The Plum Tree on the Hill [Screenplay]

Scene 7: Saying Good-bye

NARRATOR: The day of their final meeting dawned gray. Clouds blocked out the sun, and chilly winds blew through the trees. As he had asked of her, the fox spirit waited patiently beneath their plum tree, eyes upon the hill and hoping that, at any moment, the boy would appear before her with a smile on his face, announcing that they were to be wed as soon as possible. But that was not the greeting she would get.

[The boy comes up the hill.]
[The fox spirit stands, and bows to him as he approaches, clearly eager with anticipation.]
[The boy refuses to meet her eyes.]

YOUNG BOY: My father says that I am to not see you again.

NARRATOR: The fox spirit's smile slid off her face. Perhaps she had misheard him through the winds. He could not have possibly said—

YOUNG BOY: I am to marry the merchant's daughter, and bring prosperity and fortune to my family. This is my duty as their son.

FOX SPIRIT: But, what of my gifts? Was the plum not satisfactory? Shall I bring your honorable father something more?

[The boy shakes his head.]
YOUNG BOY: No. You are not to bring him any further gifts.

FOX SPIRIT: Perhaps I shall dance for him? Perform him another, more proper tea ceremony?

YOUNG BOY: No...

NARRATOR: This could not be! After everything she had done to become a woman that the boy could love and be proud of, his father could not be denying them this happiness! The fox spirit tried to get the boy to look at her, but he avoided her eyes.

YOUNG BOY: We are not to see each other ever again. I am sorry. I have to do this.

NARRATOR: After several minutes of trying to convince him that they could not just give up, the boy turned and left. As she watched him descend the hill, she stretched her hand out to him, hoping that he would turn around and come back. But he did not.

YOUNG BOY: Good-bye...

[The boy shakes his head and turns, leaving the fox spirit beneath the plum tree.]
[The fox spirit reaches for him, but does not follow him.]
[The boy does not turn around. He continues walking, and departs the scene.]

NARRATOR: Dropping to her knees, the fox spirit buried her face in her hands. Tears wetting her palms, she cried beneath the plum tree until night fell, her heart feeling as if it had been shattered into countless pieces that could never be put back together again.