The Plum Tree on the Hill [Screenplay]

Scene 6: Convincing the Boy

NARRATOR: That evening, the boy attempted to reason with his father. He apologized on behalf of the fox spirit for the gifts she had brought—

YOUNG BOY: She saw the berry plants outside, father, and must have thought that you liked to eat berries!

NARRATOR: —but the father just shook his head, waving away the excuses.

YOUNG BOY: She brought you a mouse because she though you preferred meat. It...it is traditional cuisine for her, and she only wished to share it with you!
[The young boy attempts to contain his frustration.]

NARRATOR: It was futile to argue with his father; the boy knew that. Still, he was determined to try. For he loved the fox spirit as much as she loved him, and he wanted to make her his wife. But his father remained firm that he was to marry the daughter of that merchant—a woman he had met only once before in his life, and of whom he knew nothing about. "It will bring our family prosperity and fortune," his father argued. "It is your obligation to marry his daughter, and care for both of our families after you inherit the business. You cannot disagree with this."

[The father leaves the room, and the boy sits before the table, staring at the plum.]

NARRATOR: The boy knew that his father was right: this was his obligation. He was responsible for caring for his mother and father when they grew old. It mattered not that he loved the fox spirit: this was his duty.

[The boy reaches for the plum, and stands up.]

NARRATOR: With a heavy heart, the boy approached a wastebasket tucked in the corner of the room, cradling his beloved's plum in his palms. He would have to say good-bye to her; his father would have it no other way. Once his future wife came to live here, there was no way he could return to the plum tree to see her. There was nothing more for them to do: they would not marry; there was no changing his father's mind; he would have to marry the merchant's daughter.

[The boy tips his hands, and watches the plum fall into the wastebasket.]

NARRATOR: The plum fell from his hands with a soft sound of finality.