Chapter 1 Chapter 1 According to the rules , relatives were not allowed to view the process at crematorium . Supported by the icy steel bed , Sylvia Lloyd paid her way into the crematoriums inner sanctum . The air was tinged with the scent of burning , intermingled with the ash that danced in the sunlight . Perhaps it was someones ashes . Soon , her precious daughter would become just that . Sylvia was clad in a long black dress that barely covered her gaunt frame even in the smallest size , her eyes , swollen and red from crying , now held a serene calm . She reached out to touch the cold , stiff hand that protruded from beneath the white shroud , and into her daughters palm , she placed two pink paper stars . Wait for me , Stella . me seemed to stand still until a worker approached , pulling Sylvia away to reveal Stellas face under the shroud . At eight years old , Stella was frail and thin , her ribcage starkly defined , with a noticeable dip at the bottom . Sylvias tears welled up again as she gazed at that dip . She had failed to protect Stella . The worker , attempting consolation , softly said , Sorry for your loss . At least your daughters kidney saved another child , who will now live a happy life in her stead . A cold flash passed through Sylvias eyes , a bitter smile forming , Yes , that child happens to be my husbands illegitimate son . Right now , theyre celebrating his grand birthday party . Did you know ? Today is also my daughters birthday . The worker was taken aback , unable to comfort the despairing woman before him . Looking at Stella , Sylvia forced a pale smile , Go ahead , lets not delay . I hope my daughter finds a better life next time . With a sigh and a shake of his head , the worker prepared to move the body to the furnace , perhaps out of sympathy , shielding Sylvia from the process . But Sylvia wasnt afraid ; Stella was finally at peace , no longer despised by her own father . Why doesnt Daddy lime , Mommy ? Why does Daddy like Ms. Simpsons son ? Is Daddy mean to you because of me ? Im sorry , Mommy . Her precious daughter , destroyed by Rupert Garcias actions ! Before her birthday , he had promised a trip to the biggest amusement park , a dream day with her father . Sylvia was the last to know , and couldnt forget the moment she charged into the ward , only to find her daughters lifeless body . The ironic thing was that a blood stained childrens watch lay beside her , dialing her fathers number . And yet the only response was a cold , Stop acting crazy like your mother . Hearing the busy line , Sylvia had held back tears and hugged her daughter , fearing her sobs would scare her precious child . In fact , ever since Bridget Simpson returned from abroad with her son , boldly accusing Sylvia of harming them , Rupert had made her a madwoman , the talk of the town . Especially to think how Rupert stared at her and her daughter when he listened to Bridgets tales of hardship and her sons premature birth with kidney issues . He was the epitome of elegance , yet at the meanwhile he looked extremely fierce and stern . Ignoring Sylvias pleas , he cursed , Youve harmed Bridget and my son , Sylvia . Ill let you pay double the price . And so , Rupert had his revenge . Everything ended . As Sylvia was awakened from her memories , she found herself carrying a pink urn in her hands Stellas favorite color . The grip on the urn tightened , she said , Lets go home , Stella . The wind lifted her dress , a sorrowful figure beneath the suns gaze . Returning to the marital home she shared with Rupert , Sylvia tidied her daughters belongings , and then sat holding the urn until evening . A parking sound came from outside . Soon , a sharp , black figure walked in , it was Rupert . Eight years passed , and his presence was as espotic as the day they met . In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.
