- 20 minutes ago
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00I am three months pregnant, but my mafia husband, Vincent Ricci, abandoned me above the snow line in the Sierra
00:06Nevada.
00:07Only to help my stepsister, Selena, take revenge on me.
00:10Then the avalanche.
00:12I got slammed face first into a wall of snow.
00:16When I came to, it was already up to my waist.
00:19I kept dialing Vincent's number over and over.
00:22My left leg was pinned under a broken climbing rack.
00:25Blood was soaking into the snow.
00:27Every tiny movement felt like my bones were being crushed.
00:31Worse, my stomach was cramping like a knife was twisting inside.
00:35The call finally went through.
00:36I grabbed at it like a lifeline, choking out the words.
00:41Vincent, there's been an avalanche.
00:43Please, I'm bleeding.
00:45My stomach hurts so bad.
00:47Aurora, give it a rest. We're busy.
00:49No one's buying your act.
00:51All I could see was white, snow, and fog.
00:54I was sobbing now.
00:55I'm not acting!
00:57There was a real avalanche! Please come!
00:59My stomach! I'm going to die out here!
01:02He didn't even answer.
01:04I could hear noise in the background.
01:07Someone was comforting Selena.
01:10Don't be scared, sweetheart.
01:11You just focus on getting better.
01:13Your father and I won't let anyone bully you.
01:16Then, Selena's weak little voice.
01:17Is that Aurora?
01:19Is she still mad at me?
01:20I heard Vincent lower his voice to sue her.
01:23Ignore her.
01:23She can stay there until she apologizes.
01:26He hung up.
01:26The dial tone buzzed in my ear.
01:28It ripped the phone.
01:29My fingers were numb with cold.
01:31The wind cut across my face like knives.
01:33Frost was already forming on my lashes.
01:35Every breath burned in my lungs.
01:37My pinned leg had gone completely dead, but the pain in my belly kept coming, dull and deep, like a
01:42blade twisting.
01:44Tears splashed onto my phone screen and froze solid.
01:47It's okay, baby.
01:49Mommy's here.
01:50Mommy's got you.
01:51I was really dying out here, and nobody believed me.
01:57Another wave of cramping hit me.
01:58I curled into myself.
02:00The snow beneath me was turning red.
02:02I ignored the pain and clawed forward, but my leg was trapped.
02:06My stomach was ripping apart.
02:08Help!
02:09Is anyone there?
02:11The wind shredded my voice.
02:13And then, the snow above me shuddered.
02:15A massive sheet broke loose and crashed down on top of me.
02:18It was up to my chest now.
02:19I couldn't breathe.
02:20I stopped screaming.
02:22I was terrified of triggering another slide.
02:24I pressed the phone to my face, barely able to feel my fingers, and called my mother, the matriarch of
02:28the Murdethi family.
02:29Mom, please.
02:32Avalanche.
02:33I'm bleeding.
02:34What?
02:35Aurora, for real?
02:38Don't move.
02:39Send us your location.
02:40Hope flickered back to life.
02:42I opened my mouth, but then, Selena's weak voice came through the line.
02:46Mom, Dad, this is my fault.
02:48Vincent sent her up there because of me.
02:50A soft cough, then fragile as glass.
02:54But that's the family resort, right?
02:57It should be safe.
02:59Aurora's probably just upset that I don't deserve her apology.
03:03Aurora, how long are you going to keep this up?
03:08I'm running a fever.
03:10We told you to go up there and think about what you did.
03:13And now you're pulling this?
03:15I never did that.
03:17She's lying about everything.
03:18Enough.
03:19You're the one who lies.
03:20Aurora.
03:21Selena's been frail her whole life.
03:23Why do you keep going after her?
03:25You're our real daughter.
03:27Shouldn't you know better?
03:28I'm going to die.
03:30Mom, I'm really going to die out here.
03:33Silence on the line.
03:34For a second, I thought they might soften.
03:37Then Selena murmured,
03:38Mom, I kind of feel like seafood soup.
03:42I'll go get it right now, sweetheart.
03:44Rest up.
03:45Don't worry about Aurora.
03:46She's just spoiled.
03:47The line went dead.
03:48I stared at the black screen.
03:51My life wasn't worth as much as Selena's soup craving.
03:53The snow kept pressing in.
03:55I couldn't wait anymore.
03:56I dug with my bare hands.
03:58My nails split and bled into the snow, freezing instantly.
04:01Hold on.
04:02Just hold on.
04:05I have to protect my baby.
04:07But the wind kept blowing the snow back into the holes I'd just made.
04:09I was losing hope.
04:11Finally, I sent my mother a video request.
04:14Selena's face appeared on the screen.
04:15She looked at my frozen, bloody mess on the other end and smiled faintly.
04:19Then she muted the mic.
04:20I could see everything on their side.
04:22They couldn't hear me at all.
04:24The hotel suite was warm and bright.
04:26Flowers everywhere.
04:27Caviar on the table.
04:28My mother was holding Selena's hand.
04:30Congratulations on being discharged, sweetheart.
04:33Mom and Dad are throwing you a proper party.
04:36Vincent sat beside her, ladling soup into her bowl.
04:40When she coughed lightly, he handed her warm water.
04:42The kind of tenderness I'd never once received.
04:45I slapped the screen with my cracked, frozen fingers, screaming silently.
04:50Mom!
04:51I'm right here!
04:52Please!
04:56...worse and worse.
04:57Selena's been through so much, and she's still causing trouble.
05:01And using her pregnancy to manipulate us.
05:04Forget her.
05:05Let her stew for a few more days.
05:08The video ended.
05:09My heart was colder than the snow.
05:12I forced myself upward.
05:14My chest finally broke free.
05:16Cold air flooded my lungs.
05:17And I coughed violently.
05:19Then I lost my balance and slammed back down.
05:22The phone slipped from my hand and buried itself in the snow.
05:25I was running out of strength.
05:26The snow was up to my chest now.
05:28Each breath was like swallowing glass.
05:30The pain in my belly was unbearable.
05:32The snow beneath me was soaked in red.
05:34I pressed both hands to my stomach, sobbing.
05:36Don't be scared.
05:38Daddy's coming.
05:39He's going to save us.
05:41One percent battery left.
05:43I spammed Vincent with video calls.
05:45He finally answered on the 50th try.
05:48Vincent!
05:48I screamed his name and snow took loose above me.
05:52Don't hang up.
05:53Please.
05:54I'm not lying.
05:55I'm dying.
05:56I'm bleeding so much.
06:01You're pregnant?
06:02Burying yourself in snow for attention?
06:04Really?
06:05Hot tears froze on my cheeks.
06:07My whole body was shaking.
06:08Vincent, I'm not...
06:10I swung the phone toward the blood-soaked snow behind me.
06:13Look.
06:13Look at the blood.
06:14I'm not acting.
06:16My stomach, the baby's dropping.
06:17Even if you don't believe me.
06:20Believe this.
06:21This is your child, too.
06:23His pupils contracted.
06:24He went quiet.
06:25Please come get me.
06:26I'll stop fighting.
06:28Selena can have my parents.
06:30She can have the don't wife title.
06:32I don't care anymore.
06:34My voice broke like someone had ripped my heart open.
06:38Just come save our baby.
06:40Please.
06:41His eyes went wide.
06:43His voice shook.
06:44Don't talk like that.
06:45Ora, hold on.
06:46I'm coming.
06:46Tears poured down my face.
06:49Finally, he believed me.
06:51Then Selena's voice drifted in from beside him.
06:54Oh, my God.
06:56Vincent, why is there so much blood?
06:58I saw the kitchen staff prep lamb chops when I was little.
07:02It looked just like that.
07:04Aurora, I'm not saying you're faking.
07:06I'm just saying the color and...
07:09The amount are a little dramatic.
07:12It's just scary, you know?
07:17...at me, disappointment heavy in his eyes.
07:20Aurora, you're really disappointing me.
07:23Can't you just let Selena have one good day?
07:25A tiny ember of hope in my chest, like dark.
07:28Rage flooded through me.
07:29Vincent, you're my husband.
07:31Why won't you send someone?
07:33Just once.
07:34Can you not believe her for one second?
07:37If I die out here, if our baby dies, what then?
07:41Snow crumbled from above at the sound of my voice.
07:43I didn't care anymore.
07:44His expression flickered, but Selena's pitiful little look was right there.
07:48His voice went cold again.
07:50Aurora, calm down.
07:52Stop threatening me with death.
07:54You're clearly not in a good headspace.
07:56And I don't want Selena getting upset.
07:59When you've cooled off, I'll come get you.
08:03He hung up.
08:04I tried to call again.
08:06The phone was dead.
08:07I listened to the wind howl.
08:08All hope was gone.
08:10Then, a deafening rumble from the mountain.
08:13Another wall of snow crashed down on top.
08:18Stomach.
08:20I'm sorry, babe.
08:22The snow swallowed me whole.
08:24And then, footsteps.
08:26Selena's soft voice drifted through the wind.
08:29Aurora, we're here!
08:30My heart reignited.
08:32They'd come.
08:33Vincent, Mom, and Dad.
08:34They'd come.
08:36If they just saw me buried here, they'd save me.
08:38They had to.
08:39I tried to answer, but I was crushed.
08:42Snow filled my mouth and nose.
08:43I opened my mouth.
08:45No sound came out.
08:46The footsteps stopped.
08:47Vincent was close.
08:49Aurora!
08:50Silence.
08:51He laughed coldly.
08:52See?
08:53I told you she was lying.
08:54She's not even here.
08:55My blood turned to ice.
08:57I'm right here.
08:58Right under your feet.
09:00Vincent.
09:01Take two more steps.
09:03You'll see my coat.
09:04She's getting more ridiculous by the day.
09:08Avalanche, bleeding, baby in danger.
09:11She'll say anything to make everyone revolve around her.
09:14I almost bought it, too.
09:16Selena just got discharged, and she's pulling this nonsense again.
09:20She's not stupid.
09:22She's probably holed up somewhere warm by now.
09:24We've done enough for her.
09:26She's never satisfied.
09:27I listened, tears streaming silently.
09:30Selena coughed softly.
09:32Dad, Mom, Vincent, don't be too hard on her.
09:35She probably just wants your attention, if...
09:38Even if...
09:39It is kind of over the top.
09:41Selena, stop defending her.
09:43She's spoiled rotten.
09:45You just got better.
09:46You shouldn't be out here in the cold.
09:48Let's go.
09:48It's freezing.
09:49We came all this way for her, and now Selena's gonna get sick again.
09:53Everything went black.
09:54I was crushed, barely breathing.
09:56My tears melted small puddles in the snow.
09:58Please don't leave.
10:00I'm right here.
10:01With my last shred of consciousness, I moved my trapped hand.
10:04My fingers found a broken piece of metal rack.
10:07I slammed it with everything I had.
10:08A clang echoed through the snow.
10:10Vincent's footsteps stopped.
10:12What was that?
10:15I heard him step closer.
10:17Almost there.
10:18I could picture him digging me out.
10:20The regret on his face.
10:21I'm so sorry.
10:23His boot stopped right above my head.
10:25I held my breath.
10:27And then, Selena gasped.
10:29Vincent?
10:30I'm so dizzy.
10:43Chaotic footsteps, moving away.
10:46I tried to hit the metal again.
10:48My arm wouldn't move.
10:50They were gone.
10:52The air drained from my lungs.
10:54The pain in my belly went blurry.
10:56Goodbye, baby.
10:58And closed my eyes.
11:00That night, the private suite at the estate was warm.
11:03Everyone was gathered around Selena's bed.
11:05She was sipping truffle soup.
11:07The big TV on the wall cut to breaking news.
11:09A third major avalanche struck the Sierra Nevada today.
11:13Rescue teams have recovered the body of a young woman from deep beneath the snow.
11:18Based on jewelry and identification found at the scene, the victim has been identified as Aurora Ricci, daughter of the
11:26Moretti family and wife of Ricci family Don Vincent Ricci.
11:41She was the first to react.
11:46No way.
11:53Aurora couldn't have actually been on that mountain.
11:57It must be someone with the same name.
11:59Her word snapped everyone out of it.
12:01My mother lunged for the remote and cranked the volume.
12:06The victim showed signs of severe hypothermia and had clearly been exposed for an extended period.
12:11Authorities are asking next of kin to come forward for identification.
12:14Vincent jolted like he'd been shocked.
12:16He yanked out his phone and dialed me.
12:18Sorry.
12:18The number you dialed is temporarily unavailable.
12:21Please try again later.
12:22All calls failed.
12:23His face went pale.
12:24His hands shook.
12:26It can't be.
12:28She can't be dead.
12:29The suite went deathly quiet.
12:32Aurora has always been perfectly healthy.
12:35How could she truly be dead?
12:37My mother clamped a hand over her mouth.
12:38Tears spilled.
12:39My father stumbled and braced himself against the wall.
12:46I have to see for myself.
12:48I won't believe it until I do.
12:50Vincent bolted out the door.
12:54The L.A. County Morgue.
12:55The medical examiner and police were already waiting.
13:06Vincent stood in the doorway.
13:08He couldn't make himself step inside.
13:09John of the Los Angeles Mafia who'd walked through countless crime scenes.
13:13And yet he couldn't open this one door.
13:15Finally, my father's voice cracked.
13:17Open it.
13:27She came up inch by inch.
13:28My face was visible.
13:29Frost still clung to my lashes.
13:30My lips were blue.
13:31My skin was white as chalk.
13:33My mother took one look and lunged, screaming.
13:35Aurora!
13:37My baby!
13:39She reached for my face, but when she touched my skin, she broke down.
13:44You're so cold.
13:46You always hated the cold when you were little.
13:51My father stood frozen.
13:53His lips trembled.
13:54He reached out and pulled back.
13:55Then he slapped himself.
13:57I didn't believe her.
13:58I killed my own daughter.
13:59I'm her father.
14:00How could I not believe her?
14:04Vincent walked to me one step at a time.
14:06He stared down at me, denial in his eyes.
14:09Aurora.
14:10Get up.
14:11You love fighting with me.
14:12Get up and yell at me.
14:13You said you were in pain.
14:14Tell me where.
14:15I'll take you to the doctor.
14:16Just say something.
14:18His voice grim.
14:27Victim, Aurora Reiki.
14:28Cause of death, severe hypothermia.
14:30She froze to death.
14:31He paused and looked at them.
14:37In addition, due to abdominal compression and uterine contractions, she suffered a miscarriage.
14:46Based on the scene, she didn't die instantly.
14:49Nearly all her fingernails were torn off.
14:51There were deep metal gouges on her palms.
14:53She'd been digging and striking for help.
14:56Meaning, she was awake and in agony for a long time.
15:01Eventually, she lost consciousness from hypothermia, blood loss, and asphyxiation.
15:08Vincent's eyes went bloodshot.
15:10He snapped his head toward the enemy.
15:14I heard it.
15:16I heard those two knocks.
15:17I was right there.
15:22Then it hit him.
15:23His whole body swayed.
15:26I almost went over, but...
15:30But Selena said she was dizzy.
15:32But Selena said she was dizzy.
15:34Vincent, my head's spinning.
15:35He'd carried Selena back to the car and left me under the snow.
15:38So I believed him.
15:44He finally broke.
15:45He cried like a child.
15:57Oh, Aurora.
15:58I believe you now.
16:00Please wake up.
16:01Please.
16:01My mother collapsed beside me, sobbing.
16:07Aurora, I was wrong.
16:09I believed Selena.
16:11I yelled at you.
16:15You're my real daughter.
16:18Come back.
16:23Your father will do anything you want.
16:45Your father will do anything you want.
16:49He handed me warm water, his movements gentle.
16:52Don't talk yet.
16:54Your fever just broke.
16:56I...
16:57Wasn't I dead?
17:00Leo paused for two seconds, then said quietly,
17:03I dug you out.
17:07After your father collapsed in the morgue,
17:09I contacted the Moretta's old butler.
17:12Before the official records were finalized,
17:14I used the family's secret tunnel to move you.
17:19When he was brought to the underground clinic,
17:21you were barely breathing.
17:23Anyway, you didn't die.
17:32I stared at him for a long moment.
17:34Then I laughed.
17:35Leo looked at me.
17:40While you were out,
17:41your parents were devastated.
17:46Vincent, too.
17:47I looked down,
17:49a cold smile tugging at my lips.
17:56Is that right?
18:12That night,
18:13the police showed up with a sealed bag,
18:14my belongings,
18:16and an encrypted USB drive.
18:34These items may be connected to her death.
18:37Open it.
18:38Open it now.
18:39They played the drive's contents on the screen.
18:42Selena's voice rang out on a phone call.
18:47Yeah, she's got to go this time.
18:54Who do you think they believed?
18:57I already told security,
18:59don't believe a word she says.
19:01No, that's not it.
19:03Brother Vincent, this isn't me.
19:05Next, years of evidence.
19:06All the time Selena had framed me.
19:16Aurora, you're their real daughter.
19:18So what?
19:19I've been here 20 years.
19:20They love me.
19:21How could this happen?
19:23What have I done to my own daughter?
19:28I didn't do this.
19:31Vincent is mine.
19:33He's going to end up with me.
19:35Silence in the sleep.
19:36Vincent snapped his head towards Selena.
19:47You've said all this?
19:56No, that's not.
19:57I didn't.
20:00He crumpled to the floor.
20:03Mom, Dad, Vincent, let me explain.
20:05But this time, no one believed her.
20:07My mother was the first to move.
20:09Rage in her eyes.
20:10You've been lying this whole time.
20:12Selena sobbed hysterically.
20:15You've been hurting her all along?
20:17That day in the snow,
20:19she was screaming for help and you knew.
20:21I didn't mean to.
20:23I just didn't want to lose you.
20:25And that one sentence changed everything.
20:27Even Vincent's expression shifted.
20:28He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time.
20:31The Moretti and Ricci families were in chaos.
20:32Brother Vincent.
20:39She tried to turn on the tears,
20:40but before they could fall,
20:42Vincent's hand was around her throat.
20:44No, it wasn't me.
21:04You give me back my Aurora?
21:11The more she struggled,
21:12the angrier he got.
21:14You heard her begging me in the snow.
21:23You heard her say she was bleeding.
21:28And you said it was animal blood.
21:32Every time I was about to save her,
21:35you pulled me back!
21:38She was shaking violently.
21:40Then, something snapped.
21:42She screamed back.
21:44Yes, I said all of it!
21:48So what?
21:54And you believed me, didn't you?
21:58She shoved at him, her eyes wild.
22:02Blame yourself!
22:05You had a chance to save her.
22:07Why didn't you go?
22:10You saw her bleeding,
22:12and you still hung up!
22:17You were to blame, too.
22:19Vincent's hand froze.
22:20Selena laughed through her tears,
22:22wheeling on my parents.
22:23And you, too?
22:25Acting all guilty now?
22:26You knew she was terrified I'd take her place!
22:32Let her cool off.
22:35You think I wanted this?
22:36I couldn't stand her coming back!
22:38I hate her!
22:40My mother stumbled back,
22:41face white.
22:42Why is it that the moment she comes back,
22:44did 20 years of my affection just vanish?
22:47My father opened his mouth.
22:48Nothing came out.
22:49I did nothing wrong!
22:51It's all your fault!
22:54Selena was rabid now,
22:55getting in her.
22:55It was you who elevated me.
23:00It was you who elevated?
23:05And you just watched me turn into this!
23:10It's us!
23:12We killed Aurora!
23:24It's too late for regrets now.
23:26Aurora is already dead.
23:31Sunbathing by the window.
23:32A blanket over my lap.
23:33Gentle breeze.
23:34Warm sun.
23:36I wasn't surprised they found me.
23:38Leo hadn't erased every trace.
23:40The two families had resources everywhere.
23:42If they really wanted to find me,
23:44they would.
23:44The door opened.
23:46My mother rushed in first.
23:48Her eyes went red the moment she saw me.
23:51What?
23:56Aurora!
23:57My father stood behind her.
23:58He looked like he'd aged 10 years overnight.
24:00Vincent came in last.
24:01Aurora.
24:02He stared at me.
24:03Bloodshot eyes.
24:04We finally found you.
24:06I closed my book.
24:07My face was calm,
24:08like I was looking at strangers.
24:12Mom's tears fell at once.
24:13She rushed toward me,
24:14reaching out,
24:15but daring not to touch me.
24:19Why are you here?
24:21I'm sorry, Aurora.
24:23Mommy was wrong.
24:24She couldn't finish.
24:25She sobbed,
24:26covering her face.
24:27I didn't believe you.
24:28I left you alone on that mountain.
24:31I'm a terrible father.
24:32You said you were in pain,
24:33and I didn't listen.
24:35You said you were buried,
24:36and I said you were throwing a tantrum.
24:41Aurora.
24:43Please don't shut us out.
24:45Vincent was the palest of all.
24:47He stepped toward me slowly.
24:51Closer.
24:56Aurora.
24:58I know I messed up.
25:01I should have believed you.
25:03I shouldn't have left you alone in that snow.
25:10I shouldn't have soiled my the way,
25:12Hindoshore Virchid.
25:15I shouldn't have let Selina manipulate me.
25:17I looked up at him,
25:18calm.
25:22You should have said that when I was begging you.
25:26Vincent swayed.
25:27All the color drained from his face.
25:31I turned to my mother.
25:33When I called you,
25:35she cried harder.
25:36You were having soup with Selina.
25:38No, Aurora.
25:39Mom didn't know.
25:40You didn't know,
25:40but you still chose her.
25:42You said I was acting.
25:44You said I was lying.
25:46Vincent.
25:51I was really dying.
25:53He recoiled like I'd punched him.
26:01I'm sorry.
26:04I'm sorry, Aurora.
26:05I know I messed up.
26:06But I just shook my head.
26:11Too late.
26:14It's really too late.
26:18Regret pouring out of them.
26:19But I felt nothing.
26:21Some wounds can't be fixed with tears.
26:23Some people aren't worth forgiving
26:24just because they kneel.
26:25I turned my gaze to the window.
26:28What happened to Selina?
26:30My mother blinked and wiped the tears.
26:34She,
26:35Vincent had her thrown into the desert
26:37for the vultures.
26:41My father muttered,
26:42We avenged you.
26:45I smiled faintly.
26:47I didn't really care anymore.
26:48I didn't want anything to do with them.
26:51Later,
26:52I moved out of the beach villa.
26:53Leo got me a new job.
26:55Clinical research at a private hospital in LA
26:57plus community outreach work.
26:59I started over.
27:00Learned to sleep without nightmares.
27:02Vincent came by a lot.
27:03Sometimes with roses.
27:05Sometimes with medicine.
27:06Sometimes just standing in the rain
27:07outside my building.
27:09I never saw him once.
27:12Officially cut ties with the Ricci family.
27:21My mother came too,
27:23carrying my favorite Italian chestnut cake
27:25from childhood.
27:26She stood outside,
27:27crying,
27:28saying she wanted to make it up to me.
27:31I'm trying to make amends to you, darling.
27:33Please look at me.
27:35I didn't open the door.
27:37It's not that I wasn't sad.
27:39But my heart had died in that snow.
27:41Dead people don't have that much forgiveness left.
27:43Did you ever hate them?
27:44Later,
27:44someone asked me if I hated them.
27:46I thought about it,
27:47then said,
27:50I have.
27:57But not anymore.
27:58I don't need them in my life.
28:03I had my work,
28:04my life.
28:05On weekends,
28:06I walked along Santa Monica Beach.
28:08In the evenings,
28:08I bought myself sunflowers.
28:10One night,
28:10Leah walked me home.
28:12The breeze was light.
28:13He asked me.
28:28Any regrets?
28:29I looked at my shadow under the streetlight and smiled.
28:32No.
28:35If it hadn't happened,
28:37I wouldn't have known I could be this happy on my own.
28:39Leo smiled too.
28:41It's only going to get better.
28:48Yeah,
28:50it would get better.
28:51I didn't need anyone to prove I deserve to be loved.
28:55I was just me.
28:57Aurora,
28:58beautiful and free.
29:00I ended up with Leo.
29:02Naturally.
29:02I just moved into my new place,
29:04working at the hospital during the day,
29:06coming home exhausted at night,
29:08crashing straight into bed.
29:09Leo was busier than me.
29:11Medical projects,
29:12free clinics,
29:13late meetings every night.
29:14But no matter how late,
29:16he always texted.
29:17Home yet?
29:18Did you eat today?
29:19I left some cake in your fridge.
29:20Don't just drink coffee.
29:22I used to tease him for hovering.
29:24Then one night,
29:25I worked until 11 p.m.
29:26I was squatting outside a convenience store,
29:29waiting for a ride.
29:30My phone buzzed.
29:31Leo.
29:32First thing out of his mouth.
29:34Hello?
29:35Where are you?
29:38Outside the convenience store.
29:39Okay.
29:40Just wait for me.
29:43I blinked and gave him my location.
29:46Ten minutes later,
29:46his car pulled up at the corner.
29:50What are you doing here?
29:51If I didn't come,
29:52were you planning to freeze out here all night?
29:54My cheeks went warm.
29:55I opened my mouth to argue,
29:57and he shoved a cup of hot chocolate into my hands.
30:00Drink first.
30:00My nose stung.
30:02There was a time when people promised to come for me,
30:05and every single time,
30:07they broke that promise.
30:08Only Leo.
30:09He always showed up.
30:11That night,
30:12I fell asleep in his car.
30:14When I woke up,
30:15we were parked outside my building.
30:17Leo hadn't woken me.
30:18He'd just cracked the window,
30:19and waited.
30:20I sat up groggily,
30:22and met his eyes.
30:23You're awake?
30:25Why didn't you wake me?
30:27You looked peaceful.
30:28Didn't have the heart.
30:29Something soft nudged against my chest in that moment.
30:33It was different.
30:34He never used,
30:35I'm doing this for you,
30:36to control me.
30:37Never told me to tough it out when I was hurting.
30:39Never called me dramatic if I didn't respond fast enough.
30:42If I worked late,
30:43he'd be parked outside the hospital before I even clocked out.
30:45If I couldn't sleep,
30:47he'd send voice messages to keep me company.
30:49If I woke up from a nightmare,
30:50there was always a text from him.
30:53Still awake?
30:54If you're up,
30:55just send me a period.
30:57I'm right here.
30:59Why are you always up so late?
31:01In case you need me.
31:02I stared at that message for a long time.
31:05My chest felt warm.
31:07One weekend,
31:07we went to Malibu Beach.
31:09I walked ahead in the sand.
31:11Leo followed behind.
31:12Halfway down,
31:13I turned around.
31:14Leo,
31:15have you always liked me?
31:17He wasn't expecting that.
31:19He froze for two seconds,
31:20then turned red and mumbled.
31:22Yeah.
31:23Since when?
31:25Early.
31:29Before you learned to expect disappointment from people.
31:33And now?
31:35Now.
31:36Now I want to properly pursue you.
31:39You're already here.
31:40Isn't that pursuing?
31:41It's different.
31:43Different how?
31:45Before,
31:45I was scared you'd get hurt,
31:47so I just stayed close.
31:50Now I want you to know
31:52it's safe to love me back.
31:54Something slammed against my chest.
31:56Later that night,
31:57Leo looked down at me.
31:58Aurora,
31:59don't carry everything alone anymore.
32:01You can lean on me.
32:03I'll give you everything I've got.
32:05My eyes stung again.
32:07I smiled at him.
32:09Okay.
32:10Then don't leave me either.
32:13Never.
32:15This time,
32:16I'll chase after you.
32:17For years afterward,
32:19I remembered that ocean breeze
32:20and the warmth of Leo's hand holding mine.
32:47you're going to be right now.