Oops I Married My Boss | Short Drama | 2026 - FULL ✅ - video Dailymotion

The Little Magic

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Transcript

00:00:00First day of summer break, and my parents had already lined up another job for me.

00:00:04Cashier at Groves Market, 14 bucks an hour, 10 hours on my feet.

00:00:08That same day, they booked three plane tickets to Italy for vacation, obviously.

00:00:12Not one of them had my name on it.

00:00:13My brother handed me a new pair of shoes, said I could stand in them for 10 hours, no problem.

00:00:17He was right.

00:00:17They were light enough to walk out the front door in and never look back.

00:00:20The day I left, nobody noticed.

00:00:24Took them nine days to even ask where I was.

00:00:27By then, I was 1,700 miles away, lying in a Houston ER.

00:00:30The man who saved my life held my whole family's future in his hands.

00:00:34And my so-called family was just sitting there, waiting for him to buy up their debt.

00:00:37He leaned over my hospital bed and said, the only thing that mattered.

00:00:40Say the word, and I'll pull every last dollar.

00:00:44Mom slid it toward me and tapped the top line twice.

00:00:47Groves Market, cashier, 14 an hour. It'll be good experience for you.

00:00:50Good experience for you.

00:00:51She'd said those exact words four summers in a row.

00:00:54Freshman year, I slapped barcodes on boxes in a warehouse.

00:00:57They took Sloane to New York.

00:00:58Sophomore year, I worked the night shift at a gas station.

00:01:01They paid for Sloane's driving lesson.

00:01:02Junior year, I graded worksheets at a tutoring center.

00:01:05The three of them flew to Turks and Caicos.

00:01:07So, where to this year?

00:01:08Door swung open.

00:01:09Grant.

00:01:11Italy.

00:01:12The Amalfi Coast.

00:01:13Got these just for you.

00:01:14You could stand in them 10 hours straight and not even feel it.

00:01:17I'm covering it this year.

00:01:18Sloane's young.

00:01:19This is the time for her to see the world.

00:01:21You're the best, Grant!

00:01:22Sloane squealed and threw herself into his arms.

00:01:24I looked at my parents.

00:01:25They both looked away at the exact same time.

00:01:27I was only one year older than Sloane.

00:01:30Mom was folding Sloane's clothes when she suddenly looked up and called out toward the living room.

00:01:35Grant.

00:01:36Slane's a senior next year.

00:01:37Get on it.

00:01:37Find your sister something good.

00:01:39Got it.

00:01:39You've got it.

00:01:39She stopped mid-sentence.

00:01:41Because, as it happened, there was a daughter in this house.

00:01:44Graduating next week.

00:01:45Grant didn't pick up on it.

00:01:46Relax, Mom.

00:01:46I've got it covered.

00:01:47She'll have a job the day she graduates.

00:01:49Then he paused.

00:01:49Like he'd finally remembered I was in the room.

00:01:51Wren?

00:01:53You need any help?

00:01:54No.

00:01:54I already had a job.

00:01:55A field assignment.

00:01:56Houston.

00:01:571700 miles away.

00:01:58I was leaving the minute I had my diploma in hand.

00:02:00Dad chuckled from the couch, trying to smooth things over.

00:02:02Our middle kid's always been independent.

00:02:04Never gave us a lick of trouble.

00:02:06My hands froze on my shoelaces.

00:02:07It wasn't independence.

00:02:08I just learned early on that if I didn't do it myself, nobody would.

00:02:12Sloane set down her coke, ran over, and looped her arm through mine.

00:02:14What do you want, Wren?

00:02:15I'll bring you something back.

00:02:16Something uneasy flickered in her eyes, so she knew it wasn't fair, but I also knew she'd

00:02:20forget.

00:02:21She always remembered Mom's scarves, Dad's ties, the vintage cameras Grant collected.

00:02:25Never mind.

00:02:26Whatever.

00:02:26You pick.

00:02:27See, Wren?

00:02:28Look how sweet your sister is to you.

00:02:30She's thinking of you.

00:02:31Don't you want to do something nice for her, too?

00:02:33Dad looked like he'd been waiting for that cue.

00:02:35Tell you what.

00:02:35Your first month's paycheck?

00:02:37Give it to Sloane as spending money.

00:02:38Oh, you guys.

00:02:39You don't have to do that.

00:02:41Grant ruffled her hair.

00:02:42Being so considerate.

00:02:43Just go have fun.

00:02:43Three sentences, and my paycheck was already spoke for.

00:02:46Nobody even asked me.

00:02:48I crouched down and put on the shoes.

00:02:49They were light.

00:02:50Light enough to walk out of this house.

00:02:52My phone buzzed.

00:02:53Company.

00:02:53Onboarding complete.

00:02:54Report to the Houston yard.

00:02:56Monday at 8am.

00:02:56I typed two words.

00:02:58Got it.

00:02:58The door banged open.

00:02:59Sloane marched straight over to my suitcase.

00:03:01Mine's ugly.

00:03:02Let me borrow yours for the trip.

00:03:03No.

00:03:04I need it.

00:03:05Need it for what?

00:03:06You never go anywhere.

00:03:07I didn't answer.

00:03:08She stormed out and slammed the door.

00:03:10I counted in my head.

00:03:11Wren.

00:03:11The O.

00:03:12Five.

00:03:12Four.

00:03:13Three.

00:03:13Two.

00:03:13One.

00:03:14The door opened again.

00:03:16Wren Merrick.

00:03:17Mom and Dad right on cue.

00:03:18Grant trailing behind them.

00:03:20Your sister just wants to borrow a suitcase.

00:03:22Do you really have to be this petty?

00:03:24You're the big sister and you won't even lend her a bag?

00:03:26Is that how family works?

00:03:28I need it.

00:03:29This time, I didn't back down.

00:03:31Never mind.

00:03:32It's fine if she doesn't want to.

00:03:34Mom and Dad pulled her into a hug right away.

00:03:36Grant stared at me for two seconds,

00:03:38then turned and walked into his room.

00:03:39He came back dragging a sky blue suitcase.

00:03:41Sloane, use this one.

00:03:42My grip tightened on the door frame.

00:03:44I'd bought him that for his birthday.

00:03:45Three months of warehouse shifts.

00:03:47Sophomore year.

00:03:47Sloane knew.

00:03:48She made a point of looking at me first.

00:03:49Are you sure, Grant?

00:03:50Wren's gonna be upset.

00:03:51Grant's face didn't move because he was doing it on purpose.

00:03:54I spoke up first.

00:03:55It's fine.

00:03:56It was a gift.

00:03:57He can do whatever he wants with it.

00:03:58The room went silent for a second.

00:03:59Grant's head whipped around, his brows knitting together.

00:04:02But he didn't say a word.

00:04:03He just took Sloane and left.

00:04:05Nobody called me down for dinner.

00:04:06By the time I came out, they were deep in conversation.

00:04:09Grieche.

00:04:09It's classy and it looks good in any light.

00:04:11Pearl White's cleaner.

00:04:12More minimal.

00:04:12I vote Grieche.

00:04:13Do whatever you want downstairs.

00:04:14I'm picking for my own room.

00:04:16Dad was happily digging in when he caught me out of the corner of his eye.

00:04:19He cleared his throat.

00:04:20Instantly, everyone went quiet.

00:04:21So, they'd bought a new house, and I was the only one who didn't know.

00:04:24I sat down and took some green beans from the dish closest to me.

00:04:28Swallowing them felt like swallowing nails.

00:04:30Wren, we bought a house.

00:04:32The rooms are all figured out.

00:04:34Go take a look sometime.

00:04:34How long ago?

00:04:37About six months.

00:04:38Just never found the right time to tell you.

00:04:40Never found the time.

00:04:41Or never wanted to.

00:04:42I could tell the difference.

00:04:43What's the door code?

00:04:4571103.

00:04:46July 11th.

00:04:47November 3rd.

00:04:48Grant's birthday.

00:04:49Sloane's birthday.

00:04:50I looked up.

00:04:51Mom, when's my birthday?

00:04:53She froze, looking at me like I'd said something weird.

00:04:55What kind of question is that?

00:04:56You can't even remember your own birthday?

00:04:58Dad laughed.

00:04:59He thought I was joking.

00:05:00Winter.

00:05:01You came early.

00:05:02There was a huge snowstorm,

00:05:03and your mom slipped on the driveway.

00:05:05She almost didn't make it.

00:05:06Went through hell with you.

00:05:07Your mom always said you were born to collect on some debt.

00:05:10Mom cleared her throat, looking uncomfortable,

00:05:11and stopped meeting my eyes.

00:05:12I bring all that up.

00:05:13I looked down too.

00:05:14My hands just wouldn't stop shaking.

00:05:16Before long, Grant and Sloane finished eating,

00:05:18piled up their plates,

00:05:19and went to their rooms.

00:05:20Dad left.

00:05:21Mom got up too.

00:05:22Wren, house rules.

00:05:23Slowest eater does the dishes.

00:05:24The table was covered in leftovers and dirty plates.

00:05:26I was always the slowest,

00:05:28because nobody ever called me when dinner was ready.

00:05:30Mom called Grant.

00:05:31Dad called Sloane.

00:05:32By the time I sat down, half the food was gone.

00:05:33So I always ended up doing the dishes.

00:05:36I was halfway through when Nana called.

00:05:38Mom put her on speaker.

00:05:39Grant says you're taking Sloane to Italy.

00:05:41That's right, Mom.

00:05:41Want us to bring you anything?

00:05:43Wren's not going?

00:05:44No, she's not.

00:05:44She wants to work and get some experience.

00:05:46Nana sighed and didn't ask again,

00:05:48because for four years,

00:05:49Mom had given the exact same answer.

00:05:51Isn't Wynne coming to the amusement park?

00:05:52No, she's got homework.

00:05:54Isn't Wren going skiing with you?

00:05:56No, she's not into sports.

00:05:58Why isn't Wren in the graduation photos?

00:06:00Her skin's been breaking out.

00:06:01She didn't want to be in them.

00:06:03The way they told it,

00:06:04I was the quiet one,

00:06:05the weird one,

00:06:05the one who went looking for misery.

00:06:07That way, nobody would ever stand up for me,

00:06:08because that was just how I was.

00:06:10I dried the last plate and looked up.

00:06:11There was a family photo stuck on the fridge,

00:06:13taken last month.

00:06:14Four people.

00:06:15I wasn't one of them.

00:06:17The doorbell rang.

00:06:18I set the last plate in the rack,

00:06:19wiped the corner of my eye,

00:06:20and went to get it.

00:06:22Miss Merrick?

00:06:23Sign here.

00:06:26It was my diploma.

00:06:27I felt a whole lot lighter all of a sudden.

00:06:29It meant I could leave.

00:06:33What's that?

00:06:35My diploma.

00:06:37Turned to go, then stopped.

00:06:39What do you want for graduation?

00:06:40I promised I'd get you something.

00:06:41That caught me off guard.

00:06:42I didn't think he'd remember.

00:06:43I'd never let myself count on it.

00:06:46Drive me to a clinic tomorrow.

00:06:48Pre-employment physical.

00:06:49Blood work.

00:06:49Three vaccines.

00:06:50Company requirement.

00:06:51I didn't have a car.

00:06:52Sloan got one for her 17th birthday.

00:06:54Grant got one when he turned 20.

00:06:55I was 22.

00:06:56Took the bus.

00:06:57That's it?

00:06:58That's it.

00:06:59He nodded and said,

00:07:00okay.

00:07:00I waited by the front door with my bag.

00:07:02When he came out,

00:07:03he had that apologetic look on his face.

00:07:06Grant, Sloan needs to pick up some clothes for the trip.

00:07:08Let me drop her off first and I'll take you after.

00:07:10But I have an appointment.

00:07:11So reschedule.

00:07:12She's leaving tomorrow.

00:07:13It's kind of urgent.

00:07:14I opened my mouth and closed it again.

00:07:15The second Sloan saw me go quiet,

00:07:17her eyes welled up.

00:07:18Maybe I just won't go shopping.

00:07:20Grant, you should take Wen.

00:07:21Don't be silly.

00:07:22You gotta look cute on your trip.

00:07:23Then, probably realizing how obvious he was being,

00:07:25he tossed the decision to me.

00:07:26Wen, what do you think?

00:07:27I looked up at his face.

00:07:29It was the face of someone waiting for me to be the understanding one.

00:07:32All of a sudden, I felt exhausted.

00:07:33It looked like they were waiting for me to decide,

00:07:35but we all knew the decision was never really mine.

00:07:38Just go.

00:07:38Grant let out a breath.

00:07:41Sloan ran over and kissed me on the cheek.

00:07:43Thanks, Wren.

00:07:46No problem.

00:07:47Buses later, I've got my shots, alone.

00:07:49Nobody came with you?

00:07:52They're busy.

00:07:54After I left, I booked a flight for Sunday night, one way.

00:07:57When I got home, Sloan was showing off everything she'd bought.

00:08:00Last, she pulled out two things, gifts for mum and dad.

00:08:04Mum gushed over there.

00:08:05Then she caught sight of me, and her smile vanished.

00:08:11Wen, I'm just saying, look how thoughtful your sister is.

00:08:13She even got something from me and your dad.

00:08:15When have you ever thought about us?

00:08:17With what money?

00:08:18The only reason she could buy gifts

00:08:20was because mum had given her $2,000 before she left.

00:08:23She was buying mum presents with mum's own money.

00:08:24Mum knew that perfectly well,

00:08:25but still took the shot at me anyway.

00:08:27Excuse me?

00:08:28What's that supposed to mean?

00:08:29You mad I didn't give you any money?

00:08:30You're a grown woman,

00:08:31and you're still keeping score with your little sister?

00:08:33I'm 22.

00:08:34I'm only a year older than her.

00:08:36That's enough!

00:08:37Dad yelled at me.

00:08:38You're too old to be talking back to your mother like that.

00:08:40Grant was looking at me, too.

00:08:41With a look I couldn't quite read.

00:08:44Wend, why have you been so on edge lately?

00:08:45Now that someone had her back,

00:08:46mum's eyes teared up right on cue.

00:08:49And she turned, went into the bedroom,

00:08:50and there was no one stepped in front of me.

00:08:52Wend, you need to go apologize to mum.

00:08:54Mum, move.

00:08:58She shook her head,

00:08:59looking down at me like she was passing judgment.

00:09:01She's your mum.

00:09:03She gave birth to you?

00:09:04How could you treat her like that?

00:09:06That's so messed up.

00:09:08An old, familiar sadness washed over me.

00:09:10Out of everyone in this house,

00:09:11she was the last person who had any right to lecture me.

00:09:14I let everything go.

00:09:15I kept my mouth shut.

00:09:17And I still wasn't even allowed to be upset.

00:09:20Everybody loved her,

00:09:21so whatever she did was right.

00:09:24Wow.

00:09:25Aren't you a saint?

00:09:26I said it softly.

00:09:27I didn't even look at her.

00:09:28But the second it left my mouth,

00:09:30her face changed,

00:09:31and she screamed at me

00:09:32like I'd humiliated her in front of everyone.

00:09:34No wonder mum and dad don't like you!

00:09:36You're such a freak!

00:09:38She shoved me,

00:09:39whirred.

00:09:40I slammed into the corner of the dining table,

00:09:41and something in my right ribs

00:09:43made a dull crack.

00:09:44I doubled over in pain.

00:09:46She ran into her room,

00:09:47crying.

00:09:47Grunt rushed after her to calm her down.

00:09:50Dad went to check on mum.

00:09:51Not one of them looked back at me.

00:09:53Great.

00:09:53Holding my ribs.

00:09:56I slowly dragged myself back to my room.

00:09:59That night,

00:10:00nobody called me for dinner again.

00:10:01It hurt too much to eat,

00:10:02so I stayed in my room.

00:10:04But when I got up to use the bathroom

00:10:05in the middle of the night,

00:10:06the dirty plates were still sitting neatly

00:10:08on the table.

00:10:09They were waiting for me to clean up.

00:10:10They probably thought they were doing me a favour,

00:10:12giving me a way to make up.

00:10:13They figured I'd do what I always did,

00:10:14clean the whole kitchen like a maid,

00:10:16just to get back on their good side.

00:10:17I stared at the plates for two seconds,

00:10:19then went back to my room.

00:10:21I didn't need their approval anymore.

00:10:24The next morning,

00:10:25they were all excited,

00:10:26getting ready to leave.

00:10:28The second they saw me,

00:10:29the chatter stopped.

00:10:31Always walking around with that sour face,

00:10:33like somebody owes her money.

00:10:35Grunt followed me to the bathroom door

00:10:36and looked at me in the mirror.

00:10:37You're really not going to apologise to mum?

00:10:39You're going to let her go on vacation upset?

00:10:42She seems pretty happy to me.

00:10:45I shook the water off my hands,

00:10:46dried them,

00:10:47and walked out.

00:10:47He followed me out,

00:10:48his face stormy,

00:10:49about to say something.

00:10:50Don't bother.

00:10:51She's like a dog that bites anyone who gets close.

00:10:54This time,

00:10:54Dad and Grant,

00:10:55who usually said something to smooth things over,

00:10:57kept their mouths shut.

00:10:59I walked out the door ahead of them,

00:11:00out on the driveway.

00:11:01Sloane suddenly stopped.

00:11:02Where's Wack going?

00:11:03Where else would she be going?

00:11:05Work.

00:11:06She pulled Sloane into the car.

00:11:07But right then,

00:11:07Dad froze.

00:11:08He'd spotted the suitcase in my hand.

00:11:10Grove's Market was four blocks from the house.

00:11:11Why would anybody bring a suitcase to work?

00:11:13His stomach dropped.

00:11:14He waved at me hard.

00:11:15I didn't look up.

00:11:16He started hurrying towards me.

00:11:18Where are you going?

00:11:19A second later,

00:11:19a car horn bled.

00:11:20Yes.

00:11:20Mum was leaning on the horn,

00:11:22telling him to forget about me.

00:11:23He stopped in his tracks.

00:11:24The colour slowly drained from his face.

00:11:29Dad?

00:11:30What are you doing?

00:11:31We're going to miss check-in.

00:11:34Dad kept looking back at me,

00:11:35again and again.

00:11:37Finally,

00:11:38he sighed.

00:11:41Turned around

00:11:41and got in the car.

00:11:44I fell asleep as soon as I got on the plane.

00:11:46When we landed,

00:11:47my phone blew up with notifications

00:11:48from the family group chat.

00:11:50Sloane had posted like a dozen photos at once.

00:11:52The girls in Italy are so stylish,

00:11:54hitting the makeup stores later.

00:11:55Grant,

00:11:56do you want a toiletry bag?

00:11:57Or a razor?

00:11:58Grant replied almost instantly.

00:11:59I don't need anything.

00:12:00Get something for yourself.

00:12:01Heh heh heh,

00:12:02you're the best.

00:12:03Mum and Dad held up their plates

00:12:04and made silly faces at the camera.

00:12:05It all looks so sweet.

00:12:06Grant deliberately posted

00:12:07a picture of instant ramen.

00:12:08Glad you guys are having fun.

00:12:09I'm stuck at home eating this,

00:12:11Mum replied right away.

00:12:12What?

00:12:12She didn't cook?

00:12:13She meant me.

00:12:14Grant,

00:12:14no clue.

00:12:14Probably sleeping.

00:12:15I checked my watch.

00:12:16I'd been gone for ten hours

00:12:17and he still didn't know I'd left.

00:12:19Diane,

00:12:19so lazy.

00:12:20Can't even make a meal.

00:12:21Her husband's going to be

00:12:22so fed up with her one day.

00:12:23She said seven or eight messages in a row.

00:12:25Obviously meant for me to see.

00:12:27But I wasn't the only daughter

00:12:28in this family.

00:12:29Sloane had never cooked

00:12:30a day in her life.

00:12:31Couldn't even wash a plate properly.

00:12:32Mum never said a word to her about it.

00:12:34And the rare times

00:12:34she did help out.

00:12:36Dad would feel bad for her.

00:12:40Don't try to be too capable, sweetie.

00:12:42Otherwise everyone will expect

00:12:43you to do everything.

00:12:44And usually,

00:12:44right at that moment,

00:12:45I was in the kitchen

00:12:46washing an endless pile of dishes.

00:12:48It wasn't that they didn't know

00:12:50how to love.

00:12:50They just didn't love me.

00:12:53When I didn't respond,

00:12:54Sloane tagged me.

00:12:57Wren,

00:12:58what kind of perfume do you like?

00:12:59I'll get you a bottle.

00:13:00Maybe it was because

00:13:01she'd been loved so much.

00:13:02But Sloane never really held a grudge.

00:13:04She was the one who reached out first.

00:13:05But I didn't reply.

00:13:06Because whether I replied or not,

00:13:07it would end the same way.

00:13:08If I said no thanks,

00:13:09Mum would say I'd throw

00:13:10my sister's kindness

00:13:10back in her face.

00:13:11If I actually said

00:13:12what I wanted,

00:13:13just tell me to send

00:13:14the money for it.

00:13:14So,

00:13:14I pretended I hadn't seen it.

00:13:15Two minutes later,

00:13:16Dad tagged me.

00:13:17At Wren,

00:13:17your sister's talking to you.

00:13:18Why aren't you answering?

00:13:19Where were you going

00:13:19with a suitcase yesterday afternoon?

00:13:21Mum sent a snarky gif.

00:13:22She's too good for us now.

00:13:23Don't bother.

00:13:24The chat went quiet again.

00:13:25Exactly like I expected.

00:13:26The company had set us up

00:13:27in a share the partner.

00:13:28Wren,

00:13:28You're finally here!

00:13:30We've been waiting for you!

00:13:31They pulled me over to the table.

00:13:32It was covered in takeout containers.

00:13:34What do you want to eat?

00:13:35We'll order more.

00:13:36I suddenly blanked.

00:13:37Back home,

00:13:37I was the one who cooked.

00:13:38I knew what Mum liked,

00:13:39what Dad liked,

00:13:40what Brant and Sloan liked,

00:13:41but I had no idea what I liked.

00:13:43You okay?

00:13:44You look exhausted.

00:13:45My eyes started to sting.

00:13:47Someone who'd known me for ten minutes

00:13:48could tell I was hired.

00:13:49My own family hadn't noticed

00:13:50in my whole life.

00:13:52The first week,

00:13:53we learned the ropes.

00:13:54Our supervisor kept drilling

00:13:55three things into us.

00:13:56Don't walk alone after dark.

00:13:57Avoid the east side if you can.

00:13:59Don't wear anything valuable.

00:14:00The pay was good here,

00:14:02and there were plenty of opportunities,

00:14:03but it was rough too.

00:14:05On day eight,

00:14:05the rest of my family

00:14:06was on the flight home.

00:14:07In the group chat,

00:14:08Sloan was complaining about Dad.

00:14:10Sloan,

00:14:10a super cute guy,

00:14:11asked for my number,

00:14:12and Dad said,

00:14:13no!

00:14:13He's so old-fashioned.

00:14:15You're a girl in a foreign country

00:14:16who knows what guys like that want.

00:14:17I would have said no too.

00:14:18But I'm 21!

00:14:19Even if you were 31,

00:14:20your boyfriend would still

00:14:21have to get past us.

00:14:22You guys are impossible.

00:14:26Home in 30 minutes?

00:14:27I got a ton of gifts.

00:14:28Take whatever you want.

00:14:28Grant went quiet for a bit.

00:14:30Then,

00:14:30out of nowhere,

00:14:31I'm good.

00:14:31Let your sister pick.

00:14:33She's been busy with work.

00:14:34We haven't seen her in days.

00:14:37Didn't she say

00:14:38she didn't want anything?

00:14:39Two seconds later,

00:14:40she unsent it.

00:14:41A few seconds later,

00:14:42she sent,

00:14:42OK.

00:14:43I put my phone away.

00:14:44That day,

00:14:44I worked late until 10.30.

00:14:46When I left,

00:14:47two of the streetlights were out.

00:14:48I'd barely made it a hundred steps,

00:14:49and I heard footsteps behind me.

00:14:51Just as I was about to turn around,

00:14:53someone yanked hard on my bag.

00:14:54The strap caught around my neck,

00:14:55and I got dragged to the ground.

00:14:56The back of my head

00:14:57smacked against the concrete.

00:14:59It kicked me in the stomach.

00:15:01I curled up in pain.

00:15:01The rib I'd hurt the day before I left

00:15:03felt like it split wide open.

00:15:04The next second,

00:15:05a tall finger came charging in.

00:15:07One plunge,

00:15:07and the guy was on the ground.

00:15:08He scrambled up and took off.

00:15:12Hey,

00:15:13look at me.

00:15:14You OK?

00:15:15I miss.

00:15:15Before I could finish,

00:15:16I blacked out.

00:15:17When I came to,

00:15:17I was in the ER.

00:15:18The man who saved me

00:15:19was sitting at the table,

00:15:20next to me,

00:15:21getting some work done.

00:15:22He was wearing a beat-up work jacket,

00:15:23the cuffs worn pale.

00:15:24The second I moved,

00:15:25he looked up.

00:15:26How are you feeling?

00:15:27Better.

00:15:28Thanks for saving me.

00:15:29He shook his head.

00:15:30I'm Eli.

00:15:31Carry something to protect yourself

00:15:33from now on.

00:15:33This area's gotten pretty sketchy

00:15:34the last couple years.

00:15:35He noticed my cracked lips,

00:15:37got up,

00:15:37and poured me a cup of water.

00:15:41When I was done,

00:15:42he pointed at the head of the bed.

00:15:43That's been ringing non-stop.

00:15:44Probably your family.

00:15:45My phone screen was lit up.

00:15:4627 missed calls.

00:15:47Over 100 texts.

00:15:49First day of summer break,

00:15:50and my parents had already lined up

00:15:52another job for me.

00:15:53Cashier at Groves Market.

00:15:5514 bucks an hour,

00:15:5610 hours on my feet.

00:15:57That same day,

00:15:58they booked three plane tickets

00:16:00to Italy for vacation,

00:16:01obviously.

00:16:02Not one of them had my name on it.

00:16:03My brother handed me

00:16:04a new pair of shoes,

00:16:05said I could stand in them

00:16:05for 10 hours, no problem.

00:16:07He was right.

00:16:07They were light enough

00:16:08to walk out the front door in

00:16:09and never look back.

00:16:10The day I left,

00:16:11nobody noticed.

00:16:14It took them nine days

00:16:15to even ask where I was.

00:16:16By then,

00:16:17I was 1,700 miles away,

00:16:18lying in a Houston ER.

00:16:20The man who saved my life

00:16:21held my whole family's future

00:16:23in his hands.

00:16:24And my so-called family

00:16:25was just sitting there

00:16:26waiting for him

00:16:26to buy up their debt.

00:16:27He leaned over my hospital bed

00:16:28and said,

00:16:29the only thing that mattered,

00:16:30Say the word

00:16:31and I'll pull every last dollar.

00:16:34Mom slid it toward me

00:16:35and tapped the top line twice.

00:16:36Groves Market,

00:16:37cashier,

00:16:3814 an hour.

00:16:39It'll be good experience for you.

00:16:40Good experience for you.

00:16:41She'd said those exact words

00:16:42four summers in a row.

00:16:44Freshman year,

00:16:44I slapped barcodes

00:16:45on boxes in a warehouse.

00:16:46They took Sloan to New York.

00:16:48Sophomore year,

00:16:48I worked the night shift

00:16:49at a gas station.

00:16:50They paid for Sloan's driving lesson.

00:16:52Junior year,

00:16:53I graded worksheets

00:16:53at a tutoring center.

00:16:54The three of them

00:16:55flew to Turks and Caicos.

00:16:56So,

00:16:57where to this year?

00:16:58Door swung I given.

00:16:59Grant.

00:17:01Italy,

00:17:01the Amalfi Coast.

00:17:03Got these just for you.

00:17:04You could stand in them

00:17:0510 hours straight

00:17:05and not even feel it.

00:17:06I'm covering it this year.

00:17:08Sloan's young.

00:17:09This is the time

00:17:09for her to see the world.

00:17:10You're the best, Grant!

00:17:12Sloan squealed

00:17:12and threw herself into his arms.

00:17:14I looked at my parents.

00:17:15They both looked away

00:17:16at the exact same time.

00:17:17I was only one year

00:17:18older than Sloan.

00:17:20Mom was folding Sloan's clothes

00:17:21when she suddenly looked up

00:17:23and called out

00:17:23toward the living room.

00:17:24Grant,

00:17:25Slane's a senior next year.

00:17:27Get on it.

00:17:27Find your sister something good.

00:17:28Got it.

00:17:28You've got it.

00:17:29She stopped mid-sentence

00:17:30because,

00:17:31as it happened,

00:17:31there was a daughter

00:17:32in this house

00:17:33graduating next week.

00:17:34Grant didn't pick up on it.

00:17:35Relax, Mom.

00:17:36I've got it covered.

00:17:37She'll have a job

00:17:37the day she graduates.

00:17:38Then he paused

00:17:39like he'd finally remembered

00:17:40I was in the room.

00:17:41Wren?

00:17:42You need any help?

00:17:43No.

00:17:44I already had a job.

00:17:45A field assignment.

00:17:46Houston,

00:17:461700 miles away.

00:17:47I was leaving

00:17:48the minute I had

00:17:48my diploma in hand.

00:17:49Dad chuckled from the couch,

00:17:51trying to smooth things over.

00:17:52Our middle kid's

00:17:52always been independent.

00:17:54Never gave us

00:17:54a lick of trouble.

00:17:55My hands froze

00:17:56on my shoelaces.

00:17:57It wasn't independence.

00:17:58I just learned early on

00:17:59that if I didn't do it myself,

00:18:00nobody would.

00:18:01Sloan set down her coke,

00:18:02ran over,

00:18:03and looped her arm

00:18:04through mine.

00:18:04What do you want, Wren?

00:18:05I'll bring you something back.

00:18:06Something uneasy

00:18:07flickered in her eyes,

00:18:08so she knew it wasn't fair,

00:18:09but I also knew she'd forget.

00:18:10She always remembered

00:18:11Mom's scarves,

00:18:12Dad's ties,

00:18:13the vintage cameras

00:18:13Grant collected.

00:18:14Never mind.

00:18:15Whatever.

00:18:16You pick.

00:18:16See, Wren?

00:18:17Look how sweet

00:18:18your sister is to you.

00:18:19She's thinking of you.

00:18:20Don't you want to do

00:18:21something nice for her too?

00:18:22Dad looked like

00:18:23he'd been waiting

00:18:23for that cue.

00:18:24Tell you what,

00:18:25your first month's paycheck?

00:18:26Give it to Sloan

00:18:27as spending money.

00:18:28Oh, you guys,

00:18:29you don't have to do that.

00:18:30Grant ruffled her hair.

00:18:31Being so considerate,

00:18:32just go have fun.

00:18:34Three sentences,

00:18:34and my paycheck

00:18:35was already spoke for.

00:18:36Nobody even asked me.

00:18:37I crouched down

00:18:38and put on the shoes.

00:18:39They were light.

00:18:40Light enough

00:18:40to walk out of this house.

00:18:42My phone buzzed.

00:18:42Company.

00:18:43Onboarding complete.

00:18:44Report to the Houston yard.

00:18:45Monday at 8am.

00:18:46I typed two words.

00:18:47Got it.

00:18:48The door banged open.

00:18:49Sloan marched

00:18:49straight over to my suitcase.

00:18:51Mine's ugly.

00:18:52Let me borrow yours

00:18:52for the trip.

00:18:53No.

00:18:53I need it.

00:18:54Need it for what?

00:18:55You never go anywhere.

00:18:57I didn't answer.

00:18:58She stormed out

00:18:58and slammed the door.

00:18:59I counted in my head.

00:19:00Wren.

00:19:01B-O.

00:19:01Five.

00:19:02Four.

00:19:02Three.

00:19:03Two.

00:19:03One.

00:19:04The door opened again.

00:19:05Wren Merrick?

00:19:06Mom and Dad

00:19:07right on cue.

00:19:08Grant trailing behind them.

00:19:10Your sister just wants

00:19:11to borrow a suitcase.

00:19:12Do you really have

00:19:12to be this petty?

00:19:13You're the big sister

00:19:14and you won't even lend her a bag?

00:19:15Is that how family works?

00:19:17I need it.

00:19:19This time,

00:19:19I didn't back down.

00:19:21Never mind.

00:19:22It's fine if she doesn't want to.

00:19:24Mom and Dad

00:19:24pulled her into a hug

00:19:25right away.

00:19:26Grant stared at me

00:19:26for two seconds

00:19:27then turned

00:19:28and walked into his room.

00:19:29He came back dragging

00:19:30a sky blue suitcase.

00:19:31Sloan, use this one.

00:19:32My grip tightened

00:19:32on the door frame.

00:19:33I'd bought him that

00:19:34for his birthday.

00:19:35Three months of warehouse shifts.

00:19:36Sophomore year.

00:19:37Sloan knew.

00:19:37She made a point

00:19:38of looking at me first.

00:19:39Are you sure, Grant?

00:19:40Wren's gonna be upset.

00:19:41Grant's face didn't move

00:19:42because he was doing it

00:19:43on purpose.

00:19:43I spoke up first.

00:19:45It's fine.

00:19:45It was a gift.

00:19:46He can do whatever

00:19:47he wants with it.

00:19:48The room went silent

00:19:48for a second.

00:19:49Grant's head whipped around,

00:19:50his brows knitting together.

00:19:52But he didn't say a word.

00:19:53He just took Sloan

00:19:54and left.

00:19:55Nobody called me down

00:19:56for dinner.

00:19:56By the time I came out,

00:19:57they were deep in conversation.

00:19:58Grish.

00:19:59It's classy

00:19:59and it looks good

00:20:00in any light.

00:20:01Pearl White's cleaner.

00:20:01More minimal.

00:20:02I vote Grish.

00:20:03Do whatever you want

00:20:03downstairs.

00:20:04I'm picking for my own room.

00:20:05Dad was happily digging in

00:20:06when he caught me

00:20:07out of the corner of his eye.

00:20:08He cleared his throat.

00:20:09Instantly,

00:20:10everyone went quiet.

00:20:11So,

00:20:11they'd bought a new house

00:20:12and I was the only one

00:20:13who didn't know.

00:20:14I sat down

00:20:15and took some green beans

00:20:16from the dish

00:20:16closest to me.

00:20:18Swallowing them

00:20:18felt like swallowing nails.

00:20:20Wyn,

00:20:20we bought a house.

00:20:22The rooms are all figured out.

00:20:23Go take a look sometime.

00:20:24How long ago?

00:20:27About six months.

00:20:28Just never found

00:20:29the right time to tell you.

00:20:30Never found the time.

00:20:31Or never wanted to.

00:20:32I could tell the difference.

00:20:33What's the door code?

00:20:3571103.

00:20:35July 11th.

00:20:36November 3rd.

00:20:37Grant's birthday.

00:20:38Sloane's birthday.

00:20:39I looked up.

00:20:40Mom,

00:20:41when's my birthday?

00:20:42She froze,

00:20:43looking at me

00:20:43like I'd said something weird.

00:20:45What kind of question is that?

00:20:46You can't even remember

00:20:47your own birthday?

00:20:48Dad laughed.

00:20:49He thought I was joking.

00:20:50Winter.

00:20:51You came early.

00:20:52There was a huge snowstorm

00:20:53and your mom slipped

00:20:54on the driveway.

00:20:54She almost didn't make it.

00:20:55Went through hell with you.

00:20:57Your mom always said

00:20:58you were born to collect

00:20:58on some debt.

00:20:59Mom cleared her throat,

00:21:00looking uncomfortable,

00:21:01and stopped meeting my eyes.

00:21:02I bring all that up.

00:21:03I looked down too.

00:21:04My hands just wouldn't

00:21:05stop shaking.

00:21:05Before long,

00:21:06Grant and Sloane

00:21:07finished eating,

00:21:08piled up their plates,

00:21:09and went to their rooms.

00:21:10Dad left.

00:21:10Mom got up too.

00:21:11Wyn,

00:21:11house rules.

00:21:12Slowest eater does the dishes.

00:21:13The table was covered

00:21:14in leftovers and dirty plates.

00:21:16I was always the slowest

00:21:17because nobody ever called me

00:21:18when dinner was ready.

00:21:19Mom called Grant.

00:21:20Dad called Sloane.

00:21:21By the time I sat down,

00:21:22half the food was gone.

00:21:23So, I always ended up

00:21:24doing the dishes.

00:21:25I was halfway through

00:21:26when Nana called.

00:21:27Mom put her on speaker.

00:21:28Grant says you're

00:21:29taking Sloane to Italy?

00:21:30That's right, Mom.

00:21:31Want us to bring you anything?

00:21:32Wren's not going?

00:21:33No, she's not.

00:21:34She wants to work

00:21:35and get some experience.

00:21:36Nana sighed

00:21:36and didn't ask again

00:21:37because for four years,

00:21:39Mom had given

00:21:39the exact same answer.

00:21:40Isn't Wyn coming

00:21:41to the amusement park?

00:21:42No, she's got homework.

00:21:43Isn't Wren going skiing with you?

00:21:46No, she's not into sports.

00:21:48Why isn't Wren

00:21:48in the graduation photos?

00:21:50Her skin's been breaking out.

00:21:51She didn't want to be in them.

00:21:52The way they told it,

00:21:53I was the quiet one,

00:21:54the weird one,

00:21:55the one who went

00:21:55looking for misery.

00:21:56That way,

00:21:57nobody would ever stand up for me

00:21:58because that was just how I was.

00:21:59I dried the last plate

00:22:00and looked up.

00:22:01There was a family photo

00:22:02stuck on the fridge,

00:22:03taken last month.

00:22:04Four people.

00:22:04I wasn't one of them.

00:22:06The doorbell rang.

00:22:07I set the last plate

00:22:08in the rack,

00:22:09wiped the corner of my eye

00:22:10and went to get it.

00:22:11Miss Merrick,

00:22:12sign here.

00:22:15It was my diploma.

00:22:17I felt a whole lot lighter

00:22:18all of a sudden.

00:22:19It meant I could leave.

00:22:22What's that?

00:22:24My diploma.

00:22:26Turned to go,

00:22:27then stopped.

00:22:28What do you want for graduation?

00:22:30I promised I'd get you something.

00:22:31That caught me off guard.

00:22:32I didn't think he'd remember.

00:22:33I'd never let myself count on it.

00:22:35Drive me to a clinic tomorrow.

00:22:37Pre-employment physical,

00:22:38blood work,

00:22:39three vaccines,

00:22:40company requirement.

00:22:41I didn't have a car.

00:22:42Sloane got one for her 17th birthday.

00:22:43Grant got one when he turned 20.

00:22:44I was 22.

00:22:45Took the bus.

00:22:47That's it?

00:22:48That's it.

00:22:48He nodded and said,

00:22:49okay.

00:22:50I waited by the front door

00:22:51with my bag.

00:22:52When he came out,

00:22:52he had that apologetic look

00:22:53on his face.

00:22:55Grant,

00:22:56Sloane needs to pick up

00:22:56some clothes for the trip.

00:22:58Let me drop her off first

00:22:58and I'll take you after.

00:22:59But I have an appointment.

00:23:01So reschedule.

00:23:02She's leaving tomorrow.

00:23:02It's kind of urgent.

00:23:03I opened my mouth

00:23:04and closed it again.

00:23:05The second Sloane saw me go quiet,

00:23:07her eyes welled up.

00:23:07Maybe I just won't go shopping.

00:23:10Grant,

00:23:10you should take Wen.

00:23:11Don't be silly.

00:23:12You gotta look cute on your trip.

00:23:13Ben,

00:23:13probably realizing

00:23:14how obvious he was being,

00:23:15he tossed the decision to me.

00:23:16Wen,

00:23:16what do you think?

00:23:17I looked up at his face.

00:23:18It was the face of someone

00:23:19waiting for me

00:23:20to be the understanding one.

00:23:21All of a sudden,

00:23:22I felt exhausted.

00:23:23It looked like

00:23:24they were waiting

00:23:24for me to decide.

00:23:25But we all knew

00:23:25the decision

00:23:26was never really mine.

00:23:27Just go.

00:23:28Grant let out a breath.

00:23:30Sloane ran over

00:23:31and kissed me on the cheek.

00:23:33Thanks,

00:23:33Wren.

00:23:35No problem.

00:23:37Bus is late

00:23:37and I got my shots,

00:23:38alone.

00:23:39Nobody came with you?

00:23:42They're busy.

00:23:44After I left,

00:23:45I booked a flight

00:23:45for Sunday night,

00:23:46one way.

00:23:47When I got home,

00:23:48Sloane was showing off

00:23:49everything she'd bought.

00:23:50Last,

00:23:50she pulled out two things,

00:23:51gifts for mum and dad.

00:23:53Mum gushed over them,

00:23:55then she caught sight of me

00:23:56and her smile vanished.

00:24:00Wren,

00:24:01I'm just saying,

00:24:01look how thoughtful

00:24:02your sister is.

00:24:03She even got something

00:24:03for me and your dad.

00:24:05When have you ever

00:24:05thought about us?

00:24:07With what money?

00:24:08The only reason

00:24:09she could buy gifts

00:24:09was because mum

00:24:10had given her $2,000

00:24:11before she left.

00:24:12She was buying mum presents

00:24:13with mum's own money.

00:24:14Mum knew that perfectly well.

00:24:15She still took the shot

00:24:16at me anyway.

00:24:16Excuse me?

00:24:17What's that supposed to mean?

00:24:18You mad I didn't

00:24:19give you any money?

00:24:19You're a grown woman

00:24:20and you're still keeping score

00:24:22with your little sister?

00:24:23I'm 22.

00:24:24I'm only a year older than her.

00:24:26That's enough.

00:24:26His dad yelled at me.

00:24:27You're too old

00:24:28to be talking back

00:24:29to your mother like that.

00:24:30Grant was looking at me too.

00:24:31With a look

00:24:32I couldn't quite read.

00:24:33Wren,

00:24:33why have you been

00:24:34so on edge lately?

00:24:35Now that someone

00:24:35had her back,

00:24:36mum's eyes teared up

00:24:37right on cue

00:24:38and she turned

00:24:39and went into the bedroom.

00:24:40There's no one

00:24:40stepped in front of me.

00:24:41Wren,

00:24:42you need to go

00:24:43apologize to mum.

00:24:46Move.

00:24:47She shook her head,

00:24:48looking down at me

00:24:49like she was

00:24:49passing judgment.

00:24:51She's your mum.

00:24:52She gave birth to you?

00:24:54How could you

00:24:54treat her like that?

00:24:55That's so messed up.

00:24:57An old,

00:24:58familiar sadness

00:24:59washed over me.

00:25:00Out of everyone

00:25:00in this house,

00:25:01she was the last person

00:25:02who had any right

00:25:03to lecture me.

00:25:03I let everything go.

00:25:04I kept my mouth shut.

00:25:07And I still wasn't

00:25:08even allowed to be upset.

00:25:09Everybody loved her,

00:25:10so whatever she did

00:25:11was right.

00:25:13Wow.

00:25:15Aren't you a saint?

00:25:16I said it softly.

00:25:17I didn't even look at her,

00:25:18but the second it left my mouth,

00:25:19her face changed,

00:25:20and she screamed at me

00:25:21like I'd humiliated her

00:25:22in front of everyone.

00:25:23No wonder mum and dad

00:25:25don't like you!

00:25:26You're such a freak!

00:25:28She shoved me,

00:25:29hard.

00:25:29I slammed into the corner

00:25:30of the dining table.

00:25:31Something in my right ribs

00:25:32made a dull crack.

00:25:34I doubled over in pain.

00:25:35She rapped into her room,

00:25:36trying.

00:25:37I rushed after her

00:25:38to calm her down.

00:25:40Dad went to check on mum.

00:25:41Not one of them

00:25:41looked back at me.

00:25:43Great.

00:25:43Holding my ribs,

00:25:45I slowly dragged myself

00:25:46back to my room.

00:25:48That night,

00:25:49nobody called me

00:25:50for dinner again.

00:25:50It hurt too much to eat,

00:25:51so I stayed in my room.

00:25:53But when I got up

00:25:54to use the bathroom

00:25:55in the middle of the night,

00:25:56the dirty plates

00:25:56were still sitting neatly

00:25:57on the table.

00:25:58They were waiting

00:25:59for me to clean up.

00:25:59They probably thought

00:26:00they were doing me a favour,

00:26:01giving me a way to make up.

00:26:02They figured I'd do

00:26:03what I always did,

00:26:04clean the whole kitchen

00:26:05like a maid,

00:26:05just to get back

00:26:06on their good side.

00:26:07I stared at the plates

00:26:08for two seconds,

00:26:09then went back to my room.

00:26:10I didn't need

00:26:11their approval anymore.

00:26:14The next morning,

00:26:15they were all excited,

00:26:16getting ready to leave.

00:26:17The second they saw me,

00:26:18the chatter stopped.

00:26:21Always walking around

00:26:21with that sour face,

00:26:23like somebody owes her money.

00:26:24Grant followed me

00:26:25to the bathroom door

00:26:26and looked at me

00:26:26in the mirror.

00:26:27You're really not

00:26:27going to apologise to mum?

00:26:29You're going to let her

00:26:29go on vacation upset?

00:26:32She seems pretty happy to me.

00:26:34I shook the water

00:26:35off my hands,

00:26:36dried them,

00:26:36and walked out.

00:26:37He followed me out,

00:26:38his face stormy,

00:26:39about to say something.

00:26:40Don't bother.

00:26:41She's like a dog

00:26:42that bites anyone

00:26:42who gets close.

00:26:43This time,

00:26:44dad and Grant,

00:26:45who usually said something

00:26:45to smooth things over,

00:26:46kept their mouths shut.

00:26:48I walked out the door

00:26:49ahead of them.

00:26:50Out on the driveway,

00:26:51Sloane suddenly stopped.

00:26:52Where's Watt going?

00:26:53Where else would she be going?

00:26:55Work.

00:26:55She pulled Sloane

00:26:56into the car.

00:26:56But right then,

00:26:57dad froze.

00:26:58He'd spotted the suitcase

00:26:58in my hand.

00:26:59Grove's Market

00:27:00was four blocks

00:27:00from the house.

00:27:01Why would anybody

00:27:02bring a suitcase to work?

00:27:03His stomach dropped.

00:27:04He waved at me hard.

00:27:05I didn't look up.

00:27:06He started hurrying

00:27:06toward me.

00:27:07Where are you going?

00:27:08A second later,

00:27:09a car horn blew.

00:27:10Mum was leaning on the horn,

00:27:11telling him to forget about me.

00:27:12He stopped in his tracks.

00:27:13The colour slowly drained

00:27:14from his face.

00:27:19Dad?

00:27:20What are you doing?

00:27:21We're going to miss check-in!

00:27:23Dad kept looking back at me,

00:27:25again and again.

00:27:27Finally,

00:27:27he sighed,

00:27:30turned around,

00:27:31and got in the car.

00:27:34I fell asleep

00:27:34as soon as I got on the plane.

00:27:36When we landed,

00:27:36my phone blew up

00:27:37with notifications

00:27:37from the family group chat.

00:27:39Sloane had posted

00:27:40like a dozen photos

00:27:41at once.

00:27:42The girls in Italy

00:27:42are so stylish,

00:27:44hitting the makeup stores later.

00:27:45Grant,

00:27:45do you want a toiletry bag?

00:27:46Or a razor?

00:27:47Grant replied,

00:27:48almost instantly.

00:27:49I don't need anything.

00:27:50Get something for yourself.

00:27:51Heh heh heh,

00:27:51you're the best.

00:27:52Mum and Dad

00:27:53held up their plates

00:27:54and made silly faces

00:27:55at the camera.

00:27:55It all looked so sweet.

00:27:56Grant deliberately posted

00:27:57a picture of instant ramen.

00:27:58Glad you guys are having fun.

00:27:59I'm stuck at home

00:28:00eating this,

00:28:00Mum replied right away.

00:28:01What?

00:28:01She didn't cook?

00:28:02She meant me.

00:28:03Grant,

00:28:03no clue.

00:28:04Probably sleeping.

00:28:05I checked my watch.

00:28:06I'd been gone for ten hours

00:28:07and he still didn't know

00:28:07I'd left.

00:28:08Diane,

00:28:09so lazy.

00:28:10Can't even make a meal.

00:28:11Her husband's gonna be

00:28:11so fed up with her one day.

00:28:13She said seven or eight

00:28:13messages in a row.

00:28:14Obviously meant for me to see.

00:28:17But I wasn't the only daughter

00:28:18in this family.

00:28:19Sloane had never cooked

00:28:20a day in her loft.

00:28:21Couldn't even wash a plate properly.

00:28:22Mum never said a word

00:28:22to her about it.

00:28:23And the rare times

00:28:24she did help out,

00:28:25Dad would feel bad for her.

00:28:29Don't try to be

00:28:30too capable, sweetie.

00:28:31Otherwise everyone

00:28:32will expect you

00:28:33to do everything.

00:28:33And usually,

00:28:34right at that moment,

00:28:35I was in the kitchen,

00:28:36washing an endless pile

00:28:37of dishes.

00:28:38It wasn't that they

00:28:39didn't know how to love.

00:28:40They just didn't love me.

00:28:43When I didn't respond,

00:28:44Sloane tagged me.

00:28:47Wren,

00:28:47what kind of perfume

00:28:48do you like?

00:28:49I'll get you a bottle.

00:28:50Maybe it was because

00:28:51she'd been loved so much.

00:28:52But Sloane never really

00:28:53held a grudge.

00:28:53She was the one

00:28:54who reached out first.

00:28:55But I didn't reply.

00:28:55It was whether I replied

00:28:56or not,

00:28:57it would end the same way.

00:28:58If I said no thanks,

00:28:59Mum would say I'd

00:28:59throw my sister's kindness

00:29:00back in her face.

00:29:01If I actually said

00:29:01what I wanted,

00:29:02just tell me to send

00:29:03the money for it.

00:29:04So,

00:29:04I pretended I hadn't seen it.

00:29:05Two minutes later,

00:29:06Dad tagged me.

00:29:06At Wren,

00:29:07your sister's talking to you.

00:29:08Why aren't you answering?

00:29:08And where were you going

00:29:09with a suitcase

00:29:10yesterday afternoon?

00:29:11Mum sent a snarky gif.

00:29:12She's too good for us now.

00:29:13Don't bother.

00:29:13The chat went quiet again.

00:29:15Exactly like I expected.

00:29:16The company had set us up

00:29:16in a shared apartment.

00:29:18Rex,

00:29:18you're finally here!

00:29:19We've been waiting for you!

00:29:21They pulled me over

00:29:21to the table.

00:29:22It was covered

00:29:22in take-out containers.

00:29:23What do you want to eat?

00:29:24We'll order more.

00:29:25I suddenly blanked.

00:29:26At home,

00:29:27I was the one who cooked.

00:29:28I knew what Mum liked,

00:29:29what Dad liked,

00:29:29what Brant and Sloan liked,

00:29:30but I had no idea

00:29:31what I liked.

00:29:33You okay?

00:29:34You look exhausted.

00:29:35My eyes started to sting.

00:29:36Someone who'd known me

00:29:37for ten minutes

00:29:38could tell I was hired.

00:29:39My own family hadn't noticed

00:29:40in my whole life.

00:29:42The first week,

00:29:42we learned the ropes.

00:29:43Our supervisor kept drilling

00:29:44three things into us.

00:29:46Don't walk alone after dark.

00:29:47Avoid the east side if you can.

00:29:48Don't wear anything valuable.

00:29:50The pay was good here

00:29:51and there were plenty

00:29:52of opportunities,

00:29:53but it was rough too.

00:29:54On day eight,

00:29:55the rest of my family

00:29:56was on the flight home.

00:29:57In the group chat,

00:29:58Sloan was complaining

00:29:58about Dad.

00:29:59Sloan, a super cute guy,

00:30:01asked for my number

00:30:01and Dad said,

00:30:02no, he's so old-fashioned.

00:30:04You're a girl

00:30:05in a foreign country

00:30:05who knows what guys

00:30:06like that want.

00:30:07I would have said no too.

00:30:07But I'm 21!

00:30:09Even if you were 31,

00:30:10your boyfriend would still

00:30:10have to get past us.

00:30:12You guys are impossible.

00:30:15Home in 30 minutes?

00:30:16I got a ton of gifts.

00:30:17Take whatever you want.

00:30:18Grant went quiet for a bit.

00:30:19Then, out of nowhere...

00:30:20I'm good.

00:30:21Let your sister pick.

00:30:22She's been busy with work.

00:30:24We haven't seen her in days.

00:30:27Didn't she say

00:30:28she didn't want anything?

00:30:29Two seconds later,

00:30:29she unsent it.

00:30:30A few seconds later,

00:30:31she sent...

00:30:32Okay.

00:30:32I put my phone away.

00:30:34That day,

00:30:34I worked late until 10.30.

00:30:36When I left,

00:30:36two of the streetlights

00:30:37were out.

00:30:37I'd barely made it

00:30:38a hundred steps

00:30:39and I heard footsteps

00:30:40behind me.

00:30:41Just as I was about

00:30:41to turn around,

00:30:42someone yanked hard

00:30:43on my bag.

00:30:43The strap caught

00:30:44around my neck

00:30:45and I got dragged

00:30:45to the ground.

00:30:46The back of my head

00:30:46smacked against the concrete.

00:30:49He kicked me in the stump.

00:30:50I curled up in pain.

00:30:51The rib I'd hurt

00:30:52the day before I left

00:30:52felt like it split wide open.

00:30:54The next second,

00:30:55a tall finger came

00:30:55charging in from the side.

00:30:56One punch

00:30:57and the guy was on the ground.

00:30:58He scrambled up

00:30:59and took off.

00:31:01Hey,

00:31:02look at me.

00:31:03You okay?

00:31:05I miss...

00:31:05Before I could finish,

00:31:06I blacked out.

00:31:06When I came to,

00:31:07I was in the ER.

00:31:08The man who saved me

00:31:09was sitting at the table

00:31:10next to me

00:31:11getting some work done.

00:31:11He was wearing

00:31:12a beat-up work jacket,

00:31:13the cuffs worn pale.

00:31:14The second I moved,

00:31:15he looked up.

00:31:16How are you feeling?

00:31:17Better.

00:31:18Thanks for saving me.

00:31:19He shook his head.

00:31:20I'm Eli.

00:31:21Carry something

00:31:22to protect yourself

00:31:22from now on.

00:31:23This area's gotten pretty sketchy

00:31:24the last couple years.

00:31:25He noticed my cracked lips,

00:31:26got up,

00:31:27and poured me a cup of water.

00:31:30When I was done,

00:31:31he pointed at the head

00:31:32of the bed.

00:31:33That's been ringing non-stop.

00:31:34Probably your family.

00:31:34My phone screen was lit up.

00:31:3527 missed calls.

00:31:37Over 100 texts.

00:31:39First day of summer break,

00:31:40and my parents had already

00:31:41lined up another job for me.

00:31:43Cashier at Groves Market.

00:31:4414 bucks an hour,

00:31:4610 hours on my feet.

00:31:47That same day,

00:31:48they booked three plane tickets

00:31:49to Italy for vacation,

00:31:51obviously.

00:31:51Not one of them

00:31:52had my name on it.

00:31:53My brother handed me

00:31:53a new pair of shoes.

00:31:54Said I...

00:31:54I could stand in them

00:31:55for 10 hours, no problem.

00:31:56He was right.

00:31:57They were light enough

00:31:57to walk out the front door in

00:31:58and never look back.

00:31:59The day I left,

00:32:00nobody noticed.

00:32:03Took them nine days

00:32:05to even ask where I was.

00:32:06By then,

00:32:06I was 1,700 miles away,

00:32:08lying in a Houston ER.

00:32:09The man who saved my life

00:32:11held my whole family's future

00:32:12in his hands.

00:32:13And my so-called family

00:32:14was just sitting there

00:32:15waiting for him

00:32:16to buy up their debt.

00:32:17He leaned over my hospital bed

00:32:18and said,

00:32:18the only thing that mattered...

00:32:20Say the word

00:32:20and I'll pull every last dollar.

00:32:23Mom slid it toward me

00:32:24and tapped the top line twice.

00:32:26Groves Market,

00:32:27cashier,

00:32:2714 an hour.

00:32:28It'll be good experience for you.

00:32:29Good experience for you.

00:32:31She'd said those exact words

00:32:32four summers in a row.

00:32:33Freshman year,

00:32:34I slapped barcodes

00:32:35on boxes in a warehouse.

00:32:36They took Sloan to New York.

00:32:37Sophomore year,

00:32:38I worked the night shift

00:32:39at a gas station.

00:32:40They paid for Sloan's

00:32:41driving lesson.

00:32:42Junior year,

00:32:42I graded worksheets

00:32:43at a tutoring center.

00:32:44The three of them

00:32:44flew to Turks and Caicos.

00:32:46So,

00:32:47where to this year?

00:32:47Door swung open.

00:32:48Grant.

00:32:50Italy,

00:32:51the Amalfi Coast.

00:32:52Got these just for you.

00:32:54You could stand in them

00:32:5410 hours straight

00:32:55and not even feel it.

00:32:56I'm covering it this year.

00:32:57Sloan's young.

00:32:58This is the time

00:32:59for her to see the world.

00:33:00You're the best, Grant!

00:33:01Sloan squealed

00:33:02and threw herself into his arms.

00:33:03I looked at my parents.

00:33:04They both looked away

00:33:05at the exact same time.

00:33:07I was only one year

00:33:07older than Sloan.

00:33:09Mom was folding Sloan's clothes

00:33:11when she suddenly looked up

00:33:12and called out

00:33:13toward the living room.

00:33:14Grant,

00:33:15Sloan's a senior next year.

00:33:16Get on it.

00:33:17Find your sister something good.

00:33:18Got it.

00:33:18You've got it.

00:33:18She stopped mid-sentence

00:33:20because, as it happened,

00:33:21there was a daughter

00:33:22in this house

00:33:22graduating next week.

00:33:24Grant didn't pick up on it.

00:33:25Relax, Mom.

00:33:26I've got it covered.

00:33:26She'll have a job

00:33:27the day she graduates.

00:33:28Then he paused

00:33:28like he'd finally remembered

00:33:29I was in the room.

00:33:30Wren?

00:33:32You need any help?

00:33:33No.

00:33:33I already had a job.

00:33:34A field assignment.

00:33:35Houston,

00:33:361700 miles away.

00:33:37I was leaving

00:33:37the minute I had

00:33:38my diploma in hand.

00:33:39Dad chuckled from the couch,

00:33:40trying to smooth things over.

00:33:41Our middle kid's

00:33:42always been independent.

00:33:43Never gave us

00:33:44a lick of trouble.

00:33:45My hands froze

00:33:46on my shoelaces.

00:33:46It wasn't independence.

00:33:47I just learned early on

00:33:48that if I didn't do it myself,

00:33:50nobody would.

00:33:51Sloane set down her coke,

00:33:52ran over,

00:33:52and looped her arm

00:33:53through mine.

00:33:54What do you want, Wren?

00:33:54I'll bring you something back.

00:33:56Something uneasy

00:33:56flickered in her eyes,

00:33:57so she knew it wasn't fair,

00:33:59but I also knew she'd forget.

00:34:00She always remembered

00:34:01Mom's scarves,

00:34:02Dad's ties,

00:34:02the vintage cameras

00:34:03Grant collected.

00:34:04Never mind.

00:34:05Whatever.

00:34:05You pick.

00:34:06See, Wren?

00:34:07Look how sweet

00:34:08your sister is to you.

00:34:09She's thinking of you.

00:34:10Don't you want to do

00:34:11something nice for her, too?

00:34:12Dad looked like

00:34:12he'd been waiting

00:34:13for that cue.

00:34:14Tell you what?

00:34:14Your first month's paycheck?

00:34:16Give it to Sloane

00:34:17as spending money.

00:34:18Oh, you guys,

00:34:19you don't have to do that.

00:34:20Grant ruffled her hair.

00:34:21Being so considerate,

00:34:22just go have fun.

00:34:23Three sentences,

00:34:24and my paycheck

00:34:25was already spoke for.

00:34:26Nobody even asked me.

00:34:27I crouched down

00:34:27and put on the shoes.

00:34:29They were light.

00:34:29Light enough

00:34:30to walk out of this house.

00:34:31My phone buzzed.

00:34:32Company.

00:34:32Onboarding complete.

00:34:33Report to the Houston yard.

00:34:35Monday at 8 a.m.

00:34:36I typed two words.

00:34:37Got it.

00:34:37The door banged open.

00:34:39Sloane marched

00:34:39straight over to my suitcase.

00:34:40Mine's ugly.

00:34:41Let me borrow yours

00:34:42for the trip.

00:34:42No, I need it.

00:34:44Need it for what?

00:34:45You never go anywhere.

00:34:46I didn't answer.

00:34:47She stormed out

00:34:48and slammed the door.

00:34:49I counted in my head.

00:34:50Ren, B-O,

00:34:51five, four, three, two, one.

00:34:53The door opened again.

00:34:55Ren Merrick?

00:34:56Mom and Dad,

00:34:57right on cue.

00:34:57Grant trailing behind them.

00:34:59Your sister just wants

00:35:01to borrow a suitcase.

00:35:02Do you really have

00:35:02to be this petty?

00:35:03You're the big sister

00:35:04and you won't even lend her a bag?

00:35:05Is that how family works?

00:35:07I need it.

00:35:08This time,

00:35:09I didn't back down.

00:35:11Never mind.

00:35:12It's fine if she doesn't want to.

00:35:13Mom and Dad

00:35:14pulled her into a hug

00:35:15right away.

00:35:15Grant stared at me

00:35:16for two seconds,

00:35:17then turned

00:35:17and walked into his room.

00:35:18He came back

00:35:19dragging a sky blue suitcase.

00:35:20Sloane, use this one.

00:35:21My grip tightened

00:35:22on the door frame.

00:35:23I'd bought him that

00:35:24for his birthday.

00:35:24Three months of warehouse shifts.

00:35:26Sophomore year.

00:35:26Sloane knew.

00:35:27She made a point

00:35:28of looking at me first.

00:35:28Are you sure, Grant?

00:35:29Ren's gonna be upset.

00:35:30Grant's face didn't move

00:35:31because he was doing it

00:35:32on purpose.

00:35:33I spoke up first.

00:35:34It's fine.

00:35:35It was a gift.

00:35:36He can do whatever

00:35:36he wants with it.

00:35:37The room went silent

00:35:38for a second.

00:35:39Grant's head whipped around,

00:35:40his brows knitting together.

00:35:41But he didn't say a word.

00:35:43He just took Sloane

00:35:43and left.

00:35:44Nobody called me down

00:35:45for dinner.

00:35:46By the time I came out,

00:35:47they were deep in conversation.

00:35:48Grieche.

00:35:49It's classy

00:35:49and it looks good

00:35:50in any light.

00:35:50Pearl White's cleaner.

00:35:51More minimal.

00:35:51I vote Grieche.

00:35:52Do whatever you want

00:35:53downstairs.

00:35:53I'm picking for my own room.

00:35:55Dad was happily digging in

00:35:56when he caught me

00:35:57out of the corner of his eye.

00:35:58He cleared his throat.

00:35:59Instantly,

00:35:59everyone went quiet.

00:36:00So,

00:36:01they'd bought a new house

00:36:02and I was the only one

00:36:03who didn't know.

00:36:04I sat down

00:36:04and took some green beans

00:36:05from the dish

00:36:06closest to me.

00:36:07Swallowing them

00:36:08felt like swallowing nails.

00:36:10Wynn,

00:36:10we bought a house.

00:36:11The rooms are all figured out.

00:36:13Go take a look sometime.

00:36:14How long ago?

00:36:16About six months.

00:36:18Just never found

00:36:18the right time to tell you.

00:36:19Never found the time.

00:36:20Or never wanted to.

00:36:21I could tell the difference.

00:36:22What's the door code?

00:36:2471103.

00:36:25July 11th.

00:36:26November 3rd.

00:36:27Grant's birthday.

00:36:28Sloane's birthday.

00:36:29I looked up.

00:36:30Mom,

00:36:31when's my birthday?

00:36:32She froze,

00:36:32looking at me like

00:36:33I'd said something weird.

00:36:34What kind of question is that?

00:36:35You can't even remember

00:36:36your own birthday?

00:36:37Dad laughed.

00:36:38He thought I was joking.

00:36:40Winter.

00:36:40You came early.

00:36:41There was a huge snowstorm

00:36:42and your mom slipped

00:36:43on the driveway.

00:36:44She almost didn't make it.

00:36:45Went through hell with you.

00:36:46Your mom always said

00:36:47you were born to collect

00:36:48on some debt.

00:36:49Mom cleared her throat,

00:36:50looking uncomfortable,

00:36:51and stopped meeting my eyes.

00:36:52I bring all that up.

00:36:52I looked down too.

00:36:53My hands just wouldn't

00:36:54stop shaking.

00:36:55Before long,

00:36:56Grant and Sloane

00:36:56finished eating,

00:36:57piled up their plates,

00:36:58and went to their rooms.

00:36:59Dad left.

00:37:00Mom got up too.

00:37:01Wynn,

00:37:01house rules.

00:37:02Slowest eater does the dishes.

00:37:03The table was covered

00:37:04in leftovers and dirty plates.

00:37:05I was always the slowest

00:37:07because nobody ever called me

00:37:08when dinner was ready.

00:37:09Mom called Grant.

00:37:10Dad called Sloane.

00:37:11By the time I sat down,

00:37:12half the food was gone.

00:37:13So I always ended up

00:37:14doing the dishes.

00:37:15I was halfway through

00:37:16when Nana called.

00:37:17Mom put her on speaker.

00:37:18Grant says you're

00:37:19taking Sloane to Italy?

00:37:20That's right, Mom.

00:37:20Want us to bring you anything?

00:37:22Wren's not going?

00:37:23No, she's not.

00:37:24She wants to work

00:37:24and get some experience.

00:37:25Nana sighed

00:37:26and didn't ask again

00:37:27because for four years,

00:37:28Mom had given

00:37:29the exact same answer.

00:37:30Isn't Wynn coming

00:37:31to the amusement park?

00:37:32No, she's got homework.

00:37:33Isn't Wren

00:37:33going skiing with you?

00:37:36No, she's not into sports.

00:37:37Why isn't Wren

00:37:38in the graduation photos?

00:37:39Her skin's been breaking out.

00:37:41She didn't want to be in them.

00:37:42The way they told it,

00:37:43I was the quiet one,

00:37:44the weird one,

00:37:44the one who went

00:37:45looking for misery.

00:37:46That way,

00:37:46nobody would ever stand up for me

00:37:48because that was just how I was.

00:37:49I dried the last plate

00:37:50and looked up.

00:37:51There was a family photo

00:37:51stuck on the fridge,

00:37:52taken last month.

00:37:53Four people.

00:37:54I wasn't one of them.

00:37:56The doorbell rang.

00:37:57I set the last plate

00:37:58in the rack,

00:37:58wiped the corner of my eye

00:37:59and went to get it.

00:38:01Miss Merrick,

00:38:02sign here.

00:38:05It was my diploma.

00:38:06I felt a whole lot lighter

00:38:08all of a sudden.

00:38:08It meant I could leave.

00:38:12What's that?

00:38:14My diploma.

00:38:16Turned to go,

00:38:17then stopped.

00:38:18What do you want for graduation?

00:38:19I promised I'd get you something.

00:38:20That caught me off guard.

00:38:21I didn't think he'd remember.

00:38:22I'd never let myself count on it.

00:38:25Drive me to a clinic tomorrow.

00:38:27Pre-employment physical,

00:38:28blood work,

00:38:29three vaccines,

00:38:29company requirement.

00:38:30I didn't have a car.

00:38:31Sloan got one for her 70th birthday.

00:38:33Grant got one when he turned 20.

00:38:34I was 22.

00:38:35Took the bus.

00:38:37That's it?

00:38:37That's it.

00:38:38He nodded and said,

00:38:39okay.

00:38:39I waited by the front door

00:38:40with my bag.

00:38:41When he came out,

00:38:42he had that apologetic look

00:38:43on his face.

00:38:45Grant,

00:38:45Sloan needs to pick up

00:38:46some clothes for the trip.

00:38:47Let me drop her off first

00:38:48and I'll take you after.

00:38:49But I have an appointment.

00:38:50So reschedule.

00:38:51She's leaving tomorrow.

00:38:52It's kind of urgent.

00:38:53I opened my mouth

00:38:54and closed it again.

00:38:55The second Sloan

00:38:55saw me go quiet,

00:38:56her eyes welled up.

00:38:57Maybe I just won't go shopping.

00:38:59Grant,

00:39:00you should take Wen.

00:39:00Don't be silly.

00:39:01You gotta look cute on your trip.

00:39:02Then,

00:39:03probably realizing

00:39:03how obvious he was being,

00:39:05he tossed the decision to me.

00:39:06Wen,

00:39:06what do you think?

00:39:06I looked up at his face.

00:39:08It was the face of someone

00:39:09waiting for me

00:39:10to be the understanding one.

00:39:11All of a sudden,

00:39:12I felt exhausted.

00:39:13It looked like

00:39:13they were waiting

00:39:14for me to decide.

00:39:15But we all knew

00:39:15the decision was never really mine.

00:39:17Just go.

00:39:18Grant let out a breath.

00:39:20Sloan ran over

00:39:21and kissed me on the cheek.

00:39:22Thanks,

00:39:23Wren.

00:39:25No problem.

00:39:26Plus it's late.

00:39:27I've got my shots,

00:39:28alone.

00:39:28Nobody came with you?

00:39:32They're busy.

00:39:33After I left,

00:39:34I booked a flight

00:39:35for Sunday night,

00:39:36one way.

00:39:37When I got home,

00:39:38Sloan was showing off

00:39:38everything she'd bought.

00:39:39Last,

00:39:40she pulled out two things,

00:39:41gifts for mum and dad.

00:39:43Mum gushed over them.

00:39:44Then she caught sight of me

00:39:45and her smile vanished.

00:39:50Wren,

00:39:50I'm just saying,

00:39:51look how thoughtful

00:39:51your sister is.

00:39:52She even got something

00:39:53for me and your dad.

00:39:54When have you ever

00:39:55thought about us?

00:39:56With what money?

00:39:57The only reason

00:39:58she could buy gifts

00:39:59was because mum

00:40:00had given her $2,000

00:40:01before she left.

00:40:02She was buying mum presents

00:40:03with mum's own money.

00:40:03Mum knew that perfectly well.

00:40:05She still took the shot

00:40:05at me anyway.

00:40:06Excuse me?

00:40:07What's that supposed to mean?

00:40:08You mad I didn't give you

00:40:08any money?

00:40:09You're a grown woman

00:40:10and you're still keeping score

00:40:11with your little sister?

00:40:13I'm 22.

00:40:13I'm only a year older than her.

00:40:15That's enough!

00:40:16Dad yelled at me.

00:40:17You're too old

00:40:18to be talking back

00:40:18to your mother like that.

00:40:19Grant was looking at me too.

00:40:21With a look

00:40:21I couldn't quite read.

00:40:23Wren,

00:40:23why have you been

00:40:23so on edge lately?

00:40:24Now that someone had her back,

00:40:26mum's eyes teared up

00:40:27right on cue.

00:40:28And she turned,

00:40:28went into the bedroom.

00:40:30There's no one

00:40:30stepped in front of me.

00:40:31Wren,

00:40:32you need to go

00:40:32apologize to mum.

00:40:36Move.

00:40:37She shook her head,

00:40:38looking down at me

00:40:38like she was

00:40:39passing judgment.

00:40:40She's your mum.

00:40:42She gave birth to you?

00:40:43How could you

00:40:44treat her like that?

00:40:45That's so messed up.

00:40:47An old familiar sadness

00:40:48washed over me.

00:40:49Out of everyone

00:40:50in this house,

00:40:51she was the last person

00:40:52who had any right

00:40:52to lecture me.

00:40:53I let everything go.

00:40:54I kept my mouth shut.

00:40:56And I still wasn't

00:40:58even allowed to be upset.

00:40:59Everybody loved her,

00:41:00so whatever she did

00:41:01was right.

00:41:03Wow.

00:41:04Aren't you a saint?

00:41:05I said it softly.

00:41:06I didn't even look at her,

00:41:08but the second it left my mouth,

00:41:09her face changed

00:41:10and she screamed at me

00:41:11like I'd humiliated her

00:41:12in front of everyone.

00:41:13No wonder mum and dad

00:41:14don't like you!

00:41:15You're such a freak!

00:41:18She shoved me,

00:41:18wad.

00:41:19I slammed into the corner

00:41:20of the dining table

00:41:21and something in my right ribs

00:41:22made a dull crack.

00:41:24I doubled over in pain.

00:41:25She ran into her room,

00:41:26crying.

00:41:27I rushed after her

00:41:27to calm her down.

00:41:29Dad went to check on mum.

00:41:30Not one of them

00:41:31looked back at me.

00:41:32Great.

00:41:33Holding my ribs,

00:41:35I slowly dragged myself

00:41:36back to my room.

00:41:38That night,

00:41:39nobody called me

00:41:39for dinner again.

00:41:40It hurt too much to eat,

00:41:41so I stayed in my room.

00:41:43But when I got up

00:41:44to use the bathroom

00:41:44in the middle of the night,

00:41:45the dirty plates

00:41:46were still sitting neatly

00:41:47on the table.

00:41:48They were waiting

00:41:48for me to clean up.

00:41:49They probably thought

00:41:50they were doing me a favour,

00:41:51giving me a way to make up.

00:41:52They figured I'd do

00:41:53what I always did,

00:41:53clean the whole kitchen

00:41:54like a maid,

00:41:55just to get back

00:41:55on their good side.

00:41:56I stared at the plates

00:41:57for two seconds,

00:41:59then went back to my room.

00:42:00I didn't need

00:42:01their approval anymore.

00:42:03The next morning,

00:42:04they were all excited,

00:42:05getting ready to leave.

00:42:07The second they saw me,

00:42:08the chatter stopped.

00:42:10Always walking around

00:42:11with that sour face,

00:42:12like somebody owes her money.

00:42:14Grant followed me

00:42:15to the bathroom door

00:42:15and looked at me

00:42:16in the mirror.

00:42:16You're really not

00:42:17going to apologise to mum?

00:42:18You're going to let her

00:42:19go on vacation upset?

00:42:21She seems pretty happy to me.

00:42:24I shook the water

00:42:25off my hands,

00:42:25dried them,

00:42:26and walked out.

00:42:27He followed me out,

00:42:27his face stormy,

00:42:28about to say something.

00:42:29Don't bother.

00:42:30She's like a dog

00:42:31that bites anyone

00:42:32who gets close.

00:42:33This time,

00:42:34dad and Grant,

00:42:34who usually said something

00:42:35to smooth things over,

00:42:36kept their mouths shut.

00:42:38I walked out the door

00:42:39ahead of them.

00:42:39Out on the driveway,

00:42:40Sloane suddenly stopped.

00:42:41Where's Wack going?

00:42:43Where else would she be going?

00:42:44Work.

00:42:45She pulled Sloane

00:42:45into the car.

00:42:46But right then,

00:42:47dad froze.

00:42:47He'd spotted the suitcase

00:42:48in my hand.

00:42:49Grove's Market

00:42:49was four blocks

00:42:50from the house.

00:42:51Why would anybody

00:42:51bring a suitcase to work?

00:42:52His stomach dropped.

00:42:53He waved at me hard.

00:42:54I didn't look up.

00:42:55He started hurrying

00:42:56toward me.

00:42:57Where are you going?

00:42:58A second later,

00:42:59a car horn blew.

00:42:59Mom was leaning

00:43:00on the horn,

00:43:01telling him to forget

00:43:01about me.

00:43:02He stopped in his tracks.

00:43:03The color slowly

00:43:04drained from his face.

00:43:09Dad?

00:43:10What are you doing?

00:43:10We're going to

00:43:11miss check-in!

00:43:13Dad kept looking

00:43:14back at me,

00:43:14again and again.

00:43:16Finally,

00:43:17he sighed,

00:43:20turned around,

00:43:21and got in the car.

00:43:23I fell asleep

00:43:24as soon as I got

00:43:25on the plane.

00:43:25When we landed,

00:43:26my phone blew up

00:43:26with notifications

00:43:27from the family group chat.

00:43:29Sloane had posted

00:43:30like a dozen photos

00:43:31at once.

00:43:31The girls in Italy

00:43:32are so stylish,

00:43:33hitting the makeup

00:43:34stores later.

00:43:35Grant,

00:43:35do you want a

00:43:35toiletry bag

00:43:36or a razor?

00:43:37Grant replied

00:43:38almost instantly.

00:43:38I don't need anything.

00:43:39Get something for yourself.

00:43:41You're the best.

00:43:42Mom and dad

00:43:42held up their plates

00:43:43and made silly faces

00:43:44at the camera.

00:43:45It all looks so sweet.

00:43:46Grant deliberately posted

00:43:46a picture of instant ramen.

00:43:48Glad you guys are having fun.

00:43:48I'm stuck at home

00:43:49eating this,

00:43:50Mom replied right away.

00:43:51What?

00:43:51She didn't cook?

00:43:52She meant me.

00:43:53Grant,

00:43:53no clue.

00:43:54Probably sleeping.

00:43:54I checked my watch.

00:43:55I'd been gone for ten hours

00:43:56and he still didn't know

00:43:57I'd left.

00:43:58Diane,

00:43:59so lazy.

00:43:59Can't even make a meal.

00:44:00Her husband's gonna be

00:44:01so fed up with her one day.

00:44:02She said seven or eight

00:44:03messages in a row.

00:44:04Obviously meant for me to see.

00:44:07But I wasn't the only daughter

00:44:08in this family.

00:44:08Sloane had never cooked

00:44:09a day in her lot.

00:44:10Couldn't even wash a plate properly.

00:44:11Mom never said a word

00:44:12to her about it.

00:44:13And the rare times

00:44:14she did help out,

00:44:15Dad would feel bad for her.

00:44:19Don't try to be

00:44:19too capable, sweetie.

00:44:21Otherwise everyone

00:44:22will expect you

00:44:22to do everything.

00:44:23And usually,

00:44:24right at that moment,

00:44:24I was in the kitchen

00:44:25washing an endless pile

00:44:26of dishes.

00:44:28It wasn't that they

00:44:28didn't know how to love.

00:44:30They just didn't love me.

00:44:32When I didn't respond,

00:44:33Sloane tagged me.

00:44:37Wren,

00:44:37what kind of perfume

00:44:38do you like?

00:44:38I'll get you a bottle.

00:44:40Maybe it was because

00:44:40she'd been loved so much.

00:44:41But Sloane never really

00:44:42held a grudge.

00:44:43She was the one

00:44:43who reached out first.

00:44:44But I didn't reply.

00:44:45Because whether I replied or not,

00:44:46it would end the same way.

00:44:47If I said no thanks,

00:44:48Mum would say I'd throw

00:44:49my sister's kindness

00:44:50back in her face.

00:44:50If I actually said

00:44:51what I wanted,

00:44:52just tell me to send

00:44:53the money for it.

00:44:53So,

00:44:54I pretended I hadn't seen it.

00:44:55Two minutes later,

00:44:55Dad tagged me.

00:44:56At Wren,

00:44:56your sister's talking to you.

00:44:57Why aren't you answering?

00:44:58And where were you going

00:44:59with a suitcase

00:44:59yesterday afternoon?

00:45:00Mum sent a snarky gif.

00:45:01She's too good for us now.

00:45:02Don't bother.

00:45:03The chat went quiet again.

00:45:04Exactly like I expected.

00:45:05The company had set us up

00:45:06in a shared apartment.

00:45:07Wren,

00:45:08you're finally here!

00:45:09We've been waiting for you!

00:45:10They pulled me over to the table.

00:45:11It was covered in

00:45:12takeout containers.

00:45:13What do you want to eat?

00:45:14We'll order more.

00:45:15I suddenly blanked.

00:45:16Back home,

00:45:16I was the one who cooked.

00:45:17I knew what Mum liked,

00:45:18what Dad liked,

00:45:19what Brant and Sloan liked,

00:45:20but I had no idea

00:45:21what I liked.

00:45:22You okay?

00:45:23You look exhausted.

00:45:24My eyes started to sting.

00:45:26Someone who'd known me

00:45:27for ten minutes

00:45:27could tell I was hired.

00:45:28My own family hadn't noticed

00:45:29in my whole life.

00:45:31The first week,

00:45:32we learned the ropes.

00:45:33Our supervisor kept drilling

00:45:34three things into us.

00:45:35Don't walk alone after dark.

00:45:37Avoid the east side if you can.

00:45:38Don't wear anything valuable.

00:45:40The pay was good here,

00:45:41and there were plenty

00:45:42of opportunities,

00:45:42but it was rough too.

00:45:44On day eight,

00:45:45the rest of my family

00:45:45was on the flight home.

00:45:46In the group chat,

00:45:47Sloan was complaining about Dad.

00:45:49Sloan,

00:45:49a super cute guy,

00:45:50asked for my number

00:45:51and Dad said,

00:45:52no,

00:45:52he's so old-fashioned.

00:45:54You're a girl

00:45:54in a foreign country

00:45:55who knows what guys like that want.

00:45:56I would have said no too.

00:45:57But I'm 21!

00:45:58Even if you were 31,

00:45:59your boyfriend would still

00:46:00have to get past us.

00:46:01You guys are impossible.

00:46:05Home in 30 minutes?

00:46:06I got a ton of gifts.

00:46:07Take whatever you want.

00:46:08Grant went quiet for a bit.

00:46:09Then, out of nowhere,

00:46:10I'm good.

00:46:11Let your sister pick.

00:46:12She's been busy with work.

00:46:13We haven't seen her in days.

00:46:17Didn't she say

00:46:17she didn't want anything?

00:46:18Two seconds later,

00:46:19she unsent it.

00:46:20A few seconds later,

00:46:21she sent...

00:46:21Okay.

00:46:22I put my phone away.

00:46:23That day,

00:46:24I worked late until 10.30.

00:46:25When I left,

00:46:26two of the streetlights were out.

00:46:27I'd barely made it a hundred steps,

00:46:29and I heard footsteps behind me.

00:46:30Just as I was about to turn around,

00:46:32someone yanked hard on my bag.

00:46:33The strap caught around my neck,

00:46:34and I got dragged to the ground.

00:46:35The back of my head

00:46:36smacked against the concrete.

00:46:39He kicked me in the stump.

00:46:40I curled up in pain.

00:46:41The rib I'd hurt the day before I left

00:46:42felt like it split wide open.

00:46:44The next second,

00:46:44a tall finger came charging in from the side.

00:46:46One punch,

00:46:46and the guy was on the ground.

00:46:48He scrambled up and took off.

00:46:51Hey,

00:46:52look at me.

00:46:53You okay?

00:46:54I miss...

00:46:55Before I could finish,

00:46:55I blacked out.

00:46:56When I came to,

00:46:57I was in the ER.

00:46:58The man who saved me

00:46:58was sitting at the table,

00:47:00next to me,

00:47:00getting some work done.

00:47:01He was wearing a beat-up work jacket.

00:47:02The cuffs worn pale.

00:47:03The second I moved,

00:47:04he looked up.

00:47:05How are you feeling?

00:47:07Better.

00:47:07Thanks for saving me.

00:47:09He shook his head.

00:47:10I'm Eli.

00:47:11Carry something to protect yourself from now on.

00:47:12This area's gotten pretty sketchy

00:47:14the last couple years.

00:47:14He noticed my cracked lips,

00:47:16got up,

00:47:16and poured me a cup of water.

00:47:20When I was done,

00:47:21he pointed at the head of the bed.

00:47:22That's been ringing non-stop.

00:47:23Probably your family.

00:47:24My phone screen was lit up.

00:47:2527 missed calls.

00:47:26Over 100 texts.

00:47:28First day of summer break,

00:47:30and my parents had already lined up

00:47:31another job for me.

00:47:32Cashier at Groves Market.

00:47:3414 bucks an hour,

00:47:3510 hours on my feet.

00:47:37That same day,

00:47:37they booked three plane tickets

00:47:39to Italy.

00:47:40For vacation, obviously.

00:47:41Not one of them had my name on it.

00:47:42My brother handed me a new pair of shoes.

00:47:44Said I could stand in them for 10 hours,

00:47:45no problem.

00:47:46He was right.

00:47:46They were light enough

00:47:47to walk out the front door in

00:47:48and never look back.

00:47:49The day I left,

00:47:50nobody noticed.

00:47:53Took them nine days

00:47:54to even ask where I was.

00:47:56By then,

00:47:56I was 1,700 miles away,

00:47:58lying in a Houston ER.

00:47:59The man who saved my life,

00:48:00held my whole family's future

00:48:02in his hands,

00:48:03and my so-called family

00:48:04was just sitting there

00:48:05waiting for him to buy up their debt.

00:48:06He leaned over my hospital bed

00:48:07and said,

00:48:08the only thing that mattered.

00:48:09Say the word

00:48:10and I'll pull every last dollar.

00:48:13Mom slid it toward me

00:48:14and tapped the top line twice.

00:48:16Groves Market.

00:48:16Cashier.

00:48:1714 an hour.

00:48:18It'll be good experience for you.

00:48:19Good experience for you.

00:48:20She'd said those exact words

00:48:22four summers in a row.

00:48:23Freshman year,

00:48:23I slapped barcodes

00:48:24on boxes in a warehouse.

00:48:26They took Sloan to New York.

00:48:27Sophomore year,

00:48:28I worked the night shift

00:48:28at a gas station.

00:48:29They paid for Sloan's driving lesson.

00:48:31Junior year,

00:48:32I graded worksheets

00:48:33at a tutoring center.

00:48:33The three of them

00:48:34flew to Turks and Caicos.

00:48:36So,

00:48:36where to this year?

00:48:37Door swung open.

00:48:38Grant.

00:48:40Italy.

00:48:40The Amalfi Coast.

00:48:42Got these just for you.

00:48:43You could stand in them

00:48:44ten hours straight

00:48:45and not even feel it.

00:48:46I'm covering it this year.

00:48:47Sloan's young.

00:48:48This is the time

00:48:48for her to see the world.

00:48:50You're the best, Grant!

00:48:51Sloan squealed

00:48:51and threw herself into his arms.

00:48:53I looked at my parents.

00:48:54They both looked away

00:48:55at the exact same time.

00:48:56I was only one year

00:48:57older than Sloan.

00:48:59Mom was folding Sloan's clothes

00:49:01when she suddenly looked up

00:49:02and called out

00:49:03toward the living room.

00:49:04Grant,

00:49:05Slane's a senior next year.

00:49:06Get on it.

00:49:06Find your sister something good.

00:49:07Got it.

00:49:08You've got it.

00:49:08She stopped mid-sentence

00:49:09because,

00:49:10as it happened,

00:49:11there was a daughter

00:49:11in this house

00:49:12graduating next week.

00:49:13Grant didn't pick up on it.

00:49:15Relax, Mom.

00:49:15I've got it covered.

00:49:16She'll have a job

00:49:16the day she graduates.

00:49:17Then he paused

00:49:18like he'd finally remembered

00:49:19I was in the room.

00:49:20Wren?

00:49:21You need any help?

00:49:22No.

00:49:22I already had a job.

00:49:24A field assignment.

00:49:25Houston.

00:49:251700 miles away.

00:49:26I was leaving

00:49:27the minute I had

00:49:28my diploma in hand.

00:49:29Dad chuckled from the couch,

00:49:30trying to smooth things over.

00:49:31Our middle kid's

00:49:32always been independent.

00:49:33Never gave us

00:49:34a lick of trouble.

00:49:35My hands froze

00:49:35on my shoelaces.

00:49:36It wasn't independence.

00:49:37I just learned early on

00:49:38that if I didn't do it myself,

00:49:39nobody would.

00:49:40Sloan set down her coke,

00:49:42ran over,

00:49:42and looped her arm

00:49:43through mine.

00:49:43What do you want, Wren?

00:49:44I'll bring you something back.

00:49:45Something uneasy

00:49:46flickered in her eyes,

00:49:47so she knew it wasn't fair,

00:49:48but I also knew she'd forget.

00:49:49She always remembered

00:49:50Mom's scarves,

00:49:51Dad's ties,

00:49:52the vintage cameras

00:49:53Grant collected.

00:49:54Never mind.

00:49:54Whatever.

00:49:55You pick.

00:49:56See, Wren,

00:49:57look how sweet

00:49:57your sister is to you.

00:49:59She's thinking of you.

00:50:00Don't you want to do

00:50:00something nice for her, too?

00:50:01Dad looked like

00:50:02he'd been waiting

00:50:03for that cue.

00:50:04Tell you what,

00:50:04your first month's paycheck?

00:50:06Give it to Sloan

00:50:07as spending money.

00:50:07Oh, you guys,

00:50:08you don't have to do that.

00:50:09Grant ruffled her hair.

00:50:11Being so considerate,

00:50:12just go have fun.

00:50:13Three sentences,

00:50:14and my paycheck

00:50:14was already spoke for.

00:50:15Nobody even asked me.

00:50:16I crouched down

00:50:17and put on the shoes.

00:50:18They were light.

00:50:19Light enough to walk

00:50:20out of this house.

00:50:21My phone buzzed.

00:50:22Company.

00:50:22Onboarding complete.

00:50:23Report to the Houston Yard.

00:50:24Monday at 8 a.m.

00:50:25I typed two words.

00:50:26Got it.

00:50:27The door banged open.

00:50:28Sloan marched

00:50:29straight over to my suitcase.

00:50:30Mine's ugly.

00:50:31Let me borrow yours

00:50:31for the trip.

00:50:32No.

00:50:33I need it.

00:50:33Need it for what?

00:50:35You never go anywhere.

00:50:36I didn't answer.

00:50:37She stormed out

00:50:38and slammed the door.

00:50:38I counted in my head.

00:50:39Wren,

00:50:40B-O,

00:50:40five,

00:50:41four,

00:50:42three,

00:50:42two,

00:50:42one.

00:50:43The door opened again.

00:50:45Wren Merrick?

00:50:46Mom and Dad,

00:50:46right on cue.

00:50:47Grant trailing behind them.

00:50:49Your sister just wants to borrow a suitcase.

00:50:51Do you really have to be this petty?

00:50:52You're the big sister

00:50:53and you won't even lend her a bag?

00:50:55Is that how family works?

00:50:56I need it.

00:50:58This time,

00:50:59I didn't back down.

00:51:00Never mind.

00:51:01It's fine if she doesn't want to.

00:51:03Mom and Dad pulled her into a hug,

00:51:04right away.

00:51:05Grant stared at me for two seconds,

00:51:07then turned and walked into his room.

00:51:08He came back dragging a sky blue suitcase.

00:51:10Sloan,

00:51:10use this one.

00:51:11My grip tightened on the door frame.

00:51:12I'd bought him that for his birthday.

00:51:14Three months of warehouse shifts.

00:51:15Sophomore year.

00:51:16Sloan knew.

00:51:17She made a point of looking at me first.

00:51:18Are you sure, Grant?

00:51:19Wren's gonna be upset.

00:51:20Grant's face didn't move

00:51:21because he was doing it on purpose.

00:51:23I spoke up first.

00:51:24It's fine.

00:51:24It was a gift.

00:51:25He can do whatever he wants with it.

00:51:27The room went silent for a second.

00:51:28Grant's head whipped around,

00:51:30his brows knitting together.

00:51:31But he didn't say a word.

00:51:32He just took Sloan and left.

00:51:34Nobody called me down for dinner.

00:51:35By the time I came out,

00:51:36they were deep in conversation.

00:51:38Grish,

00:51:38it's classy and it looks good in any light.

00:51:40Pearl White's cleaner.

00:51:41More minimal.

00:51:41I vote Grish.

00:51:42Do whatever you want downstairs.

00:51:43I'm picking for my own room.

00:51:44Dad was happily digging in

00:51:46when he caught me out of the corner of his eye.

00:51:47He cleared his throat.

00:51:48Instantly,

00:51:49everyone went quiet.

00:51:50So,

00:51:50they'd bought a new house

00:51:51and I was the only one who didn't know.

00:51:53I sat down

00:51:54and took some green beans from the dish

00:51:56closest to me.

00:51:57Swallowing them

00:51:57felt like swallowing nails.

00:51:59Wren,

00:52:00we bought a house.

00:52:01The rooms are all figured out.

00:52:02Go take a look sometime.

00:52:03How long ago?

00:52:06About six months.

00:52:07Just never found the right time to tell you.

00:52:09Never found the time

00:52:10or never wanted to.

00:52:11I could tell the difference.

00:52:12What's the door code?

00:52:1471103.

00:52:15July 11th,

00:52:16November 3rd.

00:52:17Grant's birthday.

00:52:18Sloane's birthday.

00:52:19I looked up.

00:52:19Mom,

00:52:20when's my birthday?

00:52:22She froze,

00:52:22looking at me like I'd said something weird.

00:52:24What kind of question is that?

00:52:25You can't even remember your own birthday?

00:52:27Dad laughed.

00:52:28He thought I was joking.

00:52:29Winter.

00:52:30You came early,

00:52:31there was a huge snowstorm

00:52:32and your mom slipped on the driveway.

00:52:34She almost didn't make it.

00:52:35Went through hell with you.

00:52:36Your mom always said

00:52:37you were born to collect on some debt.

00:52:39Mom cleared her throat,

00:52:39looking uncomfortable,

00:52:40and stopped meeting my eyes.

00:52:41I bring all that up.

00:52:42I looked down too.

00:52:43My hands just wouldn't stop shaking.

00:52:45Before long,

00:52:45Grant and Sloane finished eating,

00:52:47piled up their plates,

00:52:48and went to their rooms.

00:52:49Dad left.

00:52:49Mom got up too.

00:52:50When house rules,

00:52:52slowest eater does the dishes.

00:52:53The table was covered in leftovers

00:52:54and dirty plates.

00:52:55I was always the slowest

00:52:56because nobody ever called me

00:52:58when dinner was ready.

00:52:59Mom called Grant.

00:53:00Dad called Sloane.

00:53:00By the time I sat down,

00:53:01half the food was gone.

00:53:02So I always ended up

00:53:04doing the dishes.

00:53:05I was halfway through

00:53:06when Nana called.

00:53:07Mom put her on speaker.

00:53:08Grant says you're taking Sloane to Italy.

00:53:09That's right, Mom.

00:53:10Want us to bring you anything?

00:53:11Wren's not going?

00:53:13No, she's not.

00:53:13She wants to work

00:53:14and get some experience.

00:53:15Nana sighed

00:53:16and didn't ask again

00:53:17because for four years,

00:53:18Mom had given the exact same answer.

00:53:20Isn't Wynne coming to the amusement park?

00:53:21No, she's got homework.

00:53:23Isn't Wrenne going skiing with you?

00:53:25No, she's not into sports.

00:53:27Why isn't Wrenne in the graduation photos?

00:53:29Her skin's been breaking out.

00:53:30She didn't want to be in them.

00:53:31The way they told it,

00:53:32I was the quiet one.

00:53:33The weird one.

00:53:34The one who went looking for misery.

00:53:35That way,

00:53:36nobody would ever stand up for me

00:53:37because that was just how I was.

00:53:39I dried the last plate

00:53:40and looked up.

00:53:40There was a family photo

00:53:41stuck on the fridge.

00:53:42Taken last month.

00:53:43Four people.

00:53:44I wasn't one of them.

00:53:46The doorbell rang.

00:53:47I set the last plate in the rack,

00:53:48wiped the corner of my eye

00:53:49and went to get it.

00:53:51Miss Merrick, sign here.

00:53:55It was my diploma.

00:53:56I felt a whole lot lighter

00:53:57all of a sudden.

00:53:58It meant I could leave.

00:54:01What's that?

00:54:03My diploma.

00:54:06Turned to go,

00:54:06then stopped.

00:54:07What do you want for graduation?

00:54:09I promised I'd get you something.

00:54:10That caught me off guard.

00:54:11I didn't think he'd remember.

00:54:12I'd never let myself count on it.

00:54:15Drive me to a clinic tomorrow.

00:54:16Pre-employment physical,

00:54:17blood work,

00:54:18three vaccines,

00:54:19company requirement.

00:54:20I didn't have a car.

00:54:21Sloan got one for her 17th birthday.

00:54:22Grouch got one when he turned 20.

00:54:24I was 22.

00:54:24Took the bus.

00:54:26That's it?

00:54:27That's it.

00:54:27He nodded and said,

00:54:28okay.

00:54:29I waited by the front door

00:54:30with my bag.

00:54:31When he came out,

00:54:31he had that apologetic look

00:54:32on his face.

00:54:34Grant,

00:54:35Sloan needs to pick up

00:54:36some clothes for the trip.

00:54:37Let me drop her off first

00:54:38and I'll take you after.

00:54:38But I have an appointment.

00:54:40So reschedule.

00:54:41She's leaving tomorrow.

00:54:42It's kind of urgent.

00:54:42I opened my mouth

00:54:43and closed it again.

00:54:44The second Sloan

00:54:45saw me go quiet,

00:54:46her eyes welled up.

00:54:47Maybe I just won't go shopping.

00:54:49Grant,

00:54:49you should take when?

00:54:50Don't be silly.

00:54:51You gotta look cute on your trip.

00:54:52Then,

00:54:52probably realizing how obvious

00:54:53he was being.

00:54:54He tossed the decision to me.

00:54:55When,

00:54:55what do you think?

00:54:56I looked up at his face.

00:54:58It was the face of someone

00:54:59waiting for me to be

00:54:59the understanding one.

00:55:01All of a sudden,

00:55:01I felt exhausted.

00:55:02It looked like they were

00:55:03waiting for me to decide.

00:55:04But we all knew the decision

00:55:05was never really mine.

00:55:06Just go.

00:55:07Grant let out a breath.

00:55:10Sloan ran over

00:55:10and kissed me on the cheek.

00:55:12Thanks, Wren.

00:55:15No problem.

00:55:16Plus, it's late.

00:55:16I've got my shots.

00:55:17Alone.

00:55:18Nobody came with you?

00:55:21They're busy.

00:55:23After I left,

00:55:24I booked a flight

00:55:24for Sunday night,

00:55:25one way.

00:55:26When I got home,

00:55:27Sloan was showing off

00:55:28everything she'd bought.

00:55:29Last,

00:55:29she pulled out two things,

00:55:30gifts for mum and dad.

00:55:33Mum gushed over them.

00:55:34Then she caught sight of me

00:55:35and her smile vanished.

00:55:39Wren,

00:55:40I'm just saying,

00:55:40look how thoughtful

00:55:41your sister is.

00:55:42She even got something

00:55:42for me and your dad.

00:55:44When have you ever

00:55:45thought about us?

00:55:46With what money?

00:55:47The only reason

00:55:48she could buy gifts

00:55:49was because mum

00:55:49had given her $2,000

00:55:50before she left.

00:55:51She was buying mum presents

00:55:52with mum's own money.

00:55:53Mum knew that perfectly well.

00:55:54She still took the shot

00:55:55at me anyway.

00:55:56Excuse me?

00:55:56What's that supposed to mean?

00:55:57You mad I didn't

00:55:58give you any money?

00:55:59You're a grown woman

00:56:00and you're still keeping score

00:56:01with your little sister?

00:56:02I'm 22.

00:56:03I'm only a year older than her.

00:56:05That's enough!

00:56:06Dad yelled at me.

00:56:07You're too old

00:56:07to be talking back

00:56:08to your mother like that.

00:56:09Grant was looking at me too.

00:56:10With a look

00:56:11I couldn't quite read.

00:56:12Wren,

00:56:13why have you been

00:56:13so on edge lately?

00:56:14Now that someone had her back,

00:56:15mum's eyes teared up

00:56:16right on cue.

00:56:17And she turned,

00:56:18went into the bedroom.

00:56:19There's no one

00:56:19step in front of me.

00:56:20Wren,

00:56:21you need to go

00:56:22apologise to mum.

00:56:26Move.

00:56:26She shook her head,

00:56:27looking down at me

00:56:28like she was

00:56:28passing judgement.

00:56:30She's your mum.

00:56:31She gave birth to you.

00:56:33How could you

00:56:34treat her like that?

00:56:34That's so messed up.

00:56:36An old familiar sadness

00:56:38washed over me.

00:56:39Out of everyone

00:56:39in this house,

00:56:40she was the last person

00:56:41who had any right

00:56:42to lecture me.

00:56:42I let everything go.

00:56:43I kept my mouth shut.

00:56:46And I still wasn't

00:56:47even allowed to be upset.

00:56:48Everybody loved her.

00:56:49So,

00:56:50whatever she did

00:56:50was right.

00:56:52Wow.

00:56:54Aren't you a saint?

00:56:55I said it softly.

00:56:56I didn't even look at her.

00:56:57But the second it left my mouth,

00:56:59her face changed

00:56:59and she screamed at me

00:57:00like I'd humiliated her

00:57:01in front of everyone.

00:57:02No wonder mum and dad

00:57:04don't like you!

00:57:05You're such a freak!

00:57:07She shoved me.

00:57:08Ward.

00:57:09I slammed into the corner

00:57:09of the dining table.

00:57:10Something in my right ribs

00:57:12made a dull crack.

00:57:13I doubled over in pain.

00:57:14She ran into her room,

00:57:16crying.

00:57:16I rushed after her

00:57:17to calm her down.

00:57:19Dad went to check on mum.

00:57:20Not one of them

00:57:21looked back at me.

00:57:22Great.

00:57:22Holding my ribs.

00:57:24I slowly dragged myself

00:57:26back to my room.

00:57:28That night,

00:57:28nobody called me

00:57:29for dinner again.

00:57:30It hurt too much to eat

00:57:31so I stayed in my room.

00:57:33But when I got up

00:57:33to use the bathroom

00:57:34in the middle of the night,

00:57:35the dirty plates

00:57:35were still sitting neatly

00:57:37on the table.

00:57:37They were waiting

00:57:38for me to clean up.

00:57:39They probably thought

00:57:39they were doing me a favour,

00:57:40giving me a way to make up.

00:57:42They figured I'd do

00:57:42what I always did,

00:57:43clean the whole kitchen

00:57:44like a maid

00:57:44just to get back

00:57:45on their good side.

00:57:46I stared at the plates

00:57:47for two seconds,

00:57:48then went back

00:57:49to my room.

00:57:50I didn't need

00:57:50their approval anymore.

00:57:53The next morning,

00:57:54they were all excited,

00:57:55getting ready to leave.

00:57:56The second they saw me,

00:57:58the chatter stopped.

00:58:00Always walking around

00:58:01with that sour face,

00:58:02like somebody owes her money.

00:58:04Grant followed me

00:58:04to the bathroom door

00:58:05and looked at me

00:58:05in the mirror.

00:58:06You're really not

00:58:06going to apologise to mum?

00:58:08You're going to let her

00:58:08go on vacation upset?

00:58:11She seems pretty happy to me.

00:58:13I shook the water

00:58:14off my hands,

00:58:15dried them,

00:58:15and walked out.

00:58:16He followed me out,

00:58:17his face stormy,

00:58:18about to say something.

00:58:19Don't bother.

00:58:20She's like a dog

00:58:21that bites anyone

00:58:22who gets close.

00:58:23This time,

00:58:23Dad and Grant,

00:58:24who usually said something

00:58:25to smooth things over,

00:58:26kept their mouths shut.

00:58:27I walked out the door

00:58:28ahead of them,

00:58:29out on the driveway.

00:58:30Sloane suddenly stopped.

00:58:31Where's Watt going?

00:58:32Where else would she be going?

00:58:34Work.

00:58:34She pulled Sloane

00:58:35into the car.

00:58:36But right then,

00:58:36Dad froze.

00:58:37He'd spotted the suitcase

00:58:38in my hand.

00:58:38Grove's Market

00:58:39was four blocks

00:58:40from the house.

00:58:40Why would anybody

00:58:41bring a suitcase to work?

00:58:42His stomach dropped.

00:58:43He waved at me hard.

00:58:44I didn't look up.

00:58:45He started hurrying

00:58:45towards me.

00:58:47Where are you going?

00:58:47A second later,

00:58:48a car horn bled.

00:58:49Yes.

00:58:49Mum was leaning on the horn,

00:58:50telling him to forget about me.

00:58:51He stopped in his tracks.

00:58:53The colour slowly drained

00:58:53from his face.

00:58:58Dad?

00:58:59What are you doing?

00:59:00We're going to miss check-in!

00:59:02Dad kept looking back at me,

00:59:04again and again.

00:59:06Finally,

00:59:06he sighed.

00:59:09Turned around

00:59:10and got in the car.

00:59:13I fell asleep

00:59:14as soon as I got on the plane.

00:59:15When we landed,

00:59:15my phone blew up

00:59:16with notifications

00:59:17from the family group chat.

00:59:19Sloane had posted

00:59:19like a dozen photos at once.

00:59:21The girls in Italy

00:59:22are so stylish,

00:59:23hitting the makeup stores later.

00:59:24Grant,

00:59:24do you want a toiletry bag?

00:59:26Or a razor?

00:59:27Grant replied,

00:59:27almost instantly.

00:59:28I don't need anything.

00:59:29Get something for yourself.

00:59:30You're the best.

00:59:32Mum and Dad

00:59:32held up their plates

00:59:33and made silly faces

00:59:34at the camera.

00:59:34It all looked so sweet.

00:59:35Grant deliberately posted

00:59:36a picture of instant ramen.

00:59:37Glad you guys are having fun.

00:59:38I'm stuck at home eating this,

00:59:39Mum replied right away.

00:59:40What?

00:59:41She didn't cook?

00:59:41She meant me.

00:59:42Grant,

00:59:43no clue.

00:59:43Probably sleeping.

00:59:44I checked my watch.

00:59:45I'd been gone for ten hours

00:59:46and he still didn't know I'd left.

00:59:48Diane,

00:59:48so lazy.

00:59:49Can't even make a meal.

00:59:50Her husband's going to be

00:59:51so fed up with her one day.

00:59:52She said seven or eight messages

00:59:53in a row.

00:59:53Obviously meant for me to see.

00:59:56But I wasn't the only daughter

00:59:57in this family.

00:59:58Sloane had never cooked

00:59:59a day in her life.

01:00:00Couldn't even wash a plate properly.

01:00:01Mum never said a word

01:00:02to her about it.

01:00:02And the rare times

01:00:03she did help out,

01:00:04Dad would feel bad for her.

01:00:08Don't try to be too capable,

01:00:10sweetie.

01:00:11Otherwise,

01:00:11everyone will expect you

01:00:12to do everything.

01:00:13And usually,

01:00:13right at that moment,

01:00:14I was in the kitchen,

01:00:15washing an endless pile of dishes.

01:00:17It wasn't that they didn't

01:00:18know how to love.

01:00:19They just didn't love me.

01:00:22When I didn't respond,

01:00:23Sloane tagged me.

01:00:26Wren,

01:00:27what kind of perfume

01:00:27do you like?

01:00:28I'll get you a bottle.

01:00:29Maybe it was because

01:00:30she'd been loved so much.

01:00:31But Sloane never really

01:00:32held a grudge.

01:00:32She was the one

01:00:33who reached out first.

01:00:34But I didn't reply.

01:00:35Because whether I replied or not,

01:00:36it would end the same way.

01:00:37If I said no thanks,

01:00:38Mum would say I'd throw

01:00:39my sister's kindness

01:00:39back in her face.

01:00:40If I actually said

01:00:41what I wanted,

01:00:42just tell me to send

01:00:42the money for it.

01:00:43So,

01:00:43I pretended I hadn't seen it.

01:00:44Two minutes later,

01:00:45Dad tagged me.

01:00:46At Wren,

01:00:46your sister's talking to you.

01:00:47Why aren't you answering?

01:00:48And where were you going

01:00:48with a suitcase yesterday afternoon?

01:00:50Mum sent a snarky gif.

01:00:51She's too good for us now.

01:00:52Don't bother.

01:00:53The chat went quiet again.

01:00:54Exactly like I expected.

01:00:55The company had set us up

01:01:01It was covered in

01:01:02take-out containers.

01:01:03What do you want to eat?

01:01:03We'll order more.

01:01:04I suddenly blanked.

01:01:05Back home,

01:01:06I was the one who cooked.

01:01:07I knew what Mum liked,

01:01:08what Dad liked,

01:01:09what Brant and Sloane liked,

01:01:10but I had no idea

01:01:10what I liked.

01:01:12You okay?

01:01:13You look exhausted.

01:01:14My eyes started to sting.

01:01:16Someone who'd known me

01:01:16for ten minutes

01:01:17could tell I was hired.

01:01:18My own family hadn't noticed

01:01:19in my whole life.

01:01:21The first week,

01:01:22we learned the ropes.

01:01:23Our supervisor kept drilling

01:01:24three things into us.

01:01:25Don't walk alone after dark.

01:01:26Avoid the east side if you can.

01:01:28Don't wear anything valuable.

01:01:29The pay was good here,

01:01:30and there were plenty

01:01:31of opportunities,

01:01:32but it was rough too.

01:01:33On day eight,

01:01:34the rest of my family

01:01:35was on the flight home.

01:01:36In the group chat,

01:01:37Sloane was complaining

01:01:38about Dad.

01:01:38Sloane,

01:01:39a super cute guy,

01:01:40asked for my number

01:01:41and Dad said,

01:01:41no,

01:01:42he's so old-fashioned.

01:01:43You're a girl

01:01:44in a foreign country.

01:01:45Who knows what guys

01:01:45like that want?

01:01:46I would have said no too.

01:01:47But I'm 21.

01:01:48Even if you were 31,

01:01:49your boyfriend would still

01:01:50have to get past us.

01:01:51You guys are impossible.

01:01:54Home in 30 minutes?

01:01:56I got a ton of gifts.

01:01:56Take whatever you want.

01:01:57Grant went quiet for a bit.

01:01:58Then, out of nowhere,

01:01:59I'm good.

01:02:00Let your sister pick.

01:02:02She's been busy with work.

01:02:03We haven't seen her in days.

01:02:06Didn't she say

01:02:07she didn't want anything?

01:02:08Two seconds later,

01:02:09she unsent it.

01:02:10A few seconds later,

01:02:10she sent...

01:02:11Okay.

01:02:12I put my phone away.

01:02:13That day,

01:02:13I worked late until 10.30.

01:02:15When I left,

01:02:15two of the streetlights

01:02:16were out.

01:02:17I'd barely made it

01:02:17a hundred steps,

01:02:18and I heard footsteps

01:02:19behind me.

01:02:20Just as I was about

01:02:21to turn around,

01:02:21someone yanked hard

01:02:22on my bag.

01:02:23The strap caught

01:02:23around my neck,

01:02:24and I got dragged

01:02:24to the ground.

01:02:25The back of my head

01:02:26smacked against the concrete.

01:02:28He kicked me in the stump.

01:02:29I curled up in pain.

01:02:30The rib I'd hurt

01:02:31the day before I left

01:02:32felt like it split wide open.

01:02:33The next second,

01:02:34a tall finger came

01:02:34charging in from the side.

01:02:36One punch,

01:02:36and the guy was on the ground.

01:02:37He scrambled up

01:02:38and took off.

01:02:40Hey,

01:02:42look at me.

01:02:42You okay?

01:02:44I miss...

01:02:44Before I could finish,

01:02:45I blacked out.

01:02:46When I came to,

01:02:46I was in the ER.

01:02:47The man who saved me

01:02:48was sitting at the table

01:02:49next to me,

01:02:50getting some work done.

01:02:51He was wearing a beat-up work jacket.

01:02:52The cuffs worn pale.

01:02:53The second I moved,

01:02:54he looked up.

01:02:55How are you feeling?

01:02:56Better.

01:02:57Thanks for saving me.

01:02:58He shook his head.

01:02:59I'm Eli.

01:03:00Carry something

01:03:01to protect yourself

01:03:01from now on.

01:03:02This area's gotten pretty sketchy

01:03:03the last couple years.

01:03:04He noticed my cracked lips,

01:03:05got up,

01:03:06and poured me a cup of water.

01:03:09When I was done,

01:03:10he pointed at the head of the bed.

01:03:12That's been ringing nonstop.

01:03:13Probably your family.

01:03:14My phone screen was lit up.

01:03:1527 missed calls.

01:03:16Over 100 texts.

Oops I Married My Boss | Short Drama | 2026 - FULL ✅

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