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Memories of a Cherry Blossom Tree
by Fletcher Johnson Jr. (fletjhnsn@aol.com)

Rated: G   Genre: Family   User Review: ****
This screenplay is based on love and compassion expressed by an Orphanage lady who takes in five girls who have been abused, neglected, displaced and abandoned. It's filled with humor, fun, and healing.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



MEMORIES OF A CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE

FADE IN:

INT. SCENE 1: PROLOGUE - DAY
                                                            
The Lady in Pink puts on her phonograph with some music and
takes a seat in her rocking chair while crocheting and
staring out the window.
                                                            
The window is open and she glances up every now and then to
peek for a hurting child. Birds are singing and chirping
while squirrels run from tree to tree. The heavenly breeze
cools her sweating face and sends a natural aroma of love
throughout the house. All of sudden, she hears the sound of
a car and rushes to the door. A young girl steps out with a
small suitcase and greets the lady on the porch.
                                                            
ON THE PORCH
                                                            
(The Lady in Pink greets the young girl as she steps on the
porch).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Hello, let me help you with your
suitcases.
                                                            
(The lady reaches for Caroline's suitcases)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Welcome to Stillwater’s Orphanage.
                                                            
(The lady then takes the envelope out of her hand and
notices her name. Caroline stares at her in anger and
confusion as the social worker drives off leaving her).
                                                            
(Caroline stares in disgust and anger).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I am glad to see you Caroline and
remember your mother was carried
away by the angels into a
beautiful place.
                                                            
(Caroline begins ranting and chanting)
                                                            

2.

                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I want to go home! I want to go
home! I want to go home!
                                                            
(The Lady in Pink caresses Caroline's hair and hugs her).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
It will be okay sweetie, I promise
to take good care of you.
                                                            
(The lady sits her down and steps outside to wait for
another expected girl by the name of Katherine Clemons).
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
                                                            
(Caroline sat sniffling and pouting when she heard two loud
knocks at the front door).
                                                            
(Knock! Knock!)
                                                            
(Caroline rushes to the door and screams)
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
It's my mom, She's come to get me!
                                                            
(The Lady enters struggling while carrying Katherine)
                                                            
(Katherine is biting, kicking, and screaming).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I want my grandma! I want my
grandma! Come get me grandma!
Please don’t leave me grandma! I
love you grandma! Where are you?!
Let me go! I want my grandma!
                                                            
(Katherine sobs uncontrollably)
                                                            
(Lady hugs and cuddles Katherine)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Shh, Shh, it's going to be okay.
                                                            
(Katherine makes eye contact with Caroline and sniffles
quietly).
                                                            

3.

(The Lady eases Katherine down and she walks over to stand
in the middle of the livingroom).
                                                            
(Caroline gets up and goes over to Katherine).
                                                            
(Caroline hugs her and takes her by the right hand into a
corner of the room).
                                                            
(Katherine begins crying on Caroline's left shoulder as they
stood in there).
                                                            
(They both fall asleep in the corner while the lady crochets
a quilt in her rocker).
                                                            
                       HOPE (VO)
      (Lady in Pink)
Lord, I pray that you will touch
each child that comes through that
door and give me the strength,
understanding, and direction to
guide them to a happy home.
                                                            
(Varoom! Varoom! Kabloop!)
                                                            
(Moments later, she hears the sound of a car. She gets up
and opens the door).
                                                            
(A child is left standing on the porch of the Orphanage with
her arms folded in anger).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
What is your name?
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
My name is Victoria Simmons and I
want my daddy!
      (Lady in Pink)
Your father died and went to
heaven during the war.
                                                            
(The Lady gently grabs her by the hand and leads her inside
the orphanage while lovingly caressing Victoria’s face and
smiling).
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Let go of my hand, lady! You Pink
Twiddle bug! You Pink Skittle
bug! I want my Daddy! My dad is
coming back from the war to get
me! He is not dead! Stop saying
            (MORE)

4.

                       VICTORIA (cont'd)
that! Stop pulling my arm Lady!
Let go of me!
                                                            
(Scared and suddenly awakened from their sleep, both
Caroline and Katherine shook and stood in fear. Once she
got Victoria inside and closed the door, Victoria stood in
the middle of the room with a mean frown on her face while
staring at everyone).
                                                            
                       LOVE (Simultaneously)
      (Katherine and
       Caroline)
Come over here and sit with us.
                                                            
(She crossed both of her arms and stomped as hard as she
could while walking over to sit with the girls. The Lady in
Pink went to the kitchen and brought back cookies and
glasses of Milk. They all smiled and ate cookies).
                                                            
                       LOVE (Simultaneously)
      (Katherine,
       Caroline,Victoria)
Thank you!
                                                            
(Honk! Honk!)
                                                            
(The lady peeks outside the window and notices a police car.
She rushes outside to see who was inside).
                                                            
(She breaks into tears as she opens the car door and notices
spots of blood on the child's dress).
                                                            
                       HOPE (Screams)
      (Lady in Pink)
Oh my Lord, not another one! She's
too young! This can't be
happening to our children!
                                                            
                       COMFORT
      (Police Officer)
The child's name is Marilyn Clisby
ma'am, She was abused by a family
member. Here are the papers and
have a blessed day.
                                                            
(The lady takes paperwork from the police officer as she
lifts the sleeping child out of the car).
                                                            
                       HOPE (VO)
      (Lady in Pink)
Don't worry baby, I will make sure
this never happens again.
                                                            

5.

(The lady carries her inside and lays her down in the bed).
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Look! She has blood on her dress!
Let's get it off. Her face has
tears on it. She's been crying.
      (Lady in Pink)
That's so nice of you but let's
make sure she gets some rest
before we get her a new dress.
                                                            
(The Lady, Victoria, Caroline, and Katherine all climbed
into the bed alongside Marilyn for the night).
                                                            
(The next morning, they all took baths and put on fresh
clothes. The Lady in Pink prepared a nice hot breakfast for
everyone and made sure there were extras for any unexpected
orphans).
                                                            
(The front door swings open and a little girl skips into the
kitchen singing loudly)
                                                            
                       PEACE (Sings loudly)
      (Reba)
Up and down we go, hopping on the
floor, spin around and touch the
ground, stand up and touch your
nose.
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
I’m free! I’m free! No more tears,
no more sadness, no more fear, and
no more madness!
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
Oh my, you have blue and black
bruises all over your legs! What
happened to you?
      (Reba)
My mom beat me because she didn't
want me anymore.
      (points to bruises
       on her legs)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
My name is Reba and yours?
                                                            

6.

                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
I'm Marilyn and I was emotionally
abused in other ways. I don't
want to talk about it because my
dad did it.
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Well, you have to talk about it
sometimes. It makes you feel
better to get it out.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
You girls should finish your
breakfast before it gets cold. You
can talk more later.
                                                            
(They sit down to eat and finish their breakfast).
                                                            
(Marilyn then sneaked inside the Lady in Pink’s room to get
some soothing ointment. She took Reba by the hand and sat
her down on the edge of the bed. They all left the
breakfast table and begin rubbing ointment on Reba's bruises
and joined in as Reba sang. They laughed and giggled with
happiness as they rehearsed the lines).
                                                            
                       CHOIR (Singing loudly)
      (All Girls Join
       Reba)
Up and down we go, hopping on the
floor, spin around and touch the
ground, stand up and touch your
nose!
                                                            
(The Lady in Pink peeked inside the room and smiled as she
watched them bond together in love).

(Marilyn leaves to find the Lady).
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
Can we go outside?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Yes, you can swing and play games
underneath the Cherry Blossom
Tree.
                                                            
 

7.

INT. SCENE 2:CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE - DAY
                                                            
(As the Lady in Pink prepared dinner, she occasionally
peeked outside the window to check on the girls. She noticed
that they were all playing hop scotch games and skipping
around the Cherry Blossom Tree. She began taking her
favorite dishes out of the cupboard. The dishes all had
different poems engraved inside. After placing the food on
the table, the lady set out dishes to represent each girl.
She then called out to each of them).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Reba! Marilyn! Katherine!
Victoria! Caroline! Come and eat!
Time for Dinner!
                                                            
(They all came running inside and washed their hands before
sitting down. Each of them noticed that their names were on
the backs of different chairs. After sitting in their
assigned chairs, they took turns reading the poetry while
the Lady continued to bring food to the table).

(As they took turns reading their poems, each girl began to
shed tears).
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
With kisses and hugs, I can
snuggle like a bug.
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
With happiness and cheers, I can
chase away my fears.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
My turn! As the moon brightens
each midnight sky, so does the sun
for each tear I cry.
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I’m next! No matter how heavy my
heart may be, I can always find
love underneath the Cherry Blossom
Tree.
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Let peace be still to one and all,
            (MORE)

8.

                       VICTORIA (cont'd)
no matter how great, no matter how
small.
                                                            
(As the lady served each of them dinner, she kissed them on
their cheeks).
                                                            
(She whispered in each of their ears).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I love you from the bottom of my
heart and we're going to make it.
                                                            
(As they began eating, classical musical begin to play
through the phonograph speaker. It was so soothing and
relaxing that the girls began questioning the lady about
it).
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
What kind of music is that?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
It is classical music and I am
playing it just for you all.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Who is playing the piano?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
A great composer by the name of
Beethoven.
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I have never heard of him before.
                                                            
                       HOPE (Smiles)
      (Lady in Pink)
It is okay, you will hear more of
it as you get older.
                                                            
(Caroline ponders the thought by putting her hand on her
head)
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I don’t want to be old.

                                                            

9.

(Lady laughs out loud)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Everyone gets old.
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
If you get old, your teeth will
fall out and your hair turns
white. Kinda smell like moth balls
too.
                                                            
(Lady Chuckles)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Getting old is wonderful and you
only get better with time.
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Isn't that like wine?
                                                            
(Everyone laughs)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Girl, where did you learn that?
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
My dad told me that before he went
off and got killed in the war.
                                                            
(Suddenly, a sad mood fills the room)
                                                            
(After dinner, they all took baths in separate washtubs and
noticed that the bruises on Reba’s legs and arms had
disappeared. It was so amazing that Reba went rushing into
the Lady in Pink’s room).
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Look! Look! Look! You made my
bruises go away!
                                                            
(lady smiles)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Love, made them go away.
                                                            

10.

(Reba began dancing alone in the living room while the house
cat watched in amazement).

(Reba ran back to the room and washed before climbing into
bed with the other girls. They all slept peacefully and
soundly during the night).
                                                            
(When morning came, they all ate breakfast and rushed
outside where they played, danced, and skipped around the
tree. After getting tired, they all rested under the Cherry
Blossom Tree and exchanged tales of their dreams).
                                                            
OUTSIDE UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE
                                                            
                       CHOIR
      (All the girls)
Up and down we go, hopping on the
floor, spin around and touch the
ground, stand up and touch your
nose.
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
I dreamed that I was adopted by a
nice man from France.
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I had a dream that I was adopted
by a caring lady from Austria who
had immigrated to New York.
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
I dreamed that a loving family
from Japan adopted me.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I had a dream that I was adopted
by a beautiful family from Africa.
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
I dreamed that I was adopted by a
respectful family from New York.
                                                            
(After sharing their dreams they all stood up and joined
hands around the Cherry Blossom Tree. They began singing
and dancing).
                                                            

11.

                       CHOIR
      (All the girls)
Up and down we go, now hop and
touch your toes, skip around the
Cherry Blossom Tree, now stop and
touch your nose.
                                                            
(Ka-bloom! Ka-bam! Ka-bloop! Ka-pow! the old classic T-model
sounded. You could see smoke trailing the old T-model. The
girls ran inside giggling at the sounds coming from the
T-model Ford. As it came to a stop, a man stepped out and
on his way to the door, he spoke to the girls peeking out
the window).
                                                            
ON THE PORCH
                                                            
                       CHARMING
      (Frenchman)
Bonjour, Petite Felles

                                                            
(The girls all stared at each other).
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Reba: Up and down we go, now hop
and touch your toes, skip around
thaaaaaaa
                                                            
(The other girls give her a viscious stare)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Okay! Okay! Stop staring at me
like that! I’ll stop!
                                                            
(Frenchman smiles)
                                                            
                       CHARMING
      (Frenchman)
Je Comme Votre Chanson
                                                            
(All of the girls just stared at him in confusion).
                                                            
(Lady opens the door)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Bonjour Monsieur
                                                            

12.

                       CHARMING
      (Frenchman)
Bonjour Mademoiselle
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Come inside
                                                            
(He entered the orphanage and sat on the living-room couch.
The lady served him tea as she exchanged papers for him to
sign).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Reba darling!
                                                            
                       PEACE (OS)
      (Reba)
She’s asleep!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Excuse me, please. Just a moment.
                                                            
(She goes into the room to check on Reba and finds her under
the bedcovers making snoring sounds while pretending to be
asleep).
                                                            
(lady smiles)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Reba, get up sweetie.
                                                            
(Reba lies still with her eyes still closed)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Why? I’m sleeping.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
You will be leaving to meet your
family.
                                                            
(Reba screams as she jumps up)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Please don’t send me back! They
beat me! Please don’t!
                                                            

13.

(Lady shed tears)

(She embraces and cradles Reba while sitting on the bed
beside her.)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
No baby, this is a new family that
will love and take good care of
you. No one will ever hit you
again. I promise you that.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Don’t you trust me?
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Yes, I trust you more than my own
family.
                                                            
(Lady smiles)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
So let’s go meet part of your
family. What do you say?
                                                            
(Reba smiles with a tear streaming)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Okay
                                                            
(They both head for the livingroom where the Frenchman was
sitting).

(Upon entering, Reba observed the man holding her suitcase
and smiling at her).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Congratulations! You have been
adopted and will be leaving for
France.
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
No! No! No! I can’t leave my
friends!
                                                            

14.

(The man then pulled a gift box out of his pocket and handed
it to her. She became silent and took the box. She opened
it and saw a small portrait of a family inside of it. She
ran to show it to the other girls).
                                                            
(simultaneously)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (The other girls)
Is that your new family?
                                                            
(Reba smiled with excitement)
                                                            
                       PEACE
      (Reba)
Yes, I can't wait to meet my new
sisters and brothers.
                                                            
(Reba grabs her things and takes the Frenchman by the hand
to hurry to the car).
                                                            
(She hugged the lady and all of the girls while rushing
outside to get in the car. As they drove away, she began
waving goodbye and blowing kisses at everyone).
                                                            
 
INT. SCENE 3-FAREWELLS - DAY
                                                            
(After watching the car drive away, the girls huddled
together and began crying. They all missed Reba and
couldn’t bare the thought of being without her. She came
inside the kitchen area where they were standing and
reassured them that it was going to be alright).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Reba deserves a good family and so
do you all.
                                                            
                       CHOIR
      (All of the Girls)
We love you!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I love you all too.
                                                            
PLAYING GAMES AND CARVING A NAME IN THE TREE
                                                            
(For the rest of the day, they played games and carved
Reba’s name in the Cherry Blossom Tree. It read, Reba, we
love and miss you. When evening came, they were called
inside for dinner, baths and bedtime).
                                                            

15.

                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Yo hoo! Yo hoo! girls come inside.
It's time for dinner, baths, and
bedtime
                                                            
(The girls rush inside and wash their hands before sitting
down to eat)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I miss Reba
      (picking her nose)
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I do too.
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
She was special. My golly
Katherine, will you please stop
picking your nose?
                                                            
(Katherine pulls out a green glob and smears it on her own
dress)
                                                            
(All the girls shift to one side of the table to avoid
Katherine)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (All the girls)
(squinching noses and leaning away
from Katherine)
ewwwwwwww! that is sooooo nasty.
We're telling on you.
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
Ma'am! Katherine is not using her
manners.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(Stares angrily)
Tattle tales!
                                                            
                       HOPE (OS)
      (Lady in Pink)
Katherine darling! Go wash your
hands and change your dress
sweetie.
                                                            

16.

(Katherine rolls her eyes at the girls and hits the table
before leaving)
                                                            
                       HOPE (OS)
      (Lady in Pink)
What was that?
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
That was the other girls hitting
the table.

(Katherine giggles)
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
Katherine is telling a tale!

(Katherine looks back to lick out
her tongue)
                                                            
(Katherine enters the room and notices Reba left a dress
hanging in the closet. She grabs the dress and rushes over
to the pail to wash)


(Katherine burst out in tears as she washes her hands and
changes into Reba's dress)
                                                            
(She enters the kitchen as dinner was being served and
everyone notices the dress)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
You look sad darling and I see you
have found Reba's dress. It looks
good on you.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(Sobbing and covering her face
with her hands)
I miss Rebaaaaaa
                                                            
(All of the girls shift their chairs closer to Katherine)
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
(Gets up and hugs Katherine)
It's okay, we miss her too. I miss
seeing her poetry plate. We are
sorry and we love you just as
much.
                                                            

17.

                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I saved her plate for someone just
as special as she and I will do
the same for you all.
                                                            
(She served each of them dinner. They later took baths and
climbed into bed).

(The next morning, there was a knock at the door which woke
up everyone. The lady hurried to the door and peeked
outside. She saw a Japanese lady with two young Japanese
girls. She opened the door and greeted them).
                                                            
ON THE PORCH
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Ohayo Gozaimasu
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
Ohayo, My name is Sachiko Izumi
and these are my two daughters,
Mihoko and Akane. My husband,
Miyato, is away on business and
here are the signed adoption
papers. We are here to pick up
Victoria Simmons.
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
(she overhears the conversation)
Please don’t let them take me
away!
(The other girls held her tightly)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Don’t worry, it will be okay.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Please come inside and join us for
breakfast.
(Sachiko and her family enter the
orphanage and sit at the table).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Girls! We have company! Come and
greet them.
            (MORE)

18.

                       HOPE (cont'd)
(As the girls slowly entered the
kitchen area, Victoria followed
all of the other girls with her
arms covering her face as tears
flowed and sniffling sounds
echoed. The girls guided her to
her favorite chair where she sat
quietly).
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
Ohayo, my name is Sachiko and
these are my two daughters Mihoko
and Akane. We can’t wait for
Victoria to join our family and we
brought her some gifts.
                                                            
(Victoria took her arms down and stared at the gift with
tears streaming)
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
What are your names?
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I'm Katherine
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
I'm Marilyn
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I'm Caroline
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Leave me alone! I don’t have a
name!

(She stares in an angry gaze)
                                                            
(As breakfast was being cooked and served, Mrs. Izumi gave
Victoria a bag of gifts).
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
(The lady places toast on her
plate)
Domo-Arigato
                                                            

19.

                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
(In a soft whimpering voice)
Thank you
                                                            
(Victoria grabbed the bag with excitement. Reaching inside
the bag, she pulled out a gift wrapped box and began opening
it. Inside, she found porcelain Cherry Blossom dolls).
                                                            
                       VICTORIA
      (Victoria)
Yes! This is what I have always
wanted! My own doll! I love you
Japan! I am going to Japan!
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
We will take good care of you as
your father wished.

                                                            
(After breakfast, Victoria grabbed her suitcase from the
Lady in Pink. Tears were flowing from the eyes of the lady
and the girls as they hugged Victoria for the last time.
While walking outside, the girls joined hands and ran
towards the Cherry Blossom tree and sang their rhyme)
                                                            
OUTSIDE UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE
                                                            
                       CHOIR
      (All the girls)
Up and down we go, now hop and
touch your toes, skip around the
Cherry Blossom Tree, now stop and
touch your nose.
                                                            
ON THE PORCH
                                                            
                       SACHIKO
      (Sachiko)
(says goodbye to the lady)
Sayohnara
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(says goodbye to Sachiko)
Sayohnara
                                                            
(Victoria stopped and hugged them as she walked away to get
into the car. The girls waved and chased the car as it went
down the street with Victoria waving goodbye).
                                                            

20.

(The girls hug each other as they walk back in the house
where they spent the rest of the day sobbing)
                                                            
(The next day, the other girls decided to spend some time
outside reminiscing and carving more names in the Cherry
Blossom Tree. All of a sudden, they began hearing the Yankee
Doodle song being whistled. They rushed to the front of the
Orphanage and noticed a lady and a man dressed in high
fashion. The lady gave them dolls from her native country
of Austria and introduced her husband).
                                                            
                       DELIGHTFUL
      (Lady from Austria)
Hello, we’re from Austria but we
migrated to New York. Two of you
remind me of my late daughters.
      (Her husband
       stands smiling)
                                                            
                       DELIGHTFUL
      (Lady from Austria)
Don't they honey?
      (She winks at her
       husband)
                                                            
                       WISE
      (Husband of Lady
       from Austria)
Yes darling, I must say that I do
believe they bear a striking
resemblence to our angels in
heaven.
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
What does late mean?
                                                            
                       DELIGHTFUL
      (Lady from Austria)
What I mean is that my two
daughters died from cancer.
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline)
I’m sorry, my mom died too. I
miss her. She looked and smiled
like you.
                                                            

21.

(The Lady in Pink stepped outside and welcomed them inside
for tea. All of the girls followed. They all pondered the
thought of going to New York to visit the Statue of Liberty.
The Lady in Pink took the signed adoption papers and
noticed that they requested two girls instead of one. She
then pointed to Caroline and Marilyn).
                                                            
                       JOY
      (Marilyn)
Our prayers are answered!

(They both hugged each other with
excitement).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
What about me?! Why not me?! Can I
go too?!

(The lady embraced her and looked
into her eyes with love).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I will always want and love you.
You're all I have left sweetheart.

(She then picked Katherine up and
held her in her arms before
dropping to her knees in tears)
                                                            
                       SWEET
      (Caroline and
       Marilyn)
(Simultaneously)
We love you and will never forget
to write. bye bye!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Goodbye my little ones. Maybe I'll
see you on the other side someday.
                                                            
(While walking outside to get into the car, the girls
started singing)
                                                            
                       CHOIR
      (All girls singing)
Up and down we go, our tears will
be no more, skip around the Cherry
Blossom tree, now love’s come to
our door.

            (MORE)

22.

                       CHOIR (cont'd)
(As they left, the Lady took
Katherine by the hand and went
outside).
                                                            
ON THE PORCH
                                                            
(tears streaming down both their faces as they wave goodbye)
                                                            
(The lady takes five pink ribbons out of her apron)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
What are those for?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(We are going to tie them around
the Cherry Blossom Tree in
rememberance of each of you.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Here, take two for Marilyn and
Caroline. I'll tie two and leave
one for later.
                                                            
(they tie ribbons around the tree)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I have to carve their names in the
tree.
                                                            
(Katherine skips around the trip while the lady kneels and
carves names)
                                                            
(Katherine stops skipping and starts sounding out names)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(pointing)

Marilyn and Katherine! I like
that. Where's my name?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Not yet darling, in time. But for
now, we have to go make some
cookies.

(Getting up off of her knees and
holding Katherine's hand)
                                                            

23.

(They both made their way inside the Orphanage and the lady
gave Katherine the spoon).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Let's make my favorite cookies.
                                                            
The lady got a bowl and all of the ingredients. She then
told her to stir the mix until it forms cookie dough.
Katherine smiled and began sticking her fingers inside the
cookie dough. The lady ignored her while laughing to
herself. After mixing, Katherine and the lady put the dough
on a cookie sheet and baked it).
                                                            
 
INT. SCENE-4 FINAL FAREWELL - DAY
                                                            
(They later enjoyed cookies and milk. That night, Katherine
was able to sleep in the bed beside the Lady in Pink. The
lady read her bedtime stories and they both went off to
sleep).


(The next morning, they both awoke and felt sunshine
gleaming through the bedroom window).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
What a beautiful day!
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I want to eat breakfast!
                                                            
(They leaped out of bed, brushed their teeth, washed their
faces and headed to the kitchen. The lady allowed Katherine
to beat up eggs while she made biscuits. The smell of
fatback filled the air as it crackled in the stove.
Katherine started dreaming of pouring sugar cane syrup on
her plate to dip her biscuits in. Before the food was done,
she was pleading and begging the lady for something to eat).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(pouting and folding arms) I want
something to eat. That meat smells
good. I’m hungry!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
That meat is called fatback and
it's like bacon but it's alot
thicker. We southerners love it.
                                                            

24.

(As the fatback came out of the stove, Katherine had her
plate out on the table).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(smiling as she serves Katherine)

I hope you enjoy it.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Thank you! Ummmm! Ummmm! This is
sooooo good!

(Smacking sounds)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
You’re welcome. Make sure you
slow down and don’t choke on your
food.

(Chuckling)
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I won’t! Ummmmm! Ummmm!
      (Holds a piece of
       fatback in the
       air)
Thank you Lord!
                                                            
(After breakfast, they washed dishes together).
                                                            
FADE
                                                            
UNDERNEATH THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Katherine, I want to let you know
that I will always be with you no
matter where you go.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Yeah! So you and I are going to
leave together?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
No, not in that way but you will
see in time.
                                                            

25.

                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I don’t want to leave without you.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
There comes a time in everyone’s
life that we will all say goodbye
whether we want to or not. Life
is like a vapor. One day you’re
here and the next day you’re gone.
We have to love, respect, and
cherish each other as though it’s
our last day on earth.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I cherish and love you everyday
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
I feel the same way about each of
you.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(She join hands with Katherine and
began singing)

Up and down we go, now hop and
touch your toes, skip around the
Cherry Blossom Tree, now stop and
touch your nose.
                                                            
(They both played games around the tree and skipped into the
house).

(Moments later, the Lady in Pink entered the kitchen and
started mixing ingredients to make her favorite Cherry
Blossom muffins).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I want to help!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Of course!
                                                            
(She gave Katherine a spoon and they mixed up all the
ingredients. Now the time had come to place the muffins in

26.

the oven. Katherine licked the spoon, bowl, and her
fingers. The lady smiled as she noticed muffin dough all
over Katherine’s face, hands, and hair. As soon as she was
done, the lady washed her up and read her a book. As the
aroma filled the air, Katherine leaped down and began
dancing).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(laughing)

What do you call that dance?
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
The Cherry Blossom Shuffle and I
made it up myself.

                                                            
(She began shuffling and tapping her feet while gliding
across the kitchen floor. It was hilarious to see and the
lady chuckled so hard that tears came streaming down her
face. After becoming exhausted, Katherine flopped down on
the couch breathing heavily and laughing).
                                                            
(Katherine breathes heavily and begins laughing)
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(Clap hands three times)

I enjoyed the Cherry Blossom
performance.
                                                            
(Minutes later, the muffins were ready and now it was time
to put on the icing. After they cooled, the lady in pink
began spreading Pink icing on top of the muffins and
sprinkled them with sweet Cherry Blossom shaped confetti).
                                                            
                       LOVE
(stares at the muffins)

Ummm, Ummm, Can I have one, two or
three?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Yes, get three

(Katherine reaches for three of
them)
                                                            

27.

                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Thank you
                                                            
(Boom! Ka-Boom! Ka-Boom! Ka-Boom!” sounded the drums.
Katherine ran to the window and saw the most beautiful
parade of people approaching the Orphanage).
                                                            
(The Lady in Pink knew they were coming and planned an
African parade for Katherine with the help of friends from
Nigeria. As they came closer to the Orphanage, so did the
sounds of the drums they were beating).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Look! Look! Come look at the
beautiful robes and hats they are
wearing! I love their beautiful
clothes.
                                                            
(Knock! Knock!)

(The lady opened the door and greeted them).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Maam Kizi, welcome to Stillwater’s
Orphanage.
                                                            
                       BEAUTIFUL
      (African family)
Maam Kizi
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Their skin is so beautiful and I
love their hair.
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
They have uniquely braided hair.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(she stands twisting her hair)

My hair is straight and long. Can
I get it braided too?
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
You are just as special and
unique. Even though we are
            (MORE)

28.

                       HOPE (cont'd)
different in color and hair, we
should always remember to share
the same love for each other in
our hearts.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I like that. I will always
remember it.
                                                            
(The people from Africa smiled and gave her a nicely colored
robe and head covering. Katherine grabbed the clothing with
excitement before running in the back to change into them.
In the meantime, the Lady in Pink signed off on the adoption
papers and released her to the African family.
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
I love it! My robe is beautiful!
Look at me!
                                                            
(She modeled her African wardrobe as if she was on a runway
in Paris. They all clapped, cheered, and danced to the
beats that went “Boom Ka-Boom! Ka-Boom! Ka-Boom!” sounded
the drums. Katherine begged the Lady in Pink to let her go
back to Africa).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
Can I please go back to Africa
with them? Please! Please! Please!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Yes, as you wish

(lady smiles and shed tears).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (Katherine)
(held her tightly by the neck and
whispered)

I love you from the bottom of my
heart and it will be alright, mom!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(she burst out in uncontrollable
tears)

I love you more!
                                                            

29.

                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(She then handed Katherine her
suitcase and kissed her on the
cheek while poetically whispering)

As the moon brightens each
midnight sky, so does the sun for
each tear I cry.
                                                            
(The drum sounded and Katherine danced out the door and
joined the parade as they strolled down the road).
                                                            
                       BEAUTIFUL
      (African family)
Kwa heri!
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
Kwa heri!

                                                            
(As they disappeared in the sunset, the Lady in Pink walked
out to the Cherry Blossom Tree and carved Katherine’s name
into it).
                                                            
                       HOPE
      (Lady in Pink)
(she closes her eyes and began
singing)

Up and down I go, I loved my
children so, I’ll dance around the
Cherry Blossom Tree, their hearts
will hurt no more.

                                                            
FADE OUT
                                                            
(For the next several years, she received gifts, artifacts,
and letters from each of the girls. She spent much of her
time answering mail and writing back. She routinely goes
back into the girls’ room and touch each of their dresses
that she kept for memories).
                                                            
                       HOPE (VO)
      (Lady in Pink)
Lady in Pink: (writes them all
letters)

Dear Girls, I had a dream last
            (MORE)

30.

                       HOPE (cont'd)
night that a man dressed in white
came to take me to a flower garden
and it was the most beautiful
place I had ever seen. I remember
entering a precious mansion and I
felt so much warmth and love. I
saw happy children running and
playing everywhere. I didn’t want
to wake up. A Dove flew over my
head and the most beautiful music
was playing in the air. There were
Cherry Blossom Trees everywhere.
People from all parts of the world
were celebrating as one. Last
week, I received sad news from my
doctor and he said that my kidneys
were no longer working. He said
that I would have to go on
dialysis and I may not live long.
I have lived a good life and it’s
time someone adopted me. I want
you girls to always love and take
care of each other. Never forget
the love I showed you all. Always
remember the memories of the
Cherry Blossom Tree.
                                                            
FADE OUT
                                                            
(Ten days later, the Lady in Pink died with a photo album of
the girls in her hands while asleep).
                                                            
(Everyone returned for the memorial service that was held
around the Cherry Blossom Tree and that’s where she was laid
to rest. One at a time, they all kneeled and carved the
letters “Lady in Pink” in the Cherry Blossom tree. They
stood and joined hands to sing).
                                                            
                       LOVE
      (All the girls)
(Skipping and Singing around the
tree)

up and down we go, our hearts will
hurt no more, thanks for love and
memories, we all will miss you so.

(They stopped still as tears
streamed downed their cheeks).
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Aaron Smith Date 7/27/2005 ***1/2
This is very good, but could be better. Loved the ending, though. Your script is an example that G-Rated films do not have to be nansy-pansy wimpy family films, because this was so much better than Ghetto Man or any of the other crap on ScriptBuddy now. You look up and down the page and R, R, R, R, PG-13, R, R ,R. And then your G peeking through the murk. Thank you for writing this artistic and touching screenplay.

From Paul Shannon Date 7/25/2005 ****
Touching. The sort of movie you would watch and suggest to others.


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