Scene 03

EXT. GARDEN - DAY

[images following]

Valentine pushes a wheelchair gently along the path beside the life-care centre. She is in full nursery outfit and has a smile on her face. The sun warms her face in response to which she closes her eyes and lifts her head towards the sun.

A Japanese man (Kumo) of very old age is seen to be seated in the wheelchair as it is gently pushed forwards. He is wrapped in a blanket despite the warm weather. He is meditating whilst his hands are making string figures (Ayatori, a traditional Japanese game).

As they move along the path Valentine collects flowers from the garden and hands them to Kumo. He touches them and shows his recognition of their nature. The instance Valentine hands him a dark and poisonous flower Kumo secretively breaks its petals and closes his fists around them.

KYOKO
(off-screen)
"Are you still pushing Mister Lee around?"

Valentine looks over her shoulder and stops, whilst Kyoko catches up with them from behind.

VALENTINE
(annoyed)
"His name is NOT Lee, it is Mister Kumo!

KYOKO
(in wonder)
"Meaning Mister Spider?"

VALENTINE
(lecturing)
"He is possibly the most influential expert in botanics. He knows all about flowers."

KYOKO
(concerned)
"If that is so, why does he make you pick the most poisonous flowers of all kinds?"

She turns Valentine's palm up and shows her the stains coming from the flower.

Kyoko walks along, next to the wheelchair, and lays her hand on Kumo's shoulder.

KYOKO
(giggling)
"Anyway, who cares? He is probably dead by now."

VALENTINE
(concerned)
“Don’t say that, there is nothing wrong with his hearing.”

VALENTINE cont.
(concerned)
“Besides we have to be going before they collect the mail.”

KYOKO
(theatrical)
"Oh those letters he keeps sending her. You know, his wife has been dead for years."

VALENTINE
(stunned)
“But how can he still be writing them, in his condition, you know?”

KYOKO cont.
“As they say, love is blind.”

KYOKO cont.
(smiling)
"Will I see you after the break?"

Kyoko wanders off to the life-care centre whilst waving her hand girlishly at first Valentine and then at Kumo.

Valentine pushes the wheelchair now forcefully whilst she looks straight ahead. Her hand holds a letter with a Japanese address. At the mailbox, she hesitates to slide it in. She looks concerned at Kumo, a blind. A spider’s web is seen to have covered the mailbox’s opening.

[go to Scene 04]