"I ain't worried..." Jeo wiped away another tear. "Hannah, once you're all healed up, come home with us. You don't need to bust your hump making movies for money anymore. The cash your mom saved for you, if you’re careful with it, can last you a lifetime in our little town.”
Hannah always knew, of all her family members, her dad was the least keen on her making movies.
Thanks to Steven stepping in, no one dared ask her to film kissing or bed scenes, or any of that real stuff. She always used a body double, but her dad didn't know that, and neither did the folks back home. So, there was always a buzz in town, and people gossiping behind her parents' backs.
No father wanted his daughter to be the subject of snide remarks and gossip. So her dad previously asked her if she could quit making movies. Back then, she thought her dad was worried she was losing face by making movies. She said she wanted to do it for a few more years to keep making more money.
After she refused, her dad didn't bring it up again. Every phone call was about encouraging her to work hard and not to worry about other things. Other things being the baseless rumors and gossip back home.
Her dad was a gentle soul, and whenever people talked about her, he'd simply tell them that his girl was a serious actress, not someone who'd do anything disgraceful.
Today, Hannah finally understood that her dad's reluctance for her to make movies was more about not wanting to see her struggling and working so hard all by herself. She nodded.
But Pandora said, "Once Hannah heals, it's okay if she wants to make movies. We saved the money so she'd have more choices, not that she has to stick to this path."
While speaking, she continued to prepare dinner, quickly placing the food Steven brought by in front of Hannah, and said, "Jeo, pour Hannah some soup."
Jeo replied, "Sure."
Watching her parents hustle around for her, made Hannah's heart fill with warmth, wave after wave. She was so touched she started crying again.
Pandora asked, "Baby, why are you crying again?"
Hannah wiped her tears. "I'm just so happy!" All this time, she thought she could only rely on herself, and she had no way out. Today, she realized her parents had already prepared a way out for her with all they could. With them around, she wasn't scared of anything.
Pandora handed her the soup. "Drink this first."
Hannah replied, "Okay."
The same soup, but because it was served by her mom, it tasted even better to her.
Pandora patted her head. "Silly girl."
Hannah retorted, "Mom, I'm not silly."
Pandora said, "You're not? Then why didn't you tell us when you were wronged? You think it's cool to suffer alone?"
Hannah fell silent.
Jeo, unusually firm, said, "From now on, tell us if something's up. If anyone dares to bully you, I'll make them pay."
Pandora added, "Our family's got more than just your dad, there's your little brother, too. The little guy is now even taller than you. He's pretty tough, and can take on several guys at once. Who'd dare to bully you then?"
Hannah replied, "Okay."
...
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