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00:00Every day when I got home from my part-time job, my family would leave me the leftovers from their
00:04meal.
00:05Finally, I got the courage to ask my mom,
00:08Can you stop leaving food for me? It's easier if I just order takeout.
00:13Otherwise, I come home after a long day and still have to wash dishes.
00:16My mom said yes, but the next day, she still left me food like clockwork.
00:23I shook my head helplessly, chalking it up to the sweet burden my family had given me.
00:29Then one day, I actually had a day off and ate dinner at home.
00:33Mom made her usual four dishes and soup.
00:37I reached for the roast beef with my fork, but she slapped my hand away.
00:41I winced and clutched my hand, then saw my mom brought out a few delicate little plates.
00:48Mia's getting home late. I haven't set aside her food yet.
00:51Who told you to start eating?
00:53My throat tightened.
00:54Don't you usually save food after we've finished eating?
00:57My brother Lucas shot me a look.
00:59That means leftovers.
01:01Saving food and leaving leftovers are not the same thing.
01:04My dad nodded in agreement.
01:06It suddenly hit me.
01:07I was the only one in this family who was deliberately treated differently.
01:11But I didn't fight.
01:12I didn't make a scene.
01:13Because I'd already passed my school's exchange exam
01:16and was heading to the Royal Academy of Dance in Europe.
01:19The second Mia walked in,
01:21Mom pulled warm food out of the microwave.
01:24Within a minute, Mia was eating hot dinner.
01:27Lucas stood by the table,
01:28watching her wolf it down with this helpless fondness in his eyes.
01:32Slow down.
01:34No one's going to take it from you.
01:35You were out with friends.
01:36Why didn't you eat something first?
01:38Mia tilted her head up with that confidence only a loved child has.
01:43Mom always saves food for me.
01:45If I didn't come back to eat, I'd be wasting her kindness.
01:47Mom gave her a scolding look, but her voice was soft.
01:51You always know how to make me happy.
01:55Dad was watching the game in the living room.
01:58His eyes weren't on the table.
02:00But when he heard that sweet exchange,
02:03the corner of his mouth curved up.
02:05And I stood to the side, invisible, not part of it.
02:10I watched the four of them,
02:11like I was watching a warm family sitcom.
02:14If I weren't one of them,
02:16I would have been moved by how happy they looked.
02:21I was so happy.
02:25Mia was halfway through her meal when she frowned.
02:29Mom, where's the soup today?
02:32Four dishes and a soup.
02:34That was our family tradition.
02:36Two dishes were Lucas' favorites.
02:38Two were Mom and Dad's.
02:40Mia ate pretty much everything,
02:42but she needed a bowl of soup at every meal to feel satisfied.
02:46Mom seemed to remember something.
02:48She patted her head and went to the kitchen,
02:51bringing back a bowl of soup.
02:52Creamy chicken soup.
02:54Chicken, carrots, celery.
02:56All the ingredients were there.
02:58Not the leftover broth I usually came home to,
03:01with nothing but the dregs at the bottom.
03:03My fingers curled so tight,
03:06my knuckles went white.
03:08For the first time, I understood.
03:10This was what it meant to save food for someone.
03:14Not scraps.
03:15Not a pile of dirty dishes for the last person to wash.
03:19It hit me all at once.
03:22I wasn't less favored.
03:24I just wasn't loved.
03:25I couldn't stand watching them anymore,
03:27this perfect little picture of family.
03:30I forced myself up and shuffled toward my room.
03:34But my mom called out to me.
03:36Mia's done.
03:37Go wash the dishes.
03:38I felt so tired all of a sudden.
03:40I'm exhausted.
03:42Can't she wash them herself?
03:43Before Mia could say anything,
03:45Lucas jumped in.
03:46Since when has she ever washed dishes?
03:49I dropped my gaze.
03:50Didn't say a word.
03:52Didn't move.
03:53My mom's face tightened with irritation.
03:56Why are you so lazy?
03:58I have to beg you just to wash a few plates.
04:01Even my dad,
04:02who usually stayed out of family drama,
04:04spoke up.
04:04Your mother cooks for all of you every single day
04:07and never complains.
04:08And you can't even wash a few dishes
04:10without making a fuss.
04:12Ella!
04:13Look at yourself!
04:14What has gotten into you?
04:21Dad's tone hardened.
04:22Mom quickly jumped in.
04:24All right, all right.
04:24Your father's upset now.
04:26It's just a few plates.
04:27Washing them won't kill you.
04:28You've been lying around the house all day anyway.
04:32Mia chimed in too.
04:33Yeah, Ella.
04:34You've always been the one washing dishes.
04:36No one does it better than you.
04:37More ability, more responsibility, right?
04:39I looked at the four of them standing there.
04:41In that moment,
04:42they were a family united against an outsider.
04:45And that outsider was me.
04:48No one gave me a chance to argue.
04:50They just left their plates on the table
04:52and gathered in the living room,
04:54chattering excitedly about what to get Lucas and Mia
04:56for the new school year.
04:58But I was starting school too.
05:00I walked over and gathered the dishes.
05:02Cold tap water and hot tears
05:04hit my hands at the same time.
05:06Outside the kitchen,
05:07their laughter and chatter went on.
05:09Lucas said, all excited.
05:11I want a new pair of cleats.
05:13I'll look so cool wearing them on the field.
05:16Mia tugged on Dad's arm, whining.
05:17I want a new laptop.
05:18All my friend's parents already got them one.
05:20Dad sounded torn.
05:21That's already over $5,000.
05:22I only budgeted $5,000 for all three of you combined
05:26for back-to-school gifts.
05:28Mia let out a disappointed Mom didn't hesitate
05:31for even a second.
05:32Ella's working as a teaching assistant at the dance studio.
05:35She can buy her own stuff.
05:38The living room went quiet for a moment.
05:40Then Dad nodded and said,
05:42Fine.
05:44We'll make it up to her next semester.
05:45But he didn't know
05:46I'd never once received a back-to-school gift
05:49because my gift was always coming next semester.
05:57Long gotten used to promises that never came true.
06:00I didn't storm out there to argue.
06:02I put the dishes in the sterilizer,
06:03went back to my room,
06:05and pulled out a bank card.
06:06There was $5,000 in it.
06:08It wasn't just a number.
06:09It was my escape fund.
06:10I walked back out and locked eyes with my mom.
06:13I didn't look away.
06:14I held her gaze and asked,
06:16Mom, can you save me some food tomorrow?
06:19My palms were clenched tight.
06:21She let out a soft laugh,
06:23like she was humoring a child throwing a tantrum.
06:27Aren't I already saving food for you every day?
06:30I mean the way you saved it for Mia today.
06:33Her smile froze for just a second,
06:35but she nodded and said yes without hesitation.
06:38Yes, of course.
06:39Hope flickered in my chest again.
06:41Maybe Mom just wasn't careful enough.
06:43Maybe she never noticed the little things.
06:45That's what I told myself.
06:46The next day at the studio,
06:49my mood was lighter.
06:50I smiled all day.
06:52A couple of coworkers teased me,
06:53asking if I had a boyfriend.
06:55The second my shift ended,
06:57I rushed home.
06:58My heart was pounding as I unlocked the door.
07:00I didn't even say hello
07:02and ran straight to the table.
07:04Mom laughed.
07:05I saved food for you.
07:06Look at you starving.
07:08But when I saw what was on the table,
07:11my smile vanished.
07:18Still the same four plates and soup bowl
07:20filled with scraps,
07:21and their own dishes were still left on the table.
07:24From the bones Lucas and Mia had left behind,
07:26I could tell what they'd had tonight.
07:28Honey glazed chicken wings and barbecue ribs.
07:31The grilled asparagus had gone cold.
07:32Just a few spears sitting alone in the dish.
07:35And the soup.
07:35Not a drop left.
07:37I touched my cheek
07:38and realized I'd been crying without even knowing it.
07:40I didn't bother confronting Mom.
07:42I just pulled out my phone,
07:43took a picture of the leftovers,
07:45and sat down at the table to order takeout.
07:52When the food arrived,
07:53Mom stared at me in surprise.
07:54Didn't I save you dinner?
07:56I didn't answer.
07:57I just opened the bag and started eating.
08:00Her face went sour.
08:02She huffed and went to the living room to watch TV.
08:07Lucas glanced over,
08:08then went back to his phone.
08:10Dad frowned, but didn't say anything.
08:12Mia was smart enough to read the room.
08:13She didn't try to be cute or sweet.
08:15She just sat quietly watching TV.
08:18After I finished eating,
08:19I threw my trash away,
08:21went to my room,
08:22showered,
08:22and went to bed.
08:25The leftovers on the table were just like me,
08:27forgotten in the corner by the whole family.
08:29The next morning,
08:30I got up as usual,
08:32got ready,
08:32and headed out to the studio.
08:34Mom called after me,
08:35her voice sharp with accusation.
08:38Ella,
08:39what's wrong with you?
08:44Ridiculous.
08:45When Lucas left the house,
08:46she'd remind him,
08:49bring extra money.
08:50Be generous when you're out with friends.
08:52When Mia went out,
08:54she'd ask with concern,
08:56got your keys?
08:57If it's too hot outside,
08:59just go to the mall.
09:01I'd never heard any of those words directed at me.
09:04I looked at her.
09:07What do you mean?
09:08I saved food for you,
09:10and you didn't eat it.
09:12You ordered takeout instead.
09:14You didn't even clean up the dishes on the table.
09:16You weren't like this before.
09:19So I was supposed to stay the same,
09:21always obedient,
09:23always taking it,
09:24because I don't want to eat leftovers anymore.
09:27I looked my mom in the eye,
09:29and said it slowly,
09:31one word at a time.
09:33You said Lucas is too careless,
09:35so he doesn't do chores.
09:39Mia's the youngest,
09:40so she doesn't do chores either.
09:42But just because I'm careful,
09:44just because I'm the middle daughter,
09:46I have to do everything,
09:50my mom flinched at the look in my eyes.
09:53She stepped back,
09:54her voice shaking with disbelief.
09:56Saving you food?
09:58You call that saving food?
10:00You're just leaving me a s***.
10:02Before I even finished,
10:03she slapped me across the face.
10:07Fine, just fine.
10:09You've grown up now,
10:10you've got wings.
10:11We won't save you anything ever again.
10:13Don't bother begging.
10:15She turned around,
10:16grabbed the dishes,
10:17and stormed into the kitchen.
10:19She washed them extra loud,
10:21like she was taking it all out on the plates.
10:23I didn't look back.
10:24I just turned and walked out the door.
10:29That day on,
10:30my family and I were like two rivers running side by side,
10:33but never meeting.
10:34Everyone just ignored me.
10:36I actually felt lighter.
10:37No more piles of chores waiting for me.
10:39I only had to take care of myself.
10:41But without me in the picture,
10:42the house wasn't as peaceful as before.
10:45Mom hurt her wrist one day.
10:47Out of habit,
10:48she left the dishes in the sink,
10:50but they sat there from night until noon the next day.
10:53Lucas couldn't take it anymore.
10:54Mom, can you just wash them already?
10:55The kitchen stinks.
10:57Mom was icing her wrist.
10:59Hearing that,
11:00she awkwardly headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
11:04The next morning,
11:05Lucas stormed out of his room,
11:06furious.
11:07Why aren't my clothes washed yet?
11:09I need them today.
11:11Mia poked her head out too.
11:13My room hasn't been cleaned either.
11:16Mom was in the middle of cooking.
11:18She looked up,
11:18flustered.
11:19Those were always Ella's jobs.
11:21Ella, could you...
11:21I acted like I didn't hear.
11:23I opened the door and left.
11:26That same day,
11:27my dad came to find me.
11:28I kept my voice calm.
11:30What is it?
11:32He rubbed his forehead.
11:34You made about $5,000
11:35from that teaching assistant job, right?
11:37Money's tight right now
11:39and the stuff Lucas and Mia...
11:41Just take that money out for now.
11:42Call it a loan from dad.
11:58Hit me all at once.
12:00So the back-to-school budget was $5,000.
12:03Not because my parents
12:04had set aside that much,
12:05but because I'd earned it.
12:08My voice went cold.
12:11You told me to figure out
12:12my own college expenses.
12:14If I give this to you,
12:15what am I supposed to live on?
12:17My dad said it like it was nothing.
12:20Your school's not that far.
12:21Just live at home.
12:22No expenses that way.
12:24And we'll save food for you.
12:26I let out a bitter laugh.
12:30Save leftovers for me, you mean?
12:32No thanks.
12:34His face went dark.
12:35Fine.
12:36Keep your money.
12:37Can't count on you
12:38when it really matters.
12:40He turned and walked off.
12:42That night,
12:42I came home from work
12:44and found Mom waiting at the door,
12:45which was rare.
12:47She lit up when she saw me.
12:49Ella!
12:50You're back!
12:51I bought your favorite strawberries.
12:53Come have some.
12:54I was still wondering
12:54why she'd suddenly changed her attitude
12:56when Lucas burst out of his room
12:58clutching his shoeboxes.
13:01The shoes I wanted.
13:02Mom, I love you.
13:04I turned my head
13:05and caught Mom looking away guiltily.
13:07And then Mia walked over
13:08with a brand new laptop in her arms,
13:11smiling sweetly.
13:12Ella, Mom said you paid for our gifts.
13:14Thanks.
13:24I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.
13:27I didn't even stop to ask questions.
13:28I ran to my room like a madwoman.
13:30I pulled open the drawer.
13:31The spot where I'd kept my bank card was empty.
13:34I started tearing through everything,
13:36muttering under my breath.
13:40No way.
13:41No way.
13:41Finally, I sank to the floor.
13:43It hit me.
13:44All the money I'd worked so hard
13:45to save for my new life,
13:46it was all gone.
13:47Mom saw the look on my face
13:49and came closer.
13:50Hesitant.
13:51Almost afraid.
13:52Lucas and Mia really wanted those things
13:54and money's been tight.
13:55I had to borrow yours just for now.
14:02Your dad and I will pay you back.
14:04Don't be like this.
14:05Mia came up too.
14:07Ella, don't be so stingy.
14:08I mean, you can use my laptop sometimes too.
14:11Yeah, you give me birthday gifts every year anyway.
14:13Just think of it that way.
14:15I couldn't hold it in anymore.
14:17I pointed at Lucas.
14:20You remember me giving you birthday gifts every year?
14:23Then what about you?
14:24What have you ever given me?
14:26Then I turned to Mia.
14:29All my life, if you wanted something of mine,
14:31I had to give it up for you.
14:32You never shared anything with me.
14:35And now you're pretending to be generous?
14:39Finally, I looked at my mom
14:40like I was seeing a stranger.
14:42I thought,
14:43even if you played favorites,
14:45at least you still saw me as your daughter.
14:47Do you know how hard I worked to save that money?
14:49When you took my card,
14:51did it even cross your mind for one second?
14:56Lucas and Mia had nothing to say.
14:58Mom stared at me,
14:59flustered by the coldness in my eyes.
15:02Dad walked in and cut her off,
15:04raising his voice at me.
15:05Ella, how dare you talk to your mother that way?
15:07We're family.
15:08Why do you have to be so petty?
15:09If you keep up this attitude,
15:12get out.
15:15I let out a scoff.
15:17Good.
15:18That's exactly what I want.
15:20There was never any room for me in this family anyway.
15:24Dad's face went red with anger.
15:26He slammed the door and stormed out.
15:29Lucas and Mia exchanged a look,
15:31then followed him out without a word.
15:33Mom's voice softened.
15:35Ella, don't be so stubborn.
15:37You're part of this family too.
15:40What's wrong with contributing a little?
15:42I took my hand off the closet door
15:44and turned to face her.
15:46You've always ignored me,
15:48and yet you expect me to keep giving?
15:49I'm tired of it.
15:51I'm done being the sacrifice
15:53that keeps your happy family together.
15:56The look in my eyes startled her.
15:58She stepped back,
15:59pointing a trembling finger at me.
16:02Fine.
16:02Let's see how long you last.
16:04Without money for living expenses,
16:05you'll have no choice but to come crawling back.
16:08Just as she finished,
16:09my phone buzzed.
16:10I looked down.
16:11It was an email from the visa office.
16:14My visa was approved.
16:16A weight lifted off my chest.
16:18Finally, I could leave.
16:19I looked up at my mom and smiled.
16:23All right then.
16:24You just wait for that day.
16:29Living room,
16:30the four of them were sitting on the couch.
16:32Mia was rubbing Dad's back,
16:33speaking softly.
16:35Dad, don't be mad.
16:36Ella will come around and apologize to you
16:38once she thinks it through.
16:42Dad patted her hand.
16:44You're the sensible one.
16:45Not like Ella,
16:46always finding ways to upset her parents.
16:49I walked out of my room with my suitcase.
16:55They all looked up at me.
16:57Dad froze for a second,
16:58then let out a cold laugh.
17:02Oh, so you're really leaving, huh?
17:04Walk out that door today
17:06and don't bother coming back.
17:07I didn't stop.
17:08I headed straight for the front door.
17:13Mia suddenly ran up and grabbed my arm.
17:17Ella, just apologize to Mom and Dad already.
17:20Where are you even going this late?
17:21She pulled too hard and my backpack swung.
17:24A passport slipped out through the half-open zipper
17:27and landed on the floor with a slap.
17:29Everyone froze.
17:30Mia was the first to react,
17:32her voice uneasy.
17:33Ella, why do you have your passport?
17:35I ignored her.
17:37I bent down, picked it up,
17:39and put it back in my bag.
17:41Lucas crossed his arms and smirked.
17:44What else?
17:45Probably some act.
17:47Want us to think she's leaving for good.
17:50Mom looked worried.
17:52She got up from the couch and reached for me.
17:54But Dad blocked her,
17:56his voice dripping with disdain.
18:01Let her go.
18:02She doesn't even have money.
18:04Go abroad with what?
18:06She's probably just crashing at a friend's place
18:07for a few days.
18:08What could she possibly do?
18:10I didn't bother arguing.
18:12I grabbed my suitcase
18:13and walked out without looking back.
18:17Mom kept staring at the door.
18:20Finally, she let out a sigh
18:21and sank back onto the couch.
18:24I stayed at a classmate's place that night.
18:28The next morning,
18:30I went to my exchange program coordinator's office.
18:33Mrs. Helen,
18:34I'd like to apply for the full scholarship.
18:37She looked at me for a moment,
18:38then pushed up her glasses.
18:40The full scholarship is very strict.
18:43You'd have to stay there for at least two years,
18:45and you can't come back in between.
18:47Does your family agree to this?
18:49I lowered my head
18:51and let out a quiet laugh.
18:54They won't care.
18:56Then I looked up,
18:57meeting her eyes with steady resolve.
18:59From now on,
19:00I'm in charge of my own life.
19:07The plane touched down in Europe.
19:09As soon as I walked out of the airport,
19:11I spotted two girls holding up a sign.
19:14My name was written on it in colorful markers,
19:17with a tiny ballet shoe drawn next to it.
19:19I walked up to them.
19:23Hi, I'm Ella.
19:25They lit up and crowded around me, excited.
19:27Ella, you're finally here!
19:28We've been waiting so long.
19:30How was the flight?
19:31One of them,
19:32a girl with a high ponytail,
19:33grabbed my suitcase without asking.
19:36Come on, let's get you to the dorm.
19:38Becca made you food.
19:40She's an amazing cook.
19:41You're going to love it.
19:44We got to the dorm.
19:45The moment I stepped in,
19:47the smell of home-cooked food hit me.
19:49They led me to the table.
19:51Becca came out of the kitchen,
19:52patted the back of a chair,
19:53and smiled.
19:55Ella, we were just waiting for you.
19:57Everyone, dig in.
19:59I looked at the lavish spread on the table
20:01and felt a sting in my nose.
20:04Right before bed,
20:05the family group chat suddenly came alive.
20:07Right.
20:08Today was the first day of school.
20:10They must have been dropping off Lucas and Mia.
20:13Mia posted a photo of the four of them at a restaurant.
20:16They were all leaning in together,
20:18cozy and happy.
20:20Then she texted.
20:21Lucas replied instantly.
20:23A moment later,
20:24Mia sent a shocked emoji.
20:27Mom sent a voice message.
20:28It's Godry?
20:29I played it.
20:30Girls need to take care of themselves.
20:32Don't pinch pennies.
20:33Buy what you need.
20:34If you run into any trouble at school,
20:37find Ella.
20:38You two are at the same school.
20:39Look out for each other.
20:42When I didn't reply,
20:44Mia suddenly tagged me.
20:46I'm sorry.
20:49I'm sorry.
20:51I'm sorry.
20:51I'm sorry.
20:52I'm sorry.
20:53I still didn't reply.
20:55Less than two minutes later,
20:56Dad tagged me in the group.
20:58Lucas jumped in right away.
21:00He threw in a few more jabs
21:02and then the group went quiet again.
21:04I didn't bother with it.
21:05I turned off my phone,
21:06closed my eyes,
21:07and slept.
21:08No dreams that night.
21:10The next two weeks,
21:11I threw myself into training.
21:12Every day,
21:13I was at the studio before sunrise
21:15and didn't get back to the dorm
21:16until late at night.
21:18The girl in the mirror was getting thinner,
21:20but her eyes were sharper,
21:22brighter.
21:23One night,
21:24I dragged myself back to the dorm,
21:26exhausted.
21:27Becca handed me a sandwich,
21:29looking worried.
21:31Ella,
21:31don't push yourself so hard.
21:33Your health matters most.
21:34I took the sandwich,
21:36bit into it,
21:37and said between chews,
21:39Thanks, Becca,
21:40but I need this.
21:42I need to get away from some places,
21:45some people.
21:45Becca didn't press further.
21:47She just handed me a glass of water.
21:50Meanwhile,
21:51back in my house,
21:53Mom and Dad sat at the dinner table.
21:55The air was heavy.
21:57Mom stared at my empty seat,
21:59dazed,
22:00then suddenly spoke up.
22:01Robert,
22:01it's been dazed,
22:03not a word from Ella.
22:04Maybe,
22:04let Mina go ask around?
22:07Dad didn't even look up.
22:10Eat.
22:12She can do whatever she wants.
22:14Mom opened her mouth a few times,
22:16then closed it again.
22:17Finally,
22:18finally she lowered her head
22:19and went back to her food.
22:20Just then,
22:21her phone suddenly rang.
22:22When she picked up,
22:24Mia's voice came through,
22:25rushed and panicked.
22:26Mom!
22:27Ella never even showed up at school.
22:30I asked her classmates.
22:32They said she went to Europe
22:33as an exchange student.
22:41living room went dead silent.
22:43Dad's fork clattered onto his plate
22:45with a sharp ring.
22:46Mom's hand froze in midair,
22:48phone pressed to her ear.
22:51All the color drained from her face.
22:53She set the phone down,
22:55shot up from her chair,
22:56and ran to my room.
22:57Ella?
22:58Fuck.
22:59She shoved the door open,
23:01and the sight of the empty room
23:02made her stumble,
23:03nearly falling.
23:04She braced herself against the wall,
23:06just barely holding herself up,
23:08and shrieked,
23:09Robert!
23:10Come here!
23:10Now!
23:11What greeted them
23:12was a bare room.
23:14Every trace of me was gone.
23:16Mom opened the closet,
23:18empty.
23:19She pulled out the drawer,
23:20and all my documents were missing.
23:22She gripped Dad's arm,
23:23her voice shaking.
23:24Robert,
23:25Ella really left,
23:26without a word.
23:29And me,
23:30far away in Europe,
23:32after more than half a month
23:33away from home,
23:34I finally got the first call
23:36from my family.
23:37I picked up.
23:39Mom's voice came through,
23:40choked with tears.
23:42Where are you?
23:43Why did Mia say
23:44you went on an exchange?
23:46Then Dad's voice,
23:47sharp with anger.
23:48What do you think you're doing?
23:49Are you really taking
23:50this family fight this far?
23:53I didn't hesitate
23:54for even a second.
23:55I blocked them all,
23:56but I didn't expect
23:58what came next.
23:59They pulled me into
23:59a new group chat.
24:00They pulled me into
24:01a new group chat
24:02full of relatives.
24:04First, it was Aunt Georgina.
24:06Ella,
24:06what's going on with you?
24:08Your parents said
24:09you threw a tantrum
24:10and ran off to Europe.
24:12You're young,
24:13but when you're older,
24:14you'll understand
24:15how hard your parents worked.
24:17Your parents are
24:18too soft on you.
24:19If you were my daughter,
24:21I'd have broken your legs.
24:28I stared at the screen,
24:30flooded with messages
24:31telling me to be sensible.
24:32A wave of nausea hit me.
24:35Back then,
24:36when my parents
24:37only bought
24:37back-to-school gifts
24:38for Lucas and Mia,
24:40I casually mentioned it
24:41to my cousin.
24:42The next day,
24:44the whole family knew.
24:45My parents were furious.
24:47They beat me
24:48and warned me
24:49never air family
24:50dirty laundry.
24:52But now they were
24:53the ones airing it
24:54because this time
24:56they thought the fault
24:57wasn't theirs.
24:58I sent one message.
25:04Oil on a blazing fire.
25:07A flood of blame
25:08came crashing down.
25:10Even Uncle George,
25:12who usually kept quiet,
25:14spoke up.
25:20My grip on the phone
25:21tightened.
25:22After a long silence
25:24from me,
25:24my parents finally
25:25stepped in,
25:26playing Peacemaker.
25:27Mom said,
25:29Then Dad.
25:35Mia sent a crying emoji.
25:41I watched them
25:42shape the narrative,
25:43paint me as the one
25:44causing all the worry
25:45and heartbreak.
25:46I smiled with release.
25:49Then I sent a series
25:50of photos to the group.
25:52The chat,
25:53so loud just moments ago,
25:55went completely silent.
25:58The photos I sent
25:59were exactly
26:00the leftover scraps
26:01they'd saved for me
26:02and the bank card
26:03transaction records.
26:09Then I typed again
26:11in the group.
26:11This is what my family
26:13saved for me
26:13while I was working
26:14as an assistant.
26:15I never got a
26:16back-to-school gift.
26:17This year there was
26:18a $5,000 budget,
26:19but it all went to
26:20Lucas and Mia,
26:21paid for with the money
26:22I earned from my job.
26:23Mia got $3,000
26:25for living expenses
26:25her first month of college,
26:27but for two years
26:28I paid my own tuition.
26:29Now,
26:30do you still think
26:31I'm the one being unreasonable?
26:32The group was quiet
26:33for a long time.
26:35Then Uncle George
26:36sent a voice message.
26:38Diane,
26:38Robert,
26:39this is just ridiculous
26:40of you two.
26:41You're too partial.
26:42No wonder
26:43Ella chose to leave.
26:44Mom, Dad,
26:44Lucas and Mia
26:45didn't say another word.
26:46I just left the group chat
26:48and blocked all
26:48their contact info.
26:49I threw myself
26:50back into dance.
26:51Every leap in the studio,
26:53every turn,
26:53it was proof
26:54that I was moving
26:55toward a future of my own.
26:56The bruises on my knees
26:57healed and came back.
26:59I wore through
27:00a pair of shoes
27:00every week.
27:01My toes were wrapped
27:02in tape,
27:03but I never stopped.
27:04I had a plan
27:05forming in my mind,
27:06but I didn't tell anyone.
27:08My roommates
27:08seemed to sense something,
27:10but they never asked.
27:11They just left
27:12a nightlight on
27:13for me every night.
27:14Half a year later,
27:15I came back to the dorm
27:16from the studio.
27:18Becca was reading
27:18a cookbook.
27:19Kate was mending
27:20her dance shoes.
27:21Emily had her headphones on,
27:23listening to music.
27:24They all looked up
27:25when I walked in,
27:26startled for a second.
27:27Becca glanced
27:28at the clock.
27:28Ella,
27:29you're back early tonight.
27:30I sat down my bag,
27:32took a breath,
27:32and asked,
27:33Will you all
27:34dance with me?
27:39Three of them
27:40on the couch
27:41all stopped
27:41what they were doing.
27:42They looked at each other,
27:43then almost in unison,
27:45they smiled.
27:46Becca stood up,
27:46clapped her hands,
27:47and said,
27:48We've been waiting
27:49for you to say that.
27:50Three months later,
27:51the four of us
27:52took an original ballet piece
27:54to the finals
27:54of the Paris International
27:56Dance Competition.
27:57The moment the curtain rose,
27:59a single spotlight
28:00fell on one lonely figure.
28:02Three girls danced beside me,
28:04moving in unison,
28:05smooth and graceful.
28:07I was alone in the corner,
28:09every movement of mine
28:10hidden and swallowed
28:11by their group dance,
28:12like a blade of grass
28:14growing in the shadow
28:15of a great tree.
28:16Then the music
28:17suddenly turned intense.
28:18It was as if
28:19I'd broken free
28:20from their hold
28:21and made my way
28:22to the center of the stage.
28:23My body spun faster
28:25and faster under the light,
28:27like a tree
28:27breaking through the soil,
28:29like a butterfly
28:30emerging from its cocoon.
28:32And as the final note rang out,
28:33I threw my arms up
28:35and rose to the tips
28:36of my toes,
28:37reaching high
28:37as though I was about to fly.
28:39The whole theater
28:40fell silent for a second.
28:42Then applause
28:43erupted like thunder.
28:44I stood on stage,
28:46breathless,
28:47and saw some people
28:48in the audience
28:49already had red-rimmed eyes.
28:50At the judge's table,
28:52a woman in a dark blue suit
28:54picked up the microphone.
28:55I'm truly moved
28:56to see such depth of emotion,
28:59such raw life
29:00from a group of students.
29:01May I ask the choreographer,
29:04what inspired you
29:05to create this piece?
29:06I took the microphone.
29:07Under the spotlight,
29:08I spoke one word at a time.
29:11This is my own story.
29:12I wanted to tell it through dance,
29:15to tell everyone
29:16who's been through the same.
29:18You were treated unfairly
29:19by your family,
29:20but you still have the right
29:22to choose your own life.
29:23You don't need to wait
29:24for anyone to see you.
29:26On your own,
29:27you can still shine.
29:33The moment I finished speaking,
29:35applause broke out
29:36from the audience again,
29:37louder and longer than before.
29:39Becca stood beside me
29:40and quietly squeezed my hand.
29:42While we waited
29:42for the results to be announced,
29:44the four of us stood backstage,
29:46hands linked in a small circle.
29:48Our palms were drenched in sweat.
29:49Becca said,
29:50her voice trembling a little.
29:52Whatever happens,
29:53we already gave them our best.
29:54I nodded,
29:55too nervous to speak.
29:56Then the host read the name
29:57of the gold medal winner.
29:58Before I could even react,
30:00Becca screamed
30:00and threw herself at me.
30:02We all crashed into each other,
30:03crying and laughing at once.
30:05Becca wiped the tears
30:06from my face.
30:07Ella,
30:08congratulations.
30:09After all this time,
30:10you deserve it.
30:11I sniffled and gave them
30:13a big smile.
30:14This is for all of us.
30:16We all deserve it.
30:17A video of our performance
30:19went online.
30:20More and more people
30:21started watching it.
30:22Children from families like mine,
30:24overlooked,
30:24pushed aside,
30:25left comments.
30:26I wore my sister's hand-me-downs
30:27my whole life.
30:28I cried for 20 minutes
30:29in my dorm after watching this.
30:31I never knew someone
30:32could put that feeling
30:33into dance.
30:35And one more,
30:36short.
30:37But it blurred my vision
30:38the moment I read it.
30:39I'm going to start
30:40choosing my own life, too.
30:41That was why I made this dance.
30:43To reach people.
30:44To give them strength.
30:45I just never expected
30:46it would also bring
30:47unwelcome visitors.
30:54Showed up at my dorm
30:56on a rainy day.
30:57I opened the door
30:57and there they were.
30:59The four of them
31:00lined up in the hallway.
31:01After all this time apart,
31:03they didn't ask
31:03how I was doing.
31:04Didn't ask how I'd managed
31:06alone in a strange city
31:07without any money
31:08for living expenses.
31:09Their first words
31:10were accusations.
31:12Lucas sounded impatient.
31:13Ella, how long
31:14are you going to
31:15keep this up?
31:17Mom's been crying for days.
31:18Dad can barely eat.
31:20Don't you even care?
31:22My dad's voice
31:22was thick with anger.
31:24If Mia hadn't shown us
31:25that video.
31:26We never would have known
31:27you were out there
31:28running your mouth.
31:30Making up lies
31:30about your own family.
31:32Do you have no conscience?
31:34Mia chimed in,
31:35soft and wounded.
31:36Ella, we're really happy
31:38you won.
31:39But you can't build
31:41your success on our pain.
31:42Lie.
31:43I let out a sudden laugh.
31:44My eyes filled with tears.
31:46Which part was a lie?
31:47Which part wasn't true?
31:49My mom sobbed.
31:50Even if it's true,
31:51you can't put it out there
31:53for everyone to see.
31:54Do you know how the neighbors
31:55and your dad's co-works
31:56are looking at us?
31:58I stood there
31:59feeling how absurd
32:00it all was.
32:00My voice was cold.
32:02So I'm supposed
32:02to swallow my tears,
32:03keep my mouth shut,
32:04and play the good daughter
32:05to keep the family happy.
32:07But mom, dad,
32:08didn't you both suffer
32:09through your own families
32:10growing up too?
32:15Dad always said,
32:16being the oldest
32:17means you have to take care
32:18of the younger ones.
32:19Always give in to them.
32:20So he favored Lucas,
32:22gave him the best
32:22of everything.
32:23My mom always said,
32:24being the youngest
32:25means you're a burden.
32:26The older ones
32:27don't like you.
32:28So she doted on Mia,
32:29like she wanted to hand her
32:30the moon and stars.
32:31Only I,
32:32stuck in the middle,
32:33became the sacrifice
32:34for them to make up
32:35for their own childhoods.
32:36My parents looked like
32:37they'd been struck
32:38by lightning.
32:39Their eyes changed.
32:40No more blame,
32:41no more resentment,
32:42but a kind of guilt
32:43and regret
32:43that comes after
32:44a sudden realization.
32:45They finally understood
32:47the child most like them
32:48wasn't Lucas or Mia.
32:50It was me,
32:50the one they'd always overlooked.
32:52My mom's voice cracked.
32:53She reached for me.
32:55Ella?
32:56I stepped aside.
32:57So please,
32:58for your own sake,
32:59just leave me alone.
33:00They froze.
33:01They'd never imagined
33:02I could hate them this much.
33:04Dad swallowed hard.
33:05His voice was hoarse.
33:06Ella,
33:06your mom and I just
33:07didn't want you to go through
33:09what we went through.
33:10We never thought
33:11it would end up like this.
33:13Do you need money?
33:16How are you paying for tuition?
33:18Let me send you some...
33:18I laughed coldly.
33:20I have prize money
33:20from competitions.
33:22More than enough.
33:23So don't worry.
33:24Besides,
33:25I'm on a full scholarship.
33:26No tuition to pay.
33:28If you actually cared,
33:29you'd have known that by now.
33:31So keep your belated concern
33:32to yourself.
33:33I don't need it.
33:39Dad looked at the resolve
33:40in my eyes
33:41and his back
33:42immediately bent.
33:43He seemed to age
33:44ten years
33:45in an instant.
33:46Mom also hung her head
33:47in shame.
33:48Finally,
33:49they didn't say another word.
33:50They just pulled
33:50Lucas and Mia away
33:52and left
33:52like they were running
33:53from something.
33:54They never bothered me again.
33:56Three months
33:56after they left,
33:57Becca and I,
33:58along with the others,
33:59got an invitation
34:00from the Royal Ballet.
34:01This was the most
34:02prestigious,
34:03century-old company
34:04in the world.
34:05So many legendary dancers
34:06had come from there.
34:07We were overjoyed.
34:09That night,
34:09we celebrated
34:10at a restaurant downtown.
34:11On our way out,
34:12I remembered
34:13I needed to pick something up.
34:14I told Becca
34:15and the others
34:15to go ahead.
34:16Just as I was about
34:17to turn the corner,
34:18someone darted out
34:19from the side of the road
34:20and grabbed my arm.
34:21It was Mia.
34:22Her voice was frantic,
34:23dripping with grievance.
34:25Ella,
34:26do you know
34:27how many people
34:27have been attacking me
34:28on social media
34:28because of your dance?
34:29And those dance companies
34:31I applied to,
34:31they all rejected me!
34:33Do you have to make
34:34everyone in this family
34:35miserable?
34:36Compared to my parents'
34:38unconscious favoritism,
34:39the ones who benefited
34:40were even worse.
34:41I pulled my arm free.
34:44I never told anyone
34:45to attack you.
34:46You're the one
34:46who came forward
34:47and said you were my sister
34:49to grow your followers.
34:51And have you ever considered
34:52that those companies
34:53rejected you
34:54not because of me,
34:55but because you're
34:56not good enough?
34:57If you'd spent
34:58half the time
34:59you waste
34:59going out on practice,
35:01you wouldn't be
35:01standing here right now.
35:05Mia was left
35:06speechless by my words.
35:07She paused,
35:08then switched
35:09to that wheedling tone
35:10she'd been so good at.
35:11I don't care.
35:12How come you get
35:13into the Royal Ballet
35:14and I just keep
35:16getting rejected?
35:17Ella,
35:18just take me
35:19to see the director.
35:20If I can meet her
35:21and you put in
35:22a good word for me,
35:23I'm sure I can get in too.
35:30She looked at her,
35:31eyes red-rimmed
35:32and sneered inwardly.
35:33So this was her
35:34real game all along.
35:35Ever since we were kids,
35:36whenever she wanted
35:37something of mine,
35:38she'd put on that face
35:39and mom and dad
35:40would give in,
35:41make me give it up.
35:42It was always like this.
35:43I was getting impatient
35:44and about to push her away
35:46when Lucas's voice
35:47suddenly cut in,
35:48sharp with restrained anger.
35:50Mia, what are you doing?
35:51He strode over
35:52and pulled her aside.
35:53You told me you missed Ella,
35:55that you knew
35:55you'd been tinkle wrong
35:56and wanted to apologize.
35:58So I came with you.
36:00And now,
36:01what is this?
36:02Mia's tears spilled over.
36:04But I don't have
36:05any other choice.
36:08Ella could help me
36:09if she wanted to.
36:10Why won't she?
36:11Lucas cut her off,
36:12frowning.
36:12Did you forget
36:13what mom and dad said
36:14when we got back?
36:15Ella has given us plenty.
36:16Why should she keep giving?
36:18She doesn't owe us anything.
36:19Let's go.
36:20Stop embarrassing yourself.
36:21Mia flinched at his tone
36:22and fell silent.
36:23Lucas took a breath
36:24and turned to me.
36:25What happened before,
36:26we were wrong.
36:27I was your older brother.
36:28I should have taken care of you.
36:31I'll take Mia home.
36:32She won't bother you again.
36:34He paused.
36:34His voice went rough.
36:35But mom and dad,
36:36they've been full of regret.
36:38They really miss you.
36:39If you have time,
36:40go back and see them, okay?
36:42I stood still for a few seconds
36:43and I turned and walked away.
36:45Regret that comes this late.
36:46I don't need it.
36:51After graduation,
36:53we officially joined
36:53the ballet company.
36:55But because I was a foreigner,
36:56I had to go back home
36:57to sort out my work visa.
36:58I didn't tell anyone
36:59I was coming back.
37:00I rented a short-term apartment
37:02in the city center
37:02and enjoyed a rare, quiet break.
37:05Until one afternoon,
37:06I came back to find my parents
37:07waiting at my door.
37:08They were carrying bags and packages.
37:10When they saw me,
37:11they looked uneasy.
37:12Dad spoke first
37:13with a cautious,
37:14almost ingratiating tone.
37:16Ella,
37:17you're back.
37:18Why didn't you tell us?
37:21Yes, yes.
37:22We've already cleaned
37:23your room at home.
37:24New sheets and everything.
37:26A rented place
37:27can never be as comfortable
37:28as home.
37:30I unlocked the door,
37:31calm.
37:32That place hasn't been
37:33my home for a long time.
37:35They seemed frozen in place,
37:37unable to say a word.
37:38I glanced at them.
37:39Come in.
37:40Don't just stand there.
37:41Neighbors will see.
37:41They followed me inside,
37:43their steps uncertain.
37:44I set my bag down.
37:47So,
37:48what do you want?
37:50Not about Mia again,
37:51is it?
37:52No,
37:52no,
37:53not her.
37:54We already talked to her.
37:56That was her own mess.
37:57Her problems are hers now.
37:59We're done meddling.
38:00She lifted the shopping bags
38:02a little nervously
38:02and looked at me with hope.
38:05Ella,
38:06it's been so long
38:07since you've had my cooking.
38:10Let me make a few
38:11of your favorite dishes,
38:12okay?
38:17I glanced at the bags
38:18in her hands,
38:19then turned to pour myself
38:20a glass of water.
38:22What did you buy?
38:22Mom's eyes lit up
38:24with a flicker of hope.
38:25She eagerly started
38:26pulling things out
38:27of the bags
38:28one by one.
38:30Chicken wings,
38:31ribs,
38:32celery,
38:33shrimp,
38:33and this lobster.
38:35I got it fresh this morning.
38:37So fresh.
38:38I'll make honey glazed
38:38chicken wings
38:39and barbecue ribs, right?
38:41But you forgot,
38:42those aren't my favorites.
38:44They're Lucas's and Mia's.
38:45You never once asked
38:47what I actually like.
38:48Her hand froze midair.
38:50The ingratiating smile
38:51on her face
38:51began to crumble.
38:53I went on.
38:53And besides,
38:54I'm allergic to shellfish.
38:55Did you not know that either?
38:57All the color drained
38:58from her face.
38:59The box of lobster
39:00slipped from her hand
39:01and landed on the coffee table
39:03with a dull thud.
39:04She sank into a chair,
39:05her expression dazed
39:07with panic.
39:08Ella,
39:10I'm sorry.
39:11I forgot.
39:12I really forgot.
39:13Seeing her like that,
39:14Dad quickly held out
39:15the bags in his hand
39:16toward me.
39:17Ella,
39:18I never followed through
39:19on those back-to-school gifts
39:20I promised you.
39:21I'm making up for it now.
39:23Go ahead.
39:24Open them.
39:25See if you like.
39:26I looked down at the bags,
39:28then back up at him.
39:29Then I shook my head
39:30and pushed the bags away.
39:31I've already graduated.
39:33I don't need
39:34back-to-school gifts anymore.
39:35His arms dropped to his side.
39:37His voice came out weak,
39:38almost pleading.
39:40Ella,
39:41your mom and I know
39:43we were wrong.
39:44What will it take
39:45for you to forgive us?
39:51Took a sip of water.
39:53Honestly,
39:54I don't know either.
39:56I know you really feel guilty.
39:57But what's the point?
39:58That guilt,
39:59it can't undo
40:00all the hurt I've carried
40:01for over 20 years.
40:03But I don't hate you anymore.
40:05Hate takes too much energy.
40:07I'd rather save mine
40:08for myself.
40:09Just go,
40:10and don't come back.
40:11At that,
40:12my mother finally broke down,
40:13covering her face
40:14with her hands.
40:15My father stood beside her,
40:16eyes red.
40:17He helped her to the door,
40:18whispered.
40:19At the entrance,
40:19he turned back
40:20one last time.
40:21Ella,
40:23take care of yourself
40:24over there.
40:24Goodbye.
40:25After they left,
40:26I stood by the window,
40:27watching clouds drift by
40:28and the birds fly past.
40:30Goodbye.
40:31Two years later,
40:32I stood in the wings
40:33of the Royal Opera House
40:34about to make my debut
40:36as principal dancer.
40:37My heart was pounding,
40:38but the moment
40:39the stage lights came up,
40:40nothing else existed,
40:42just the dance.
40:43When it ended,
40:43the final spotlight
40:44held me at center stage.
40:46Thunderous applause
40:47and cheers
40:47rose from the audience.
40:48I led the company members
40:50for the curtain call.
40:51As I straightened up
40:52from my bow,
40:53I spotted four familiar faces
40:55in the audience.
40:56Back in the dressing room,
40:57a staff member hurried in,
40:59carrying an elegant
41:00white box.
41:01Principal Ella,
41:02a lady asked me
41:02to give you this.
41:03She said you must
41:04open it yourself.
41:07I opened it.
41:08Inside lay a pair
41:09of beautiful ballet shoes.
41:11Beside them was a note.
41:13Ella,
41:14seeing what you've achieved,
41:15we're so proud of you.
41:16When you were eight,
41:17you wanted a pair
41:18of dance shoes
41:19from this brand.
41:20I promised you,
41:21but never followed through.
41:22Now mom's buying them for you.
41:23Please accept this late gift.
41:25I clutched the note.
41:26Remembering that girl
41:27standing at the shop window,
41:29waiting year after year,
41:30I let out a long breath,
41:32placed the note
41:33back in the box,
41:33and put it in the locker.
41:36Ella?
41:37Becca's voice rang
41:38from the doorway.
41:39She leaned in,
41:40a bouquet of red roses
41:41in her hands.
41:42There's a line of fans
41:43out there for you.
41:44They're waiting
41:45to give you flowers.
41:46If you don't go soon,
41:48they might actually cry.
41:50I turned,
41:51a radiant smile
41:52spreading across my face.
41:53Coming.
41:54I stepped toward the door.
41:56From now on,
41:56I would never wait
41:57for anyone again.
41:58I was my own
41:59truest support.