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00:00Don't call me mom. Call me auntie.
00:07Why mom?
00:10Tilly hasn't had a mom around to take her shopping in a long time.
00:13Just do mom this one favor.
00:15Your two daughters are adorable.
00:17Today, let Tilly call me mom. You call me auntie.
00:20Just this once.
00:21This is my daughter.
00:25And this is a relative's child.
00:27Mom, I want the strawberry one.
00:30Okay, mom will get it.
00:32I want the strawberry one too.
00:34Mom, why don't you ask me what I want?
00:47Drink from this cup, okay?
00:49Okay.
00:49That was for my birthday.
00:51Dad sent it to me.
00:52On the cup, there's a little crown.
00:55Dad said, I'm his little princess.
01:03Good night, mom.
01:05Good night, sweetheart.
01:10It's just for one night.
01:12Tilly's in an unfamiliar place.
01:14She'll be scared.
01:15Mm-hmm.
01:16Tilly called me mom today.
01:18Her eyes were all red.
01:20I felt so bad for her.
01:21Everyone said I did the right thing.
01:23I should help however I can.
01:25Today, mom, was Tilly's mom again.
01:38Millie Hart, you're up.
01:42This is my daughter.
01:44And this is a relative's child.
01:47Millie Hart.
01:49Millie Hart.
01:49I brought the wrong one.
01:53Has Mimi been good today?
01:55Dad.
01:56Mom told me to call her auntie.
01:59What do you mean?
02:00Well, Tilly calls her mom.
02:03I call her auntie.
02:05Did mom say why?
02:06Mom said it was just this once.
02:10Mimi.
02:11Dad understands.
02:12Wait here for me.
02:14Whose kid is this anyway?
02:17Can't you be a little understanding?
02:19Tilly's mom is going through chemo.
02:21If I don't help her, who will?
02:22You never come home, either.
02:24I'm the only one holding this family together.
02:26How have I been neglecting Millie?
02:28I cook for her every day.
02:34From that day on, I stopped calling her mom.
02:37She told me to call her auntie.
02:39So that's what I called her.
02:41Then I'll call you auntie.
02:43Dad.
02:44Auntie gave me an apple.
02:48Millie?
02:49Who are you calling auntie?
02:50You.
02:51Didn't you tell me to call you auntie?
02:53That was in front of Tilly.
02:55Auntie, you said it yourself.
02:58Mimi can call you that from now on.
03:04Millie, are you coming grocery shopping with mom?
03:07I'm going with auntie.
03:10She's just a kid.
03:11She's joking.
03:12I'm not joking.
03:14Tilly calls her mom.
03:15I call her auntie.
03:17Auntie said so herself.
03:21You can't call me that when we're out.
03:24Why not?
03:24When Tilly's out in public, you let her call you mom.
03:28When I call you auntie in public, you won't let me.
03:34Oh, Tilly's so adorable.
03:36Kara, you really have such a big heart.
03:44Is this your daughter too?
03:46Um.
03:47This is Millie, my big sister.
03:49She's a child from auntie's family.
03:52Uh, right.
03:54She's a relative's child.
04:01Millie, mom got this for you.
04:05Thanks, auntie.
04:06I don't want it.
04:08Why not?
04:09Haven't you always wanted this?
04:11Tilly already has one, doesn't she?
04:13Tilly does have the same one.
04:15And you bought hers first.
04:17Hers is pink.
04:18Everyone knows, pink looks better.
04:22That purple doll sat on the table for so long.
04:25The dust slowly settled on its packaging.
04:27Like, a child nobody wanted.
04:33Mom, auntie, this is for you.
04:37Tilly's school had an event that day too.
04:40Swear.
04:40This time, you'll be only my mom.
04:43Okay.
04:43Mom swears.
04:44Pinky promise.
04:45For a hundred years.
04:46No take backs.
04:47Seal it.
04:49If Tilly asks you to be with her that day too?
04:52She won't.
04:53Her grandma will be there for her.
04:54Then swear it.
04:55I swear.
04:56If mom breaks her promise.
04:57She turns into a puppy.
04:59She turns into a puppy.
05:00Dad.
05:01Mom said on Mother's Day she'd come to our school and be only my mom.
05:05Okay.
05:06Mimi, dad will figure something out.
05:09Figure what out?
05:10Something.
05:11Just in case.
05:12I know what.
05:13Just in case means.
05:15It means if mom lets me down again.
05:20Mom taught me last year how to fold blankets.
05:23Now I fold my own every day.
05:26I've folded it three times but it's still not quite square.
05:29But this is the best I can do.
05:32The very best.
05:34This dress was sent by dad last month from out of town.
05:38He said I should wear it for Mother's Day.
05:44At eight o'clock the colorful canopy was set up on the playground.
05:48I sat down.
05:49In my little chair I saved a seat for mom with my school bag.
05:53Dudu's mom came wearing a red dress.
05:56Dudu's mom came with her hair freshly styled.
05:59At 8.20 someone came to the playground entrance.
06:02It was mom.
06:04She wore a green shirt and looked so pretty.
06:10Millie.
06:11Tilly's grandma suddenly isn't feeling well today.
06:13No one could take Tilly to her school and they won't let her go alone anymore.
06:16I really had no choice.
06:18Mom just couldn't.
06:19Millie.
06:20Listen to me.
06:21Yeah, I know.
06:22I'll get Tilly settled.
06:24Then come be with you.
06:25Don't bother.
06:25What's wrong?
06:26No one could bring Tilly today.
06:28So I brought her with me.
06:29Could we get her a seat?
06:30Of course.
06:31Let's get her a little chair.
06:32Okay.
06:32Thanks, Miss Quinn.
06:43Millie's so good.
06:43You made this yourself, right?
06:45Mm-hmm.
06:46What is mom busy with?
06:49Take it slow.
06:50No rush.
07:00Millie Hart.
07:01Let's take one with mom.
07:04Come on, Millie.
07:10Where's Millie's mother?
07:13Millie.
07:27Dad's here.
07:29Dad?
07:33Weren't you out of town?
07:35I took the high-speed train here, just in case.
07:43Hi, Millie.
07:45Who are you?
07:47This is Miss Green.
07:48She was my college classmate.
07:50She helps out at the bakery.
07:52Your dad kneaded the dough.
07:54I baked it.
07:55Mm-hmm.
07:56Is Shu Shaomi ready?
07:58This is my dad.
08:03One, two, three.
08:04One, two, three.
08:06Holding the teddy bear bread, I was smiling, too.
08:09That was the biggest smile I had all day.
08:22Millie, today's theme is writing a letter to mom.
08:25I don't have a mom.
08:27My auntie is spending today with someone else.
08:38Millie.
08:45I'm heading out this way.
08:47Call me anytime you need anything.
08:49Auntie Claire.
08:51Mm-hmm.
08:51Mom, the bear bread was delicious.
08:54Next time, I'll bake you a bunny one.
09:02Dad, Mom's behind us.
09:04Come on, let's go home.
09:06Dad'll make you some noodles.
09:07Dad took three days off.
09:09Over those three days, Dad did lots of things.
09:11On the first day, I drew this.
09:14I know.
09:14We'll put yours here.
09:15That was from last year, when I drew it at preschool.
09:18On the second day, a new one.
09:21Mm-hmm.
09:21A new one.
09:22I'm here.
09:23Mm-hmm.
09:23Here to help.
09:24On the third day, the most important day, Aunt Claire came over.
09:28She wasn't here for a visit.
09:30She came to help Dad.
09:31What are you looking at?
09:32I'm watching you do magic.
09:34Bring this corner over to meet that one.
09:37That's right.
09:38Fold it slowly.
09:39Don't rush.
09:39It's okay if it's crooked.
09:41A crooked crane will fly in a more interesting way.
09:44Did I mess it up?
09:46No, you didn't.
09:48It's just tilting its head, thinking.
09:50Thinking about what?
09:52About what we're having for dinner tonight.
09:55Millie, do you know why Auntie came?
09:58Because Dad asked you to.
10:00Mm-hmm.
10:01Dad asked me to come help.
10:02But do you know why I wanted to come?
10:05Because the bakery was slow?
10:07Because Dad told me, Millie is such a brave little girl.
10:11I think brave little girls deserve to be treated with care.
10:16Not crying can be brave, too.
10:17But I want you to know, it's okay to cry when you feel like it.
10:21Auntie Claire.
10:22Hmm?
10:23Will you come again next time?
10:25Do you want me to?
10:27Yeah.
10:28Then I will.
10:31Mom hadn't come home for three days, but she'd called twice.
10:34The first time, she argued with Dad.
10:37Do you know what Miss Quinn told me today?
10:39She said Millie has missed three events without her mom there.
10:42It's not that I don't want to go.
10:43It's Tilly.
10:44Don't bring Tilly into this.
10:45She's your own daughter.
10:47You're a grown man.
10:50Millie, will you come home tomorrow?
10:52Auntie, come back whenever you want.
10:54It's fine.
10:55This is your home.
10:57Millie, I'm your mom.
10:59I know.
11:00But you told me to call you Auntie.
11:03Then that settled.
11:04When the three-day break was over, Dad made a decision.
11:07He quit his job out of town and handed off the remote work to someone else.
11:11He stayed at the bakery.
11:13It was just two blocks from our neighborhood.
11:15From now on, Dad, we'll take you to school every day.
11:18Really?
11:18Really.
11:19The bakery opens at six.
11:20I'll take you first, then head to work.
11:22What about Miss Green?
11:23Miss Green will help with the shop in the morning.
11:26He didn't say why he arranged things this way, but I knew.
11:29Dad wanted to make sure there was always at least one person.
11:32Someone who really kept an eye on me and stayed by my side.
11:35Not someone glued to their phone or helping Tilly with crafts.
11:39Someone watching over me.
11:44Millie, mom's home.
11:49Kara, could Tilly stay at your place again tonight?
11:53I'm still not feeling well today.
11:55Okay, it's no trouble.
11:57Send Tilly over.
12:01Tilly isn't coming.
12:02What?
12:03Tilly doesn't need to come.
12:04Didn't you understand?
12:05Tilly has a grandmother and an uncle and relatives on her father's side back home.
12:08She isn't an orphan.
12:09Her mom is just sick.
12:11Her whole family hasn't disappeared.
12:12You're helping her, not taking over.
12:14What are you saying?
12:15I'm saying...
12:16When Millie needed her mom, where were you?
12:18I was home every day, cooking and doing laundry.
12:21At Millie's school, there were 26 pickups and you went four times.
12:25On Mother's Day, you took Tilly.
12:27On Millie's birthday, you celebrated Tilly's birthday.
12:30Because Tilly's birthday was also this month.
12:32The day Millie had a fever of 39.2 degrees, you were at Tilly's parent meeting.
12:36That day, Tilly's school called and said a parent had to be there.
12:40You're not her parent.
12:42You.
12:42Tilly's mom is in the hospital.
12:44I know she's having a hard time.
12:46I agreed you could care for her temporarily.
12:49But understand this.
12:50You can't help Tilly by sacrificing your role as Millie's mom.
12:54When did I ever trade Millie for Tilly?
12:55You made her call you Auntie.
12:57You made your own daughter call you Auntie.
13:02Auntie, you said just once.
13:04It's been 42 times.
13:06What?
13:06I counted the days on the calendar with gray stars on them.
13:1042 gray stars.
13:12When Tilly called you mom, you smiled.
13:15Every single time, when I called you mom, you made me call you something else.
13:20Millie.
13:20You like Tilly more.
13:22No, I don't.
13:23You do.
13:25Am I wrong?
13:27You said Tilly's mom was sick, so you had to help her.
13:31But I'm sick too.
13:33My sickness is called.
13:35Mom doesn't look at me anymore.
13:36Come on, I'll take you to the bakery and warm up a cup of milk for you.
13:41Mom's phone is ringing again.
13:43It's Tilly's grandma.
13:44She looked at the phone.
13:45Then she looked at me.
13:47And then he answered anyway.
13:50Min-min.
13:51Mm-hmm.
13:52Dad's here.
14:02I added a little honey.
14:04So it's sweet.
14:05Sweet.
14:06But it doesn't taste like strawberries.
14:09It tastes like home.
14:10For Children's Day, the community put together a big talent show.
14:14They built a stage in the square.
14:16Mom signed up.
14:18She and Tilly were going to sing.
14:19Only mom is the best in the world.
14:21The poster had mom and Tilly on it, but not me.
14:25Isn't that Kara Quinn?
14:26Last time, her daughter Millie called her auntie.
14:28I thought I had the wrong person.
14:30I heard she helped a co-worker with cancer take care of her child.
14:33It was pretty touching.
14:34So she just ignores her own daughter?
14:36That's what you call great love.
14:38Even great love can't mean turning your own daughter aside.
14:41That afternoon, on Children's Day, a stage had been set up in the square.
14:45The neighbors from our community carried little stools over and sat down below.
14:49Some people cracked sunflower seeds.
14:51Others recorded everything.
14:53Mom stood at the side of the stage.
14:55Tilly held a little microphone.
14:56I sat in the third row of the audience.
14:58Dad sat beside me.
15:00Miss Green wasn't there.
15:02She said today was for our family, so she'd wait for us at the bakery.
15:06And now, please welcome today's most special performance.
15:09The caring mom, Kara Quinn, and her little angel, Tilly Wells, will perform the song.
15:13Only mom is the best in the world.
15:18Only mom is the best in the world.
15:21A child with a mom is precious as can be.
15:25Mom, I love you.
15:28Kara Quinn, you have such a big heart.
15:30Tilly's mother is in the hospital, and Kara stepped up and took on a mother's responsibilities,
15:34giving this child a second home.
15:36Let's give a round of applause to this wonderful mother.
15:39I hear Kara's own daughter is here, too.
15:43Millie, where are you?
15:44Millie, come up and sing with your mom.
15:47Your mom is so wonderful.
15:57Millie, come over.
15:58Let's do this together.
15:59She's not my mom.
16:00Millie, what are you saying?
16:01The woman up there.
16:02She's Tilly's mom.
16:03She's not my mom.
16:04My mom made me call her auntie.
16:07Tilly's mom got sick.
16:09So my mom went to be Tilly's mom.
16:11But I got sick, too.
16:13My sickness is missing my mom.
16:16No one said a word in the square.
16:18You could hear a sunflower seed shell hit the ground.
16:24Someone was filming.
16:34Let's go home.
16:40Did you see what that kid said?
16:42At the Children's Day event today, oh my god, she made her own daughter call her auntie.
16:46I used to think Kara was pretty amazing.
16:48When that kid said, my illness is wanting my mom, I cried after watching it.
16:52Kara's husband is pretty handsome, too.
16:54That man is the one who really knows how to parent.
16:59Mimi, you were so brave today.
17:01Dad, did I do something wrong?
17:03Tilly cried.
17:04Tilly wasn't crying because of you.
17:05She was scared.
17:06When she grows up, she'll understand.
17:08What about mom?
17:10Mom needs time to sort some things out.
17:12Can she really figure it out?
17:21She's back.
17:23You told her what to say.
17:25No one told her what to say.
17:26She's seven.
17:27How could she come up with something like that on her own?
17:29That my illness is because I miss mom?
17:31You made that up, didn't you?
17:32Do you think I need to make that up?
17:33You just can't stand me.
17:35You just think I shouldn't help Tilly.
17:37Helping Tilly is right.
17:38But making your own daughter call you auntie isn't.
17:41That was just once.
17:42That one time at the supermarket.
17:4442 times.
17:46What?
17:4642 times?
17:48Millie told you last time.
17:49On the calendar, she put up gray stars.
17:52Every time you chose Tilly, instead of her, she put up a star.
18:00Since the start of this semester, you've signed your name four times.
18:05Tilly, 31 entries.
18:07Millie, 4.
18:08This wasn't recorded by Millie.
18:10These are the household accounts.
18:12Tilly called me mommy today.
18:14Tilly learned to say thank you.
18:15I was so touched.
18:17Being needed is a kind of happiness.
18:19Tilly today learned how to ride a bike.
18:21And I, as her mother, was prouder than her own mother.
18:24In the past six months, you posted 19 times about Tilly on your social media feed.
18:29About Millie.
18:30Not once.
18:31That doesn't prove anything.
18:33I don't like posting about children.
18:35You posted 19 times.
18:37You just posted someone else's child.
18:40This is from Miss Quinn.
18:42In psychology class, she had the children draw their families.
18:44There were 23 children in the class.
18:4722 of them drew themselves, standing with dad and mom.
18:51Millie was the only one there.
18:52She and a rabbit were alone in the house.
18:55You drew her at the very edge, holding Tilly's hand.
18:59I've already hired a lawyer.
19:01You?
19:02What are you saying?
19:04Divorce.
19:05Are you crazy?
19:06I'm her mother.
19:08You are.
19:09But you made her call you auntie.
19:1142 times.
19:12You think I'm wrong to help Tilly?
19:15Her mom's going through chemo.
19:17I couldn't live with myself if I didn't help.
19:18I never stopped you from looking after Tilly.
19:21But you took Millie's mom and made her Tilly's mom.
19:24You gave Millie's bed to Tilly and gave Millie's cup to Tilly.
19:28At the checkout, you said.
19:29Millie was just a relative's kid.
19:31You left Millie sitting alone in a chair on Mother's Day.
19:34You signed Tilly up for art classes, paid for an art photo shoot, and took her out to eat 26
19:39times.
19:39But the day your own daughter had a fever of 39.2, you were at a parent-teacher meeting for
19:44Tilly.
19:44You weren't helping Tilly.
19:46You were enjoying playing Tilly's mom.
19:48You?
19:49That's a lie.
19:50When Tilly said thank you, you smiled.
19:52When your co-workers praised you, you smiled.
19:54When your social media feed got likes, you smiled.
19:56But when Millie called you mom, you corrected her.
19:58Because Millie calling you mom wouldn't get people to praise you as selfless, wonderful, and extraordinary.
20:03Millie calling you mom should be a given.
20:05Don't take it for granted.
20:07Let it move you.
20:08But being her mother is just what's expected of you.
20:12You think I won't get a lawyer too?
20:14Custody will be mine.
20:15That's what the law says.
20:17From the day you made her call you auntie, I started keeping records.
20:19I've been keeping track ever since.
20:21Go ahead and fight for custody.
20:22I'll fight for custody with you.
20:24The judge will ask Millie one question.
20:27How do you think she'll answer?
20:34Mom, just be there for Tilly.
20:38Has her mom.
20:39I've got dad.
20:46Tilly's calling.
20:52Mimi.
20:53Yeah?
20:54Dad would never make you.
20:55Call him uncle.
20:56Not in this lifetime.
21:09Mom's phone used to have a picture of Tilly as the wallpaper.
21:14Now it's gone.
21:16I've reviewed all the evidence.
21:18Keep every original.
21:19Don't delete or alter anything.
21:21If we end up fighting for custody.
21:23The court will consider how long each parent has cared for her.
21:26How stable her life is.
21:27And listen to what the child truly wants.
21:29Do you know how to knead dough?
21:30A little.
21:31Dad taught me.
21:32Then knead it hard.
21:34When you're sad, knead the dough.
21:36Work all the things that upset you.
21:38Into it.
21:39Bake it.
21:39And it turns into something delicious.
21:43Auntie, could mom take me away?
21:45Your dad would never let that happen.
21:48But what if she does?
21:49Then I won't let it happen either.
21:51But you're not my mom.
21:53You're right.
21:54I'm not.
21:55But some things don't take a mom to do.
21:58Like helping you knead the dough and staying right here.
22:03Bunnies.
22:05Stars.
22:06The moon.
22:14Tastes good.
22:15Of course.
22:16The dough you kneaded.
22:18Tastes like sadness.
22:20The oven baked all that away.
22:21And now it tastes like butter.
22:28Millie, open the door.
22:29Mom wants to talk to you.
22:31You brought Tilly with you.
22:33Are you afraid to face me alone?
22:38Dad told me later.
22:40Tilly's mom had called.
22:41From the hospital.
22:43Kara.
22:44I ask you to help watch her.
22:46To help.
22:47Not to be her mother.
22:48I'm in the hospital.
22:49But I'm still alive.
22:51She has a mom.
22:53You had your own daughter call you Auntie.
22:55If I'd known, I never would have agreed.
22:58No mother would agree.
22:59To someone using her own child.
23:01As a trade.
23:05After that day, Tilly's grandmother came and took her away.
23:09Her mom called Tilly six times in a row.
23:11And called me once.
23:13Millie, do you miss your mom?
23:15Aunties don't usually call.
23:17I'm your mom.
23:18Mrs. Wells is sick.
23:19But she never made Tilly call her Auntie.
23:21The court date is getting closer.
23:23Dad told me mom hired a lawyer and she's going to fight for custody.
23:27He says you're his biological child.
23:29Legally, your mom has rights.
23:31What's custody?
23:32It means who you...
23:33I want to live with you.
23:34But the judge needs to hear you say it yourself.
23:36And there are other things, like who has better circumstances and who spends more time with you.
23:40What did mom's lawyer say?
23:42He said dad runs a bakery, so his income isn't stable.
23:45Does the bakery not make money?
23:47It does.
23:48But it's not steady.
23:49Not as steady as mom's job.
23:50That's not fair.
23:52The law doesn't only look at money.
23:53It also looks at who treats you well.
23:55Will they look at the gray stars?
23:58They will.
23:59This is a psychological evaluation.
24:01Just be yourself and say what you want to say.
24:06Use these things to set up a home for me to see.
24:12This is dad.
24:13This is the cat I want.
24:15But I don't have one yet.
24:16These are the flowers Miss Green planted.
24:19If she comes, the flowers will go on the windowsill.
24:22What about mom?
24:23Mom lives at Tilly's house.
24:25She's not in my sand tray.
24:27What if the judge says, you have to live with your mom?
24:30I counted.
24:31From mom's house to the bakery.
24:33It's two bus stops.
24:34I know the way.
24:35Have you ever ridden the bus?
24:37Not by myself.
24:38But when dad took me, I counted them.
24:41Two stops.
24:41The first stop is Central Plaza.
24:43The second is Bakery Street.
24:45After you get off, turn right.
24:47Walk a hundred steps and you'll see.
24:49The bakery's sign.
24:50The sign is yellow.
24:51It says Hart's Bakery.
24:53When I open the door, I can smell the bread.
24:56Dad's inside kneading dough.
24:58Miss Green is wiping the tables.
25:00Then I'm home.
25:05Dad?
25:05Yeah?
25:06If the judge says I have to, live with mom.
25:08I'll take the bus by myself.
25:10Back to find you.
25:11It's only two stops.
25:13I counted.
25:14That won't happen.
25:15I won't let you.
25:17Take the bus alone.
25:18Never.
25:19After that, Miss Green came over more often.
25:22Not every day, but every Wednesday and weekend.
25:25On Wednesdays, she taught me letters and drawing.
25:27She's really good at drawing.
25:29She studied art before.
25:30On weekends, she took me to the park to fly kites.
25:33One time, while we were flying it, the kite got away.
25:36The string broke.
25:37It's okay.
25:38Maybe it wanted to see what was out there.
25:40Is it not coming back?
25:42Some things fly away, and that's that.
25:44But you can make a new one.
25:45She helped me make a new kite.
25:47It's made of paper, with a crooked little bird drawn on it.
25:51It's way uglier than the one we bought, but it flies really high.
25:55Mimi.
25:56Yeah?
25:56Tomorrow, the judge might ask you some questions.
25:59Just tell the truth.
26:00Will the truth make mom sad?
26:03It might.
26:04Should I still say it?
26:06The truth doesn't become a lie.
26:07Just because someone feels sad, dad will be waiting outside, and Miss Green will be there too.
26:12Is she coming too?
26:13She said she'd wait for you, by the flower bed at the courthouse entrance.
26:16She brought you some little cookies.
26:18Have one, if you get nervous.
26:20Millie.
26:20Look.
26:21I fixed Whitey's ear for you.
26:23The courthouse is huge, and the halls are so long.
26:27Every step echoed.
26:29Dad led me inside by the hand.
26:31Mom sat on the other side.
26:33She was wearing black.
26:35When she saw me, the corner of her mouth twitched, like she wanted to smile, but couldn't.
26:43Millie, do you know why you're here today?
26:46I do.
26:47The judge is going to decide who I live with.
26:50Who do you want to live with?
26:52Dad.
26:53Why?
26:54Because dad never made me call him uncle.
26:57Can you tell me why mom asked you to call her auntie?
27:01Because Tilly's mom was sick.
27:03Mom said to let Tilly call her mom.
27:06I only had to call her auntie once.
27:08And then?
27:09Then it turned into 42 times.
27:11Your mother helped A.
27:13Little girl whose mother was sick.
27:14Don't you think your mother did a good thing?
27:16Helping Tilly was good.
27:18But while mom was helping Tilly, she left me on the ground.
27:22The ground was cold, and no one came to get me.
27:26Do you love your mother?
27:28I do.
27:29Do you hate your mother?
27:30No, I don't.
27:31Then why?
27:32Don't you want to live with her?
27:33Because when mom smiled at Tilly, she looked so beautiful.
27:36I wanted mom to smile at me too.
27:38But when mom made me call her auntie, she didn't smile at me.
27:42Millie, what do you think the word mom means to you?
27:47Mom is a name only I get to call her.
27:49Just like Millie is mine alone.
27:51But mom gave her name to Tilly.
27:53When Tilly called her, she answered.
27:55She answered faster than she did for me.
27:57She answered faster than she did.
27:58When I called her, then can I give Tilly the word mom?
28:03Mom is already Tilly's mom anyway.
28:07Tilly needs her more than I do.
28:08When Tilly says thank you, mom smiles.
28:11I never said thank you, because I thought I didn't have to.
28:14If not saying thank you means I'll be replaced.
28:17Then I'll give Tilly the name mom.
28:20She can have it.
28:21She'll use it well.
28:25Objection.
28:26The child was coached.
28:28Overruled.
28:29The child has the right to express her true opinion.
28:32If Tilly cried today, would you go?
28:36If Millie cried today too, which one would you go to?
28:42You see, you don't know either.
28:48Custody goes to dad.
28:50The house goes to dad and Millie.
28:52The savings will be divided proportionally.
28:55The day the court ruling arrived at our house, a light rain was falling.
28:59Dad sat on the couch and opened the letter.
29:01I was folding paper cranes on the floor.
29:04After he finished reading, he set the paper on the table, then covered his face with his
29:08hands and let out a sigh of relief.
29:10Dad said the court had ruled that he would take care of me from now on.
29:14Dad read it to me, word by word.
29:16He knew.
29:17I didn't understand what proportional division meant, but he read it anyway.
29:20Because these words will be about my life from now on.
29:25The day we moved, Mom came alone.
29:27She wheeled in a suitcase.
29:29Its wheels rumbled along.
29:31She folded her clothes and put them in the suitcase.
29:34She packed her makeup in a bag, a few books, and an umbrella.
29:38Mrs. Wells was stable, so she was moved out of the ICU.
29:42No one needed Mom to be their loving stand-in anymore.
29:48This is for you.
29:50Millie, Mom's leaving.
29:55Goodbye, Auntie.
29:58After he left, Dad changed the lock.
30:01A digital keypad lock.
30:03What's the password?
30:05Your birthday, 0312.
30:11Sorry, I'm terrible at painting walls.
30:14He looks good crooked.
30:15Like there's a cloud in the sky.
30:18Miss Green, I'll tell you the password.
30:220312.
30:22You keep the password.
30:24When Auntie comes over, just ring the doorbell.
30:27For the first time, I'm sleeping in a room that was freshly painted.
30:32Blue walls, a blue quilt, and on the windowsill, little sunflower.
30:37Shabba lies beside the pillow.
30:39Its ear has been sewn back on and rests against the pillowcase.
30:42The stitches are crooked, thicker than before, but they won't come undone.
30:47That red photo album is all the way at the back of the drawer.
30:50I didn't throw it away, and I didn't look through it.
30:53I'll look at it someday.
30:54Just not now.
30:58A carrot's thick at the top and pointy at the bottom, like a cone.
31:02But you could also draw it the same thickness at both ends, and then it'd be a carrot lollipop.
31:11It really does look like a lollipop.
31:16Crouch down so you're eye to eye with it, then take the picture when it looks at you.
31:23Aunt Claire.
31:25Yeah?
31:25Are you ever going to leave?
31:28Your dad hasn't finished kneading the dough yet.
31:30We have to wait for it to rise first.
31:32When will it be done rising?
31:34Just wait patiently.
31:36Don't rush it.
31:40Aunt Claire.
31:41Will you be my new mom?
31:45Millie, I really want to.
31:47But not yet.
31:48Why not?
31:49Because the word mom takes time to feel right.
31:53It can't just be up to me.
31:54Your heart has to agree, too.
31:56My heart already agrees.
31:58Then let's wait a little longer.
31:59Let's make sure you're certain three times.
32:01Why three times?
32:02The first time might be a whim.
32:04The second time, you mean it.
32:06The third time.
32:07It's for real.
32:08Come on.
32:09I'll teach you to make egg tarts today.
32:13You won't be surprised if you see it.
32:15On my birthday morning, I walked into the kitchen.
32:18There was a cake on the table.
32:20Dad made it.
32:21On top, in chocolate sauce, he'd written three words.
32:25Millie's cake.
32:26Dad, why does it say Millie's?
32:28Because this cake is Millie's.
32:30It's just for Millie, not anyone else.
32:33No one will take it away from you.
32:34Here you go.
32:36I made it myself.
32:37I'm not very crafty.
32:40So it kind of looks like a pirate.
32:47Make a wish.
32:51What did you wish for?
32:52I can't tell you.
32:53It won't come true if I do.
32:55I wished for things to stay just like this.
33:00The three-second rule.
33:02It's okay.
33:08Hello.
33:09I have a package for you.
33:10Thanks.
33:11Your mom sent these.
33:15Do you want to wear them?
33:17Let's leave them here for now.
33:27Has Miss Green left?
33:28She has.
33:29She said goodnight, Millie.
33:31Mm-hmm.
33:31Goodnight, Miss Green.
33:33Goodnight, Dad.
33:34Goodnight, Millie.
33:44Millie, do you think your dad's bread tastes good?
33:47It does.
33:48The cakes are good, too.
33:50What shape do you like best?
33:52Bunnies.
33:53Aunt Claire taught me how to make them.
33:55What do you want to be when you grow up?
33:57I want to open a bakery.
33:58With Dad.
34:00With Dad?
34:01And Aunt Claire.
34:04Millie, is there anything you'd like to say to everyone?
34:08My dad would never leave me in someone else's care.
34:18That was a waste.
34:20Bread matters more than the newspaper.
34:25Dad.
34:25Mm-hmm.
34:26I want to tell you something.
34:28Aunt Claire.
34:28I've been keeping count.
34:31She's been here at least three times now, right?
34:33The third time what?
34:34I mean, the third time I've said yes in my heart.
34:38Aunt Claire said the first time was impulsive, the second time was serious, and the third time is for real.
34:43So this is my third time.
34:45So, if Aunt Claire wants to be my mom, I approve.
34:58Why did Mom choose Tilly instead of me?
35:03Millie.
35:04Yeah?
35:05Are you sure?
35:06I am.
35:07Then Dad will ask her for you.
35:08Okay, but tell her.
35:10It's okay if things are a little crooked.
35:12We don't have to be.
35:12Like everyone else, everything in our family is a little crooked.
35:16It doesn't seem to hurt as much today.
35:19That's because she got it wrong.
35:20She thought helping Tilly was what made her a good mom.
35:23But being a good mom isn't just helping someone and staying.
35:26Tomorrow, at breakfast, I'll call her mom.
35:30Is it almost done?
35:32Almost.
35:36Mom, I want my eggs fully cooked.
35:42You.
35:43Mom, I like my eggs fully cooked.
35:45Runny eggs are too gooey.
35:51Mom, it's...
35:52The smoke got to them.
35:57They're burnt.
35:59I'll eat the burnt ones.
36:00I'll fry you another one.
36:01No.
36:02This one's fine.
36:05Does it taste good?
36:06It's good.
36:08Liar.
36:09The lopsided ones taste good, too.
36:11The burnt ones taste good, too.
36:12That's how everything is in our family.
36:15And after that...
36:16In the mornings, Aunt Claire...
36:18No.
36:19Mom would walk me to school.
36:20She'd crouch down at the school gate and check my backpack for me.
36:24Did you tighten the water bottle?
36:25Did you pack your workbook?
36:27Mom, I'm off.
36:28Take it slow.
36:29Don't run.
36:30Got it.
36:31Dad's picking me up this afternoon.
36:33Mom went to the parent meeting.
36:35Millie's mom is such a good artist.
36:37The bulletin board.
36:37Could you help us paint it?
36:39Sure.
36:40It's not crooked at all.
36:42The bread can be crooked.
36:43The sunflower has to be straight.
36:44Your classmates will see it.
36:46Good night.
36:47See you tomorrow.
36:48Don't go.
36:49Stay here.
36:52Are you sure?
36:54You asked again.
36:55You grown-ups are so annoying.
36:56I'm sure.
36:57I'm sure.
36:57I'm sure.
36:58That's three times.
36:59Isn't that enough?
37:00The day mom moved in, she brought three things.
37:03A potted sunflower, a set of paintbrushes, and a new stuffed bunny.
37:08This is Xiaobai's friend.
37:10What's its name?
37:10It's called Little Yellow because it's yellow.
37:14One day after school, I was waiting for dad at the school gate.
37:18In the crowd, I saw someone.
37:21Mom.
37:21Not Claire's mom.
37:23Miss Quinn.
37:24She was standing across the street.
37:26She'd lost a lot of weight.
37:27Her hair was cut short.
37:28She was holding a lollipop.
37:30Strawberry-flavored.
37:33Millie.
37:34Yeah?
37:34Here.
37:35This is for you.
37:36Thanks.
37:37No thanks.
37:37Millie.
37:38I...
37:39I'm sorry.
37:42I hear your apology, but I've grown up.
37:45I don't want to forgive you.
37:46I can't say I hate you, but every time I called you auntie, it really hurt.
37:52If I forgive you, it'd be like all that pain wasn't real, but it was real.
37:57Hating you is exhausting.
37:59I don't know where I got those words from.
38:01Dad didn't teach me, and neither did Claire's mom.
38:04They came after.
38:0642 gray stars slowly faded, and something in me grew.
38:10I want to save my strength for the people who love me.
38:14What about Tilly?
38:16Her mom's out of the hospital.
38:18She's recovering well.
38:19Tilly went back to her hometown with her.
38:21That's good.
38:22Tilly has her mom now.
38:24And you?
38:25I have one too.
38:26My mom makes fried eggs.
38:28The crispy kind.
38:29They're delicious.
38:30Goodbye.
38:31Goodbye.
38:38Who was that?
38:40Someone I know.
38:41Mm-hmm.
38:44Where's Claire's mom?
38:45She's inside, adjusting the dough temperature.
38:47A new recipe.
38:48She says it's made just for you.
38:50She won't tell me what's in it.
38:52You're back.
38:53Wash your hands.
38:54Come try the new bread.
38:55What new bread?
38:56Millie flavored bread.
38:58I don't have a flavor.
39:00You do.
39:00Millie's flavor is a little quirky, nice and warm, and makes you smile after one bite.
39:06Is that really a flavor?
39:08It is if I say it is.
39:20Is it good?
39:22Mm-hmm.
39:22It's delicious.
39:24Good.
39:27The sunset outside shines through the bakery's glass door.
39:30Casting in.
39:31The light is orange.
39:33Falling over us.
39:34The door's closed.
39:35Keeping the sounds outside.
39:36Out there.
39:37The sunflowers on the windowsill have bloomed.
39:40They're crooked.
39:40But they're facing the sun.
39:42Bai is waiting for me at home.
39:43And Huang is keeping him company.
39:45There's also a piece of paper.
39:46Very old.
39:47Folded over and over.
39:48It says,
39:49Mom, I love you.
39:50Please look at me.
39:51Just me.
39:52Today.
39:52I wrote it a long time ago.
39:54Back then, I never gave that note to her.
39:57I don't need to give it to her now, either.
39:59Because I have a mom.
40:00Who burns the eggs.
40:02And a dad.
40:03Who always has flour on his hands.
40:05They look at me every day.
40:07And only me.
40:08This is my bakery.
40:10This is my home.
40:12I don't need to give it to her.
40:13I don't need to give it to her.
40:14I don't need to give it to her.
40:14I don't need to give it to her.
40:14I don't need to give it to her.
40:14I don't need to give it to her.