glared at Noah, like he was one second away from throwing a punch.
00:20Lily stood in the far corner, her pretty blonde curls spilling over her shoulders.
00:24Her eyes were red too.
00:25No.
00:26Your family says you suddenly left home after graduation, cut off contact and got married very quickly.
00:31They're worried you may be under someone's control.
00:33They just realized for the first time that I'm a person too.
00:36All right, Miss Witter, you're free to go.
00:38The second I stepped outside, Mom rushed at me and pulled me into a tight hug.
00:43Emma, what were you thinking?
00:45Do you have any idea how worried we've been?
00:49Stay away from my daughter.
00:50Noah stood beside me and asked quietly.
00:53Do you want to go?
00:53I nodded, took his hand, and turned to leave.
00:57Emma, you can't do this to me.
00:59We're your family.
01:00Yeah, they were my family.
01:01But they hadn't found me because they loved me.
01:04They found me because I was no longer the good daughter who stayed where they left her.
01:08Waiting.
01:08Six months earlier, during graduation season, they had left me behind again and taken Lily to Paris without me.
01:15That was when I finally left home for good.
01:19I hadn't even taken off my graduation gown when Ryan handed me a pair of slip-resistant work shoes.
01:24Try them on.
01:25I bought them just for you.
01:26You can stand for 10 hours in these and your feet won't hurt.
01:29Outside the auditorium, the lawn was full of graduates taking pictures with flowers in their arms.
01:34Some were being kissed on the forehead by their parents.
01:36Some laughed with champagne raised.
01:38Others tossed their caps into the air.
01:40And in my hands, instead of flowers, was a pair of dull gray shoes.
01:43Mom took my diploma, folded it once, and tucked it into her bag.
01:47Then she hurried over to Lily, under a tree, where they bent over the Paris guidebook they'd just bought.
01:52Why do I need Stan for 10 hours?
01:54I found you a position at the grocery store near home.
01:57Cashier and stocker.
01:59The pay's decent.
02:00Mom, I graduated top of my class in finance.
02:02And I just graduated.
02:05Exactly.
02:05It's time you got some real-world experience.
02:07A job will be good for you.
02:09I'd been hearing that for four years.
02:11In freshman year, they sent me to pack boxes in a warehouse and took Lily to New York.
02:15The sophomore year, I spent every day on my feet in a coffee shop while they paid for Lily's driving
02:19lessons and drove her back and forth.
02:21The junior year, I tutored middle school students while they took Lily to Greece.
02:26And now, I had graduated.
02:28I needed to find a real job.
02:30I needed to figure out what I wanted my life to look like.
02:32But they thought I should go learn a lesson at a grocery store.
02:34Beside them, Lily spun in a circle.
02:37Mom, is Paris going to be hot?
02:39Do you think I need two more dresses?
02:41Buy them.
02:41Your brother's paying.
02:43This trip is for you to enjoy yourself.
02:45It's your last summer before senior year.
02:47Of course you should look your best.
02:49Ryan, you're the best brother ever!
02:51I turned to Dad.
02:52His throat moved once.
02:54Then he looked away.
02:55He never asked whether I wanted to go.
02:58I lowered my eyes and slowly put on the shoes.
03:00They really were light.
03:02Light enough to walk out of that house for good.
03:05When we got home, Lily pushed open my door.
03:08Emma, I want to use your suitcase.
03:09My answer was just as direct.
03:11No.
03:12Why?
03:13Mine doesn't look good in photos.
03:15Yours is a better color for Paris.
03:17I need it.
03:18What do you need it for?
03:20You're not going anywhere.
03:21This wasn't the first time she'd used my things.
03:24She wore my sweater to a party and returned its smelling of alcohol.
03:28She took my camera on a trip and brought it back with a cracked lens.
03:32The last few times she borrowed my suitcase, it came back dented.
03:35Every time, she said.
03:36Sorry, I didn't mean to.
03:38Then did it again.
03:39Footsteps sounded outside.
03:41Mom, Dad, and Ryan appeared almost together.
03:44Emma, it's one suitcase.
03:45Do you really have to make such a big deal out of it?
03:48We're family.
03:49Why are we always fighting over little things?
03:50Lily's packing tomorrow.
03:52Don't upset her.
03:53I told you I need it.
03:54I'm not giving it to her.
03:55Are you deaf?
03:56The room fell silent.
03:58Ryan turned and went into his room.
04:00A moment later, he dragged out a sky blue suitcase.
04:04It was his birthday gift.
04:06I'd bought it for his birthday, with three months of part-time pay, the summer after sophomore year.
04:09He had just started his first full-time job then.
04:12I thought he could use it for business trips.
04:13But he had never used it once.
04:16Now he rolled it over to Lily.
04:17Use this.
04:19Is that okay?
04:20Emma gave it to you?
04:21It's fine.
04:21It's mine.
04:22Use it.
04:23Right.
04:24It's fine.
04:25Once you give someone something, they can do whatever they want with it.
04:27Ryan finally looked at me.
04:29His brow furrowed, as if something in my tone bothered him.
04:32But he said nothing.
04:33He took Lily's hand with one hand, and pulled the suitcase with the other, then left.
04:37No one called me for dinner that night.
04:39When I came out, they were deep in discussion.
04:42Light wood will look better in pictures for a lake house.
04:45I'm decorating my room myself anyway.
04:47What lake house?
04:48Dad saw me and cleared his throat.
04:50The table went quiet.
04:52Oh, right, Emma.
04:53We bought a little place by the lake six months ago.
04:55We'll take you to see it sometime.
04:57Six months ago?
04:59Yes.
05:00We just never had a chance to tell you.
05:02I cut into the cold chicken on my plate and wondered if they'd never had the chance.
05:06Or simply never thought to.
05:08What's the door code?
05:10081904.
05:11My fork stopped.
05:12August 19th was Ryan's birthday.
05:14April was Lily's birth month.
05:16That's a nice code, Mom.
05:18Do you remember when my birthday is?
05:20Why are you asking that?
05:21You don't even remember your own birthday?
05:24You were born in winter.
05:26It snowed hard that day.
05:28Your mom wasn't due yet.
05:29Then she started bleeding in the middle of the night.
05:31Scared us half to death.
05:32He said it as casually as if he were talking about the weather.
05:35You've been trouble since the day you were born.
05:38Thomas, stop!
05:40So, I'd been the problem from the day I was born.
05:45As I dried the last plate, my phone buzzed.
05:48An email popped up.
05:49Congratulations, Emma Whitmer.
05:51Your onboarding for the Port Marion Graduate Program has been approved.
05:54Housing confirmed.
05:55Please report next Monday.
05:56I stared at the screen.
05:58My chest suddenly felt lighter.
06:00I'd waited two months for that email.
06:02From the campus career fair, to the online interview, to the final round,
06:06I had done it all by myself.
06:08No one knew.
06:09And of course, no one cared.
06:11I replied, I'll be there on time.
06:13I went to the University Health Center alone for the pre-employment medical clearance.
06:17The campus was empty after graduation.
06:20I stood in line alone.
06:21Signed forms.
06:22Took an ID photo.
06:24Who should we put down as your emergency contact?
06:26I held the pen for a long time.
06:27Then I wrote down my own email address.
06:29That night, Lily was in the living room showing everyone what she'd bought.
06:33She got Mom a scarf and Dad a shirt.
06:35Mom's eyes crinkled with her smile.
06:37But when she saw me, the smile faded at once.
06:40Look at Lily.
06:40So thoughtful.
06:41She remembers to buy things for her parents when she goes out.
06:45Unlike you.
06:46You graduated.
06:47And you didn't think of us once.
06:49Where was I supposed to get the money?
06:51What do you mean by that?
06:52Are you blaming me for not giving you money?
06:54Have you ever given me any?
06:56Emma!
06:58Don't speak to your mother like that!
07:01I did nothing wrong.
07:02I'm not apologizing.
07:04That night, I booked a one-way ticket to Port Meridian.
07:09The next morning, the house was busy.
07:12Do you have your passport?
07:13Your charger?
07:14Sunscreen?
07:15Your first trip to Paris.
07:16Don't forget anything.
07:18Come on.
07:19The airport car is here.
07:20I pulled my own suitcase out of my room.
07:22The living room went quiet for a second.
07:24There you go again with that face.
07:26Now we can't even be happy around you?
07:29I didn't answer.
07:29I walked straight to the door.
07:31Lily saw my suitcase and paused.
07:33Emma, where are you going?
07:34Where else?
07:35Work.
07:36I opened the door.
07:37The others scoffed and followed me downstairs.
07:39Only Dad's expression changed.
07:41The grocery store was ten minutes from home.
07:43Why was I taking a suitcase?
07:45He walked toward me quickly.
07:47Panic on his face.
07:48Emma, where are you going?
07:50Downstairs.
07:50My Uber was waiting by the car.
07:52The driver honked.
07:53Dad, hurry up!
07:54We're going to miss the flight!
07:56Dad stopped.
07:57He looked at me, then at the car.
08:00Dad!
08:01Dad closed his eyes and got into the car.
08:04I stood there and watched it drive away.
08:06Goodbye, Mom and Dad.
08:06You're going to Paris.
08:08I'm going to the station.
08:09I'm not coming back.
08:12I fell asleep the second I got on the train.
08:15When I woke up, the low houses outside had become a gray-blue coastline.
08:19Port Meridian was colder than I expected.
08:21The graduate program had arranged a shuttle.
08:23First time here?
08:25I nodded.
08:26You look exhausted.
08:27Make sure you get some rest.
08:29The internship apartment was near the university district.
08:32There was a coffee shop downstairs, a used bookstore on the corner,
08:36and a group of summer grad students living in the building next door.
08:41You're Emma, right?
08:42I'm Maya.
08:43We were waiting to eat with you.
08:46What sauce do you like?
08:47Tomato cream or pesto?
08:49I froze.
08:50I knew everyone else's favorites, but I didn't know what I liked.
08:53No rush.
08:54I'm a pretty good cook.
08:56You can try all three.
08:59Okay.
09:00That night, the family group chat kept buzzing.
09:03Lily sent an airport selfie.
09:04Paris, here I come.
09:05Mom sent a picture of herself and Lily.
09:07Dad was in the background, holding up his coffee cup.
09:10Been making a face.
09:11Ryan said,
09:12Have fun.
09:13Buy whatever you want.
09:14Mom tagged me.
09:15Emma, remember to get to work early tomorrow.
09:17Don't oversleep.
09:18I didn't reply.
09:20More than 10 hours later, Ryan sent a message.
09:24Mom, Emma's gone!
09:26Only then did they realize there was no trace of me left in that house.
09:32Orientation was held in a lecture hall at Port Meridian University.
09:35I held my ID badge, program handbook, and apartment key, while the director introduced
09:39the summer program from the front of the room.
09:41During the break, a man set some papers on my desk.
09:44Hi.
09:44You're missing a safety guide.
09:46He was tall, with dark brown hair and gray-green eyes.
09:48A badge around his neck identified him as a program mentor.
09:51Noah Bennett.
09:51Try to stick to the main streets when you walk back to the apartments at night.
09:54New interns get lost easily.
09:57He nodded and went to hand out materials to the others.
10:00A little after 9, my phone buzzed.
10:02The grocery store said you never showed up.
10:04I checked your room.
10:04Your suitcase is gone.
10:05Emma, where are you?
10:06I was so irritated.
10:07Everything okay?
10:08I shook my head, ignoring the cold sweat in my palms.
10:11I'm fine.
10:15I was working late in the records room that night.
10:17By the time I left, half the hallway lights were off.
10:20Noah came out of his office and saw me with my bag.
10:22Missed the shuttle?
10:24I can drive you.
10:25It's okay.
10:26I'll walk.
10:28Stick to the main streets.
10:29Don't take the alley behind the parking garage.
10:32Okay.
10:33But I still took a wrong turn.
10:35Port Meridian's University District was beautiful during the day.
10:37At night, it was too quiet.
10:39After the rain, the pavement reflected the streetlights.
10:41As I passed through an underpass, I heard footsteps behind me.
10:44At first, I thought someone was just walking by.
10:47Then the footsteps got closer.
10:49I hurried up.
10:49So did whoever was behind me.
10:51I had barely turned around when a hand grabbed my bag strap.
10:54The strap cut into my neck.
10:55Help!
10:58The man cursed under his breath and pulled harder at my bag.
11:02The next second, someone rushed over and punched him in the face.
11:05The man stumbled back, then turned and ran.
11:07I curled up on the ground, shaking with pain.
11:10My vision went dark.
11:11Noah crouched beside me.
11:12Emma, don't move.
11:14I called an ambulance.
11:15Look at me.
11:15Don't fall asleep.
11:17I wanted to thank him.
11:18Then, everything went black.
11:21When I woke up again, I was in an observation room.
11:23Noah sat at the small table beside my bed, looking through files on his laptop.
11:27The moment he saw me awake...
11:29How do you feel?
11:31It's fine.
11:32He immediately poured me a glass of water and handed it to me.
11:35After I drank, I realized my phone had been vibrating non-stop.
11:38Your family?
11:38I unlocked the screen.
11:40The first message from mom said...
11:42Stop pretending to be dead!
11:43Call me now!
11:46I stared at those words.
11:48The panic came back, and my fingers wouldn't stop shaking.
11:51I'm going to get you something to eat.
11:52Take your time.
11:53After the door closed, I frantically scrolled through the messages.
11:56Where the hell did you go?
11:59Your mother's worried sick.
12:01Stop trying to scare us.
12:03I checked with the grocery store.
12:05You never showed up.
12:05What are you doing?
12:07Emma, you're getting more and more ungrateful.
12:09Emma, don't do this.
12:11Mom is really worried about you.
12:12Worried?
12:13Did you really worry about me?
12:14I gave a short laugh, but my eyes burned.
12:16My phone rang again, I answered.
12:18Mom's voice came at me immediately.
12:20Emma Wicker, you have some nerve answering.
12:21Where did you run off to?
12:22Port Meridian.
12:24What are you doing there?
12:26Working.
12:26Didn't we find you a job?
12:31I didn't want it.
12:32Since when did you become so selfish?
12:33You left home without a word.
12:35Do you know how humiliating this is for us?
12:37I leaned back against my pillow.
12:38Do you know what I majored in?
12:39No one answered.
12:41Do you know when I interviewed?
12:43Do you know how much of my tuition I paid myself over the last four years?
12:46Do you know I worked every summer and never got to go anywhere?
12:49I'm asking why you didn't go to work.
12:51Why are you bringing up the past?
12:52This isn't the past.
12:53This is my life.
12:55Dad took the phone.
12:56Emma, you're the older sister.
12:58Lily is younger than you.
12:59You should...
13:00She's one year younger than me.
13:01No one spoke.
13:02I laughed once and went on.
13:04Because I'm one year older, I have to be the understanding one forever?
13:07I have to wash dishes, work, and watch her go to New York, Greece, and Paris?
13:12Emma.
13:13And the lake house.
13:14You bought it six months ago.
13:16180 days.
13:18Which day were you too busy to tell me?
13:22The line went completely silent.
13:25You love saying you raised an independent daughter, but all you did was raise a daughter daughter
13:29who learned early that no one was coming to help her.
13:32Mom sounded shaken.
13:33Do you have to make us sound so awful?
13:34We're your family!
13:37When have you ever treated me like family?
13:41I don't need a family like you.
13:45Then I hung up.
13:46Half an hour later, Noah came back, carrying takeout.
13:48He didn't ask any questions.
13:49He opened the containers and set them in front of me.
13:54Soup first, or food?
13:56I looked at him, and tears fell.
13:58It was the first time anyone had asked me what I wanted.
14:01But for 22 years, I had known what everyone else liked.
14:05I had barely thought about what I liked.
14:07Later, when Maya found out about my family, she asked in shock.
14:10They don't celebrate your birthday?
14:11Sometimes they buy a cake, but it's usually Lily's favorite flavor.
14:14She was quiet for a moment, then swore.
14:17On my birthday, they brought a small lemon cake to the apartment rooftop.
14:20Noah came too.
14:21Before I blew out the candles, he handed me a small box.
14:23Inside was a silver bookmark, engraved with,
14:26For the life you choose.
14:27I held it for a long time without speaking.
14:29That night, after everyone else had left,
14:31Noah and I stood at the edge of the rooftop.
14:33The university clock tower rose in the distance, above the wet streetlights.
14:36A gust of wind came through.
14:38He put his jacket over my shoulders.
14:39Why are you so good to me?
14:41Because I see you.
14:42Something in my chest shifted.
14:44A few seconds later, I looked up and kissed him.
14:46His hand rested lightly on my back, like he was afraid I might regret it.
14:49But I wouldn't.
14:51When Ryan called, I hadn't replied to anyone in my family for two months.
14:54The first thing he asked was,
14:56Emma, do you hate us?
14:57I don't hate you.
14:58He seemed to relax.
14:59His voice softened.
15:00Then why won't you come home?
15:02Because I resent you.
15:03There was a long silence.
15:04I used to think you didn't need anything.
15:06You never cried or made a fuss.
15:07You never said anything.
15:08I thought you really didn't care.
15:10I laughed.
15:11I never asked because asking wouldn't have changed anything.
15:14Ryan stopped breathing for a second.
15:16Then he said, his voice dry.
15:18I'm sorry.
15:19A late apology couldn't save who I used to be.
15:21I said nothing.
15:22There was a rustle on the other end.
15:23Dad took the phone.
15:24Emma, come home.
15:25We found you another job near the house.
15:27It's safe and you'll be close to family.
15:29What would I come back for?
15:30He paused.
15:31To wash dishes that never end?
15:33Do housework that never ends?
15:34Watch you all keep revolving around Lily every day?
15:37Dad didn't answer.
15:38I looked out the window and suddenly asked,
15:39Dad, why did you never take me on trips?
15:42I don't like working.
15:43I wanted to go to Paris too.
15:45It was like something hit him.
15:46His voice shook.
15:47Emma, I'm sorry.
15:48I'm sorry.
15:49I hung up.
15:49That night, Lily sent me a long email.
15:52She said she was sorry.
15:53She knew I wanted to travel every summer.
15:55She knew she had damaged my suitcase.
15:57The lake house had been her idea too.
15:59She had asked mom and dad not to tell me yet
16:01because she wanted to pick the room with the lake view first.
16:04She said she always knew it wasn't fair,
16:05but she was too afraid to lose their favoritism.
16:08She hoped I could forgive her.
16:09After I finished reading, I sat there for a long time.
16:12Then I blocked everyone in my family.
16:15Six months later, Noah and I got married at City Hall.
16:18We didn't make a big event of it.
16:20We only invited Maya, Sophie, and Grace.
16:22Grace bought us a bouquet.
16:23Noah was so nervous at the entrance that he buttoned his shirt wrong.
16:26I couldn't help laughing at him.
16:28He looked down, then laughed too.
16:30I'm nervous.
16:31You get nervous too?
16:32I teased.
16:32Of course.
16:33He took my hand.
16:34I'm marrying my favorite person.
16:36How could I not be nervous?
16:37I squeezed his hand back, my eyes stinging.
16:39When we left City Hall, it was still raining lightly.
16:42Noah put his jacket over my shoulders.
16:44Are you cold?
16:44I shook my head.
16:45No.
16:46Then my phone lit up.
16:47A message from an unknown number.
16:49Emma, your mother knows you got married.
16:51Another message came right after.
16:53She called the police.
16:54I stared at the screen and almost laughed.
16:57They were always like this.
16:58If I didn't reply, I was being ungrateful.
17:01If I left home, I was throwing a tantrum.
17:04If I got married, someone had to be controlling me.
17:08They never believed I could choose, clearly and willingly, not to have them in my life.
17:13Half an hour later, the police contacted me.
17:17Hello, Mrs. Witter.
17:18Your family requested a welfare check.
17:20They believe you may be under someone's control.
17:22I thought about it, then agreed to go in.
17:24After I hung up, Noah asked,
17:26Are you sure?
17:27This needs to end.
17:28Then I smiled and tightened my grip on his hand.
17:30Besides, I'm not afraid anymore.
17:34At the police station, the first time mom saw me,
17:37Emma!
17:38She ran towards me in tears.
17:39I stepped back.
17:41She missed the hug and froze.
17:43You...
17:43Her voice shook.
17:45How can you treat me like this?
17:48Was it him?
17:49Is he stopping you from contacting us?
17:53No.
17:53I don't want to contact you.
17:55Mom stared at me.
17:56We're your parents!
17:58I know.
17:59Then why didn't you tell us you were getting married?
18:01Because I didn't want you there.
18:03Mom's tears fell.
18:04You're still angry that we favored Lily, aren't you?
18:06But we apologized!
18:08What else do you want?
18:10I thought for a moment.
18:11What did I want?
18:12When I was little, I wanted them to call me to dinner.
18:14In college, I wanted them to ask if I was tired.
18:18On graduation day, I wanted a bouquet of flowers.
18:21When Lily went to Paris, I wanted someone to ask if I wanted to go too.
18:24But now, I didn't want anything.
18:29I wanted you to love me before I left.
18:31Mom looked like she couldn't breathe.
18:33Emma, your mother and I know we were wrong.
18:36Come home.
18:37The lake house has no room for me.
18:39There's no place for me at the dining table.
18:40I was never part of any of your plans.
18:43Where exactly do you want me to go back to?
18:45We can change all of that.
18:46You only think you need to change after I leave.
18:50That's the biggest problem.
18:52Emma, I'm sorry.
18:54I looked at her red eyes.
18:55It was the first time she had ever apologized to me.
18:57I hear you.
18:58Enough!
18:59Do you have to push this family to the edge before you're satisfied?
19:03Her familiar voice.
19:04Her familiar blame.
19:06Emma, I'm your mother.
19:07You can't really throw me away.
19:09Then you should have remembered sooner that I'm your daughter too.
19:13Mom went pale.
19:14The police station was silent, except for the rain outside.
19:18If you walk out with him today, don't ever come back to this house!
19:21Mom!
19:22Dad's face changed too.
19:24Lily closed her eyes, tears falling.
19:26Noah tightened his grip on my hand.
19:27I suddenly felt calm, as if I had been waiting years to hear those words.
19:31Okay.
19:32Mom froze.
19:33I held Noah's hand and turned toward the door.
19:35Behind me, Mom broke down crying.
19:37Dad shouted under his breath.
19:39Ryan kept calling my name.
19:40Only Lily stayed silent.
19:42She watched me leave, but she didn't follow.
19:44I didn't look back.
19:45By the time we walked out of the station, the rain had stopped.
19:47A pale strip of light showed at the edge of the sky.
19:49Are you okay?
19:51I'm good.
19:52They hadn't changed at all.
19:53That should have made me sad, but I only felt relieved.
19:56Because they hadn't changed, I could leave without hesitation.
20:01On the way back, Noah didn't say much.
20:03He just held my hand tight.
20:06Streetlights stretched our shadows across the ground.
20:08I looked at them, overlapping.
20:10They used to say things like that too.
20:12If I broke Lily's toy, they'd say,
20:14Emma, you're the older sister.
20:16If I came first in class, they'd say,
20:19Emma, set an example for your sister.
20:22If I got sick, they'd say,
20:24Emma, don't get your sister sick.
20:26I spoke slowly, like I was telling someone else's story.
20:30Their love always came with conditions.
20:33I just couldn't cause them any trouble.
20:35He said nothing.
20:37He only smoothed back the hair the wind had messed up.
20:40When we got back, Maya and the others were still awake.
20:43How'd it go?
20:43Your family didn't give you a hard time, did they?
20:47It's over.
20:48So what will you do now?
20:49Are you still staying here?
20:51When my internship housing ended, I'd have to move out.
20:54We're looking for a place.
20:56I froze and looked at him.
20:57We hadn't talked about that yet.
21:00I want a home that's ours.
21:01It doesn't have to be big.
21:03Just somewhere we can see the ocean.
21:05Home.
21:06The word rippled through me.
21:08Okay.
21:12The next day, we started looking at listings online.
21:14No one knew Port Meridian well.
21:16The houses here are older, but the view is great, and it's close to the university.
21:20You could walk to the library.
21:22We booked a viewing for a top floor apartment.
21:25It wasn't big, but the living room had huge floor-to-ceiling windows,
21:28overlooking the gray-blue bay and marina.
21:30I liked it right away.
21:31Do you like it?
21:32We'll take it.
21:34It wasn't until we signed the lease that I realized...
21:37How did you know I'd agree?
21:39Because your eyes lit up when you stood by the window.
21:43I want an off-white couch.
21:45Then linen curtains.
21:47I want the bookshelf by the window.
21:49Then we can curl up there and read together.
21:51It all felt so real, like a dream.
21:54When my internship ended, I got a full-time offer.
21:56Noah also finished mentoring and went back to his architecture firm.
22:00On moving day, Maya and the others came to help.
22:02We carried our things into the new place, one box at a time.
22:05Sunlight poured through the windows.
22:06The air smelled like dust in the future.
22:08Then my phone buzzed.
22:11Emma, someone's here for you.
22:14I reached the door and saw Ryan downstairs.
22:17When he saw me, he looked awkward.
22:18Emma.
22:19I leaned against the doorframe.
22:20I had no intention of inviting him up.
22:22This is a wedding gift.
22:24I didn't take it.
22:26I heard you settled in Port Meridian.
22:27Is work going well?
22:28I looked at him and found it almost ironic.
22:30He was always like this, using small talk to hide what he really wanted.
22:33What are you here for?
22:34Ryan's expression finally cracked.
22:36He looked at me, his eyes pleading.
22:38Emma, come home.
22:39Home?
22:39I know you're still mad at us.
22:41But mom, she's sick.
22:43My heart dropped.
22:45But my face didn't change.
22:46Since you left, she hasn't slept or eaten well.
22:49A few days ago, she even passed out.
22:51Emma, I know we were wrong before.
22:54But she's still mom.
22:56Can't you come back to see her?
22:59I said calmly, Ryan, do you remember the code to the lake house?
23:02He froze.
23:03Zoo 81904.
23:04I answered for him.
23:05Your birthday.
23:07Lily's birth month.
23:08Do any of you know when my birthday is?
23:10Ryan's lips moved, but no words came out.
23:12You don't.
23:13You only know I was born in winter.
23:15It snowed that day.
23:17Mom had a hemorrhage.
23:18I was a problem from the moment I was born.
23:20His face went pale.
23:21So don't guilt track me with mom being sick.
23:23My words seemed to hit him.
23:24Do you have to be this heartless?
23:26We know we were wrong.
23:27What else do you want?
23:28I want nothing.
23:29I just don't want to keep pretending with you.
23:31I turned to go upstairs.
23:32Emma, do you think marrying him means you can escape all this?
23:35You'll always be a witness.
23:36You can't get away from us.
23:38I stopped, but didn't turn around.
23:40Is that so?
23:41I said softly.
23:42We'll see.
23:44When I got home, Noah was by the window on the phone.
23:47He saw me, hung up quickly, and pulled me into his arms.
23:51It's okay now.
23:51I buried my face in his chest.
23:53Breathing him in, I finally began to relax.
23:56That night, we sat on the rug eating takeout pizza.
23:59Want to travel?
23:59The firm has a project in Aurelia next month.
24:02We could visit Bella Fiorna while we're there.
24:04A honeymoon.
24:05And my eyes suddenly felt burned.
24:07Okay.
24:07Before we left for Aurelia, dad called.
24:10Emma, your mom is in the hospital.
24:12He sighed on the other end.
24:13I know you don't believe me.
24:15Ryan told me.
24:16But this time it's real.
24:17Emma.
24:18Please.
24:20Come home just once.
24:21Come for me.
24:22I closed my eyes, and for a moment, I was back in that suffocating house.
24:27Dad, I booked my flight to Aurelia for the day after tomorrow.
24:30The line went completely quiet.
24:32Okay.
24:33Okay.
24:34Enjoy your trip.
24:36After I hung up, I sat on the couch for a long time without moving.
24:41Noah came out of his study and handed me a cup of hot water.
24:44Everything taken care of?
24:46He sat beside me and took my cold hand.
24:48Emma, you didn't do anything wrong.
24:50I know.
24:51But the night before our flight, I got a text from an unknown number.
24:56Emma, it's Lily.
24:58I'm in Port Meridian.
24:59I'm at the coffee shop downstairs.
25:01Can you come down?
25:02Don't tell them.
25:03I got dressed and went downstairs.
25:06Lily was sitting in the farthest corner of the coffee shop.
25:08She'd lost a lot of weight.
25:10Her pretty blonde curls were tied back carelessly, and she looked worn out.
25:13The second she saw me, she stood up, looking nervous.
25:16Emma, what are you doing here?
25:18Tears slid down her cheeks, dotting the table.
25:23Ever since you left, everything at home has fallen apart.
25:26I finally realized you were the most important person in that family.
25:30So?
25:31Did you come here because you want me to go back and keep your family together?
25:34No!
25:35I just...
25:36I don't know what to do anymore.
25:39It's mom's medical report.
25:40She is really sick.
25:41She's not faking it.
25:43The doctor said she has moderate depression.
25:45She needs family around her.
25:46I didn't look at it.
25:48Lily.
25:50How is a daughter who was never loved supposed to love her mother?
25:53Her tears came faster.
25:55You should go.
25:56I can't help you.
25:57Emma, can you really be this heartless?
26:00She's your mom too!
26:01That again.
26:02I stood and took out a few bills from my wallet, placing them on the table.
26:05This is for your coffee.
26:06Don't come looking for me again.
26:08Then I turned and left without looking back.
26:11When I got home, Noah was waiting in the living room.
26:13He saw me, but didn't ask anything.
26:15He just came over and held me gently.
26:17I'm here.
26:18I finally burst out crying.
26:20The next day, we flew to Bella Fiora as planned.
26:22The plane broke through the clouds.
26:24The sun was bright.
26:25I leaned against the window and watched the city shrink below us.
26:28I'd never felt so calm.
26:30We stayed in Bella Fiora for three days.
26:32During the day, Noah took me to the Vittoria Gallery, up Street Celeste Cathedral, and for
26:36walks along the Silvara River.
26:38At night, we curled up on the hotel balcony, drinking Valdoro red wine, and looking at the
26:42lights across the river.
26:43He told me a lot about his childhood.
26:44His parents divorced when he was little, and he grew up with his grandmother.
26:47She was a cool old lady who loved rock music and taught him how to play the guitar.
26:51And your grandmother now?
26:53She passed away two years ago.
26:54Noah looked into the distance.
26:56Before she died, she told me to find someone who could make me smile.
26:59He turned to me, his gray-green eyes full of warmth.
27:01I did.
27:03The day we left Bella Fiora, we went to a handmade leather shop.
27:07The owner was a white-haired old man, in reading glasses, hand-stitching a wallet.
27:11Noah picked a dark brown passport holder, and had my initials engraved on it.
27:15Watching the old man work, I suddenly asked,
27:18Can you add one more line?
27:21What would you like it to say?
27:22I looked at Noah.
27:23He was smiling at me.
27:24For the life I choose.
27:28After Aurelia, life seemed to settle back into place.
27:31I got used to my new job.
27:33Noah's firm landed a few big projects, too.
27:34We went grocery shopping, cooked together, and curled up on the couch watching movies
27:39on weekend afternoons.
27:41Sometimes, I still thought of my family.
27:44Mom's sharp accusations, dad's helpless size, Ryan's disappointed look, Lily's red-rimmed
27:50eyes, but those memories already felt far away.
27:54Then, one day, a package arrived at my office.
27:57There was no sender information.
27:58I opened it.
27:59Inside was a sky-blue suitcase, the one I'd given Ryan.
28:04A note was taped to the suitcase, in Lily's handwriting.
28:07Emma, I'm sorry.
28:09This was always supposed to be yours.
28:11I stood there, staring at it for a long time.
28:14If you don't want it, throw it out.
28:15I shook my head and pushed it to the very back of the storage room.
28:18I thought that was the end of it.
28:20Then, two weeks later, Ryan showed up outside my office again.
28:23Emma!
28:23I stopped and looked at him.
28:25Lily is gone.
28:26She left a note and disappeared.
28:29None of us can reach her.
28:30My heart sank.
28:31You were the last person she contacted, weren't you?
28:33She came to see you, didn't she?
28:35I didn't answer.
28:37Emma!
28:38Where did you hide her?
28:41I don't know.
28:42You're lying!
28:44It must be you.
28:46You hate us, so you took Lily too, didn't you?
28:52Ryan, have you ever thought Lily didn't leave because of me, but because of all of you?
28:56You never asked what she wanted.
28:58Just like you never asked me.
29:00Go.
29:00I really don't know where Lily is.
29:02He stood there like a statue, completely lost.
29:05That night, I had a dream.
29:06I was back in that house.
29:07The living room was empty.
29:09I opened every door.
29:10Dad's room, Mom's room, all empty.
29:12Then I opened my own door.
29:13There was nothing inside.
29:14Just that sky-blue suitcase, standing quietly in the middle of the room.
29:18I woke up drenched in sweat.
29:19Noah stirred and turned on the bedside lamp.
29:21Bad dream?
29:23I dreamed I was the only one left at that house.
29:26That house isn't your home anymore.
29:28You have a new life now?
29:29And suddenly, I understood.
29:31The next morning, I texted Ryan.
29:33Look into art schools in Bella Fioria.
29:36Ryan called back almost immediately.
29:39His roar made my ears ring.
29:41Bella Fioria?
29:41What kind of place is that?
29:43Emma, where did you send her?
29:45Noah leaned out from the kitchen, his eyes asking what was wrong.
29:48I shook my head.
29:48I didn't do anything.
29:50I just gave you a lead.
29:51A lead?
29:51I don't need your lead.
29:53I need my sister.
29:54Ryan, have you ever stopped to think about what Lilla likes, besides all of you?
29:58The line went quiet.
29:59I could picture his face.
30:00Confusion.
30:01Anger.
30:02Then helplessness.
30:03He was used to having everything under control.
30:05It never occurred to him that she might have a path of her own.
30:08She likes to draw.
30:09When she applied to college, art history was her first choice.
30:13Not media studies.
30:14She's been sketching in secret for four years, hiding them under her bed.
30:18None of you even knew.
30:19You gave her everything you wanted to give.
30:21But you never asked what she wanted.
30:23Now she's gone to find it herself.
30:24Then I hung up.
30:25Noah came over, took the phone from my hand, and set it on the coffee table.
30:29Will he go looking for her?
30:32He will.
30:33He won't let anything slip out of his control.
30:36The next week was strangely quiet.
30:40Ryan stopped calling, and the family group chat went dead, as if Lilla's departure had
30:44drained the life out of everyone.
30:46Noah and I settled into our new routine.
30:49We spent the weekend shopping for furniture, looking for a sofa big enough for both of
30:52us to curl up on.
30:53At a thrift store, I found a warm yellow floor lamp, and Noah said its light matched my eyes.
30:58We started living like a real married couple.
31:00On Saturday mornings, we went to the farmer's market by the sea, where the air smelled of salt,
31:05coffee, and fresh bread.
31:06Noah always bought white chamomile, while I picked out the freshest strawberries and tomatoes.
31:11Noah, you always pick the prettiest flowers in the market for your wife.
31:15Noah would laugh, and hand them to me.
31:18I carried the bag of groceries while he held my hand, sunlight warming us both.
31:22For the first time, I truly felt I was living a new life, one I had chosen for myself.
31:28I thought the storm was over.
31:30Then, on Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from an unknown Aurelia number.
31:35The line stayed silent for a few seconds before a voice I knew, yet barely recognized, came
31:40through.
31:41It was Lily.
31:45Her voice had lost the sugary, coaxing lilt I remembered.
31:48Now it was clear and slightly husky, with none of the old sweetness left.
31:51I saw you on TV.
31:53What?
31:53On the local news in Bella Fora.
31:56An architect and his new wife on their honeymoon.
31:58They shot it like a movie.
31:59Then, I remembered Noah had given a brief interview there.
32:02I had been standing just outside the frame.
32:04You...
32:05I saw Ryan.
32:06He spent hours wandering outside St. Celeste Cathedral, like he was lost.
32:11I sat in a cafe and watched him all afternoon.
32:13My heart sank.
32:14He didn't find me.
32:15Thank you, sis.
32:17Thank you for not telling him where I am.
32:18It was the first time she had ever thanked me so seriously.
32:21Are you okay?
32:22I am.
32:23I rented a little studio with a view of the sea.
32:25I paint every day or spend hours at museums.
32:29I never knew life could feel like this.
32:31Silence stretched between us.
32:32We were sisters, yet an ocean apart, both finding the same freedom far too late.
32:38Are you coming back?
32:40She went quiet.
32:41I don't know.
32:42She said.
32:43I think I need to find myself before I decide where I belong.
32:46After we hung up, I stood by the window, watching people move along the street below.
32:50Then, the doorbell rang.
32:52Fast.
32:53Insistent.
32:54Again and again.
32:56Noah frowned.
32:57Who could that be this late?
32:58I went to the door, rose onto my toes, and looked through the peephole.
33:02The hallway was dimly lit, but I recognized the one I never expected at once.
33:06Her honey brown hair was swept into a flawless chignon.
33:08Pearl studs gleamed softly in the low light.
33:10She wore a beige trench coat.
33:12She looked thinner than I remembered, but that familiar, suffocating presence hadn't changed at all.
33:18My mother, she was standing outside my door.
33:22It felt as if every drop of blood in my body froze.
33:25The doorbell kept ringing faster, harder, more insistent.
33:29Noah came up behind me.
33:31Want me to handle this?
33:32I took a deep breath and shook my head.
33:34This was mine.
33:35I couldn't keep hiding behind him forever.
33:37I opened the door, but I didn't invite her in.
33:39I stood in the doorway, blocking her path.
33:41Emma.
33:42Her voice was hoarse.
33:43Her eyes red-rimmed.
33:44Then she saw Noah behind me.
33:46Her gaze sharpened at once, like a poisoned blade.
33:48So you finally decided to show up?
33:50Her eyes were cold.
33:52I thought you were going to pretend you didn't even have a mother.
33:54I met her gaze calmly.
33:55What do you want?
33:56What do I want?
33:57Her voice rose.
33:58My daughter's gone.
33:59My husband's disappeared.
34:00Of course I came looking for my other daughter.
34:01What's so strange about that?
34:03How did you get our address?
34:04A cold smile touched her lips.
34:06If I want to know something, I'll find a way.
34:09Did you really think you could hide here and cut yourself off from the past?
34:13Emma Whitlicker, as long as I'm alive, you're my daughter.
34:17She took a step closer.
34:19With every word she moved closer, that familiar, suffocating need for control closed in around
34:24me.
34:25Noah stepped forward and quietly placed himself between us.
34:28Tell him to move.
34:29This is between us.
34:31He's family too.
34:32The words stopped her cold.
34:34She froze.
34:36Family.
34:36Then she laughed.
34:37So that's it.
34:38You have a new family now.
34:40And you're just throwing the old one away?
34:42Will you only be satisfied when you've tore this family apart for good?
34:46This family wasn't destroyed by me.
34:48As if all the strength left her at once, she caught herself on the doorframe, swaying.
34:53The wind in the hallway lifted the hem of her coat.
34:55Only then did I notice she wasn't dressed warmly enough.
34:58After a long silence, she looked up.
35:00The anger was gone from her eyes.
35:02Alright.
35:03If you won't help me find Lily, then you can help me instead.
35:06I have nowhere else to go.
35:08I'm sold the house.
35:09The lake house too.
35:10Emma, you're gonna take me in.
35:13I looked at my mother outside the door.
35:15The fine lines around her eyes looked deep under the dim hallway light.
35:18Take you in?
35:19I repeated, finding it absurd.
35:21Yes.
35:23I'm your mother.
35:25You live in a place this big?
35:27Are you gonna make me sleep on the street?
35:29Noah didn't budge.
35:30Mrs. Whitlick, it's late.
35:32Emma needs to rest.
35:33You don't get a say here.
35:34She turned her head to look at me again.
35:37Emma, your father is nowhere to be seen and Ryan won't even answer my calls.
35:41The family is falling apart.
35:43Are you going to shut me out too?
35:45Her voice carried its usual grievance.
35:46Her eyes turning red right on cue.
35:48In the past, I might have started wondering if I really did something wrong.
35:52But I just looked at her and asked one question.
35:57Do you really have nowhere to go or are you just looking for someone who will still do what you
36:01say?
36:01What is that supposed to mean?
36:03I raised you for 22 years and this is what you think of me?
36:05What else?
36:07You paid cash for the lake house six months ago and the family home is in a wealthy neighborhood.
36:11Even selling them would take months.
36:12You're here playing the victim today simply because you realized you can't control dad, you can't control Ryan and you
36:17definitely can't control Lily who ran off.
36:19So you remembered me?
36:20You think I'm weak?
36:22Used to being manipulated?
36:23You thought if you just shed a few tears, I'd hand over my room and my life just like always?
36:28She gritted her teeth, enunciating every word.
36:32Emma Whitler, you'll get what's coming to you.
36:35Just then, the elevator gave a soft ding.
36:38Two uniformed building security guards stepped out.
36:40Mr. Bennett, did you press the emergency button?
36:43She cared entirely too much about appearances and would never allow herself to be kicked out like a madwoman in
36:48front of strangers.
36:49Within seconds, she turned back into the elegant, high and mighty Mrs. Whitaker.
36:54Don't bother.
36:55Since you're so heartless, I'll just pretend I never had you as a daughter.
37:00She turned around, her heels making muffled sounds on the hallway carpet.
37:03I watched her back disappear behind the elevator doors and said nothing.
37:07Noah closed the door and pulled me into his arms.
37:10His palms were warm, gently stroking my back.
37:13It's over.
37:14He whispered in my ear.
37:15I closed my eyes and nodded.
37:16But I knew, with her personality, things would never end this simply.
37:20The next morning, I found a white envelope under the doormat.
37:23The envelope had no letter, only a brass key and a note with an address.
37:28It was the address of the lake house.
37:30I sat at the dining table, looking at the key.
37:32Noah walked up to me carrying a breakfast tray.
37:34What does she mean by this?
37:36She's laying bait.
37:38She wants me to think she truly has nowhere to go, handing her last property over to me.
37:43If I accept it or go take a look, she has an excuse to re-enter my life.
37:48Last night, I checked the property transaction records for that area.
37:52The lake house isn't listed for sale at all.
37:55None of the properties under her name are listed.
37:56I smiled, completely unsurprised.
37:59She was always like this, weaving a net of lies and guilt, waiting for the prey to walk
38:04right in.
38:06Let's eat.
38:07The company has a meeting for a new project today.
38:09Port Meridian's rainy season arrived on time in October.
38:13Consecutive days of rain made the whole city look grey.
38:15When I got off work on Friday, I had just walked out the revolving doors of the office
38:19when I saw a figure standing under the awning.
38:22It was Dad.
38:24After six months apart, his back seemed more hunched, and his hair was mostly white.
38:28He stood there awkwardly, gripping a dripping umbrella, looking completely out of place among
38:33the corporate elites exiting the building.
38:35Emma.
38:35Are you here to ask me to take you in too?
38:38No.
38:39Your mother, she came to see you, right?
38:41That's just her temper, don't take it to heart.
38:43That phrase again?
38:44For 22 years, he had always used, don't take it to heart, to smooth things over, covering
38:49up his inaction as a father.
38:51If you're just here to apologize for her, there's no need.
38:54No, Emma, I'm here to ask for your help.
38:57Something happened to Ryan.
38:58My heart skipped a beat, but my face remained expressionless.
39:01What happened?
39:02He hit his supervisor at work a few days ago.
39:06Lily running away really got to him, and he's been unstable lately.
39:08His supervisor criticized him, and he got physical.
39:10I looked at the worried man before me in disbelief.
39:13Ryan always in custom suits, high and mighty, and used to controlling everything, actually
39:17hitting someone in the office.
39:21They're going to sue him unless we can come up with 50,000 to settle.
39:24Emma, you have a good job now, and Noah's an architect.
39:27Could you two lend me the money?
39:32Dad, Ryan is 28.
39:33He's an adult.
39:34He hit someone.
39:34He should face the consequences.
39:35But he doesn't have that kind of money.
39:37Everything he earns goes towards his mortgage and car payments.
39:40What about me?
39:42Where do you think I'd get $50,000?
39:45You're married.
39:46Noah has plenty of money.
39:48What's 50,000 to the two of you?
39:50Emma, we're family.
39:51Your brother needs help.
39:53How can you just turn your back on him?
39:57This is my college account history.
39:58Every deposit came from working at supermarkets, warehouses, and cafes.
40:02Every withdrawal paid for tuition, rent, or food.
40:05In those four years, did any of you give me so much as a dime?
40:08That was because we knew you were independent.
40:11We knew you could take care of yourself.
40:13Because you wanted to save your money for Lily's dresses in Paris
40:16and Ryan's car payments.
40:18Dad, I don't have $50,000.
40:20And even if I did, I wouldn't give it to him.
40:24He stared at me in shock, like I was some kind of monster.
40:28You're heartless, Emma.
40:29How did you become like this?
40:31You taught me.
40:33Wait!
40:33You think refusing to help makes this go away?
40:36Your mother went to see your bosses yesterday.
40:40What did you say?
40:42She found out where you work.
40:44She said she'd ask your boss why they'd employ someone who turns her back on her own parents.
40:48If you go back and beg her now, you might still have time.
40:52I ignored him, hailed a cab, and gave the driver my office address.
40:56The rain came down harder, blurring the city beyond the window.
40:59I closed my eyes and forced myself to stay calm.
41:04Margaret Whitaker always knew exactly where to hit.
41:07She knew how much this job meant to me.
41:09It was the new life I'd fought so hard to build.
41:12And she wanted to destroy it.
41:15I hurried into the lobby and headed straight for human resources.
41:18The door to the meeting room at the end of the hall stood slightly open.
41:22Mom sat on the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea.
41:26Sarah, the HR director, sat across from her with a slight frown.
41:30I walked in, my voice steady.
41:34Emma, you finally agreed to see me.
41:37She stood and reached for my hand.
41:39I stepped aside.
41:42Emma, this woman says she's your mother.
41:45She claims you've been mentally unstable lately and maybe under someone's control.
41:49She's asking us to suspend your project work.
41:53I looked at mom.
41:54Her act was flawless, as always.
41:57Really?
41:58Did she provide any medical evidence?
42:00I'm your mother.
42:01Why would I ever hurt you?
42:02Ever since you met Noah, you've cut off your whole family.
42:05You won't even help when your brother's in trouble.
42:07You were never like this.
42:09You used to be such a good girl.
42:12This is the final welfare check report from the Potter Meridian Police Department, dated two months ago.
42:17My family made the same claims to the police.
42:18After investigating, they found no sign that I was mentally unstable or being controlled.
42:24I simply want nothing to do with them.
42:28Sarah valued efficiency and evidence.
42:30She clearly had no patience for family drama.
42:33Mrs. Whitlicker, Emma is one of our best employees.
42:36We have no concerns about her performance or mental health.
42:39Unless you have concrete evidence, please stop disrupting her work.
42:43Mom's face darkened.
42:44She clearly hadn't expected me to carry the police report with me.
42:48Fine.
42:49Very well.
42:50You've grown up, Emma.
42:51You think you can stand up to me now?
42:53You even had this ready.
42:54Because I know what you're capable of.
42:56You tear other people down just to feel like you matter.
42:59She snatched the bone china cup from the table.
43:01Her grip tightened until the veins stood out on her hand.
43:04For a second, I thought she would throw the hot tea in my face.
43:07But she stopped.
43:08This was the most prestigious office building in Potter Meridian.
43:11Well-dressed professionals passed outside the room.
43:14She couldn't afford to make a scene here.
43:16It would destroy what little dignity she had left.
43:19Finally, she brought the cup down hard.
43:21The tea splashed over the rim, staining her gray skirt.
43:25You think you've won?
43:26You think you can hide here and have a good life?
43:28Lily's in serious trouble in Europe.
43:30She owes a fortune.
43:31Ryan's about to be sued.
43:32If this family goes down, you're going down with it.
43:34She snatched up her bag and left without looking back.
43:36Sarah sighed and wiped up the spilled tea.
43:38Do you need a few days off, Emma?
43:40No, but thank you.
43:41I'm sorry you got dragged into this.
43:43Everyone's family is complicated.
43:45Go on, get back to work.
43:46Back at my desk, I stared out at the rain.
43:49Mom's words echoed in my head.
43:50Lily was in debt?
43:51Ryan was being sued?
43:52They had finally made a complete mess of their own lives.
43:55And none of it had anything to do with me anymore.
43:58My phone buzzed.
43:59A picture message from Lily.
44:00It showed an oil painting of a dark gray sea.
44:03A kite with a snapped string flew above the water.
44:06I sold my first painting, sis.
44:09The buyer said he saw freedom in it.
44:11I'm not in debt.
44:12And I'm not going back.
44:15I stared at the screen.
44:17A smile slowly spread across my face until I laughed.
44:20Mom had even lied about Lily being in debt.
44:23She had tried to use Lily's supposed misery to make me feel guilty.
44:26She didn't know Lily had already grown wings of her own and flown toward the light.
44:30When I left work that evening, Noah was waiting downstairs with an umbrella.
44:36How was your day?
44:37Easy.
44:38I linked my arm through his and stepped through the puddles.
44:42What do you want for dinner?
44:43Maya said the fish market got fresh mussels in.
44:47Then let's make mussels and white wine.
44:49And open a good bottle to go with them.
44:53Ryan eventually settled out of court with his supervisor.
44:56But he lost his job and moved back home.
44:58Dad kept avoiding everything.
45:00As for Mom, she never came near me again.
45:03Until the following spring.
45:05Noah and I were putting away our winter clothes when I pulled the sky blue suitcase from the back of
45:10the storage room.
45:11A deep scratch ran across its surface.
45:14Lily had left it there years ago.
45:17Are you going to throw it out?
45:19No.
45:20Keep it.
45:21It reminds me where I came from and where I'll never go again.