VOICE OF THE WIND

Voice-over (or text): "Hidden away in the nooks and crannies and forgotten corners of this mysterious world lie innumerable miracles and wonders, concealed from all but the most discerning eyes. Not the least fantastic of these marvels are those curiosities known together as the four winds.

The North Wind, cold and aloof, the bringer of snow and ice; the East Wind, gentle and teasing, the bringer of sweet summer rain; the South Wind, bright and alluring, the bringer of salt and the warm sea air. But the mightiest of them all is the West Wind, the bringer of storms and floods, the wind of destruction. Together, the four winds ride across all the skies of the world, breathing life through every hill and valley."

* With each wind named: a scene of frozen tundras and snow storms; forests and gentle nourishing showers; warm beaches and rustling palm trees; fierce gales uprooting trees, crashing waves and crumbling cliffs, and frightened townspeople seeking fearful shelter in their homes.

One such home, in a small wooded valley, is the home of Nora and her father, Edgar. Nora watches the furious rampage of the West Wind from the window in her room, unafraid, the shutters thrown wide, even as the rest of the town hunkers down waiting for it to pass. Eventually Edgar appears at her door, surprised to see the window still open.*

Edgar: (shouting over the wind) "Nora! What are you doing?!"

Nora: (shouting back without shifting her gaze) "Watching the wind, Papa."

* Loose papers and other things are fluttering and swirling around the room, but Nora does not seem to notice or care. Edgar struggles towards the door with his arms raised, protecting his face. He reaches the window and manages to force it closed.*

Nora: "Hey! Why'd you do that?"

Edgar: (panting heavily and looking annoyed) "Why do you think?!"

* He points, directing her attention to her room, which is a complete mess. Their pet cat Tuck is also huddled under the bed, looking terrified. Nora tries to coax him out, but he does not seem willing to move for a while yet.*

Nora: "What? It's not that bad! I can clean it up."

Edgar: (tiredly) "And you will. Just like every other time." (smiles fondly) "But later. Now it's time for dinner, so go wash up. Go on – I'll see if I can get Tuck to come out." (stern again) "And don't open any more windows!"

Nora: (nods begrudgingly, her cheeks puffed out petulantly) "Okaaayy."

* She washes her hands as the sound of the wind howling around the house comes and goes. At times she perks her head and looks up at the ceiling, almost as if she can make some sense of the sounds. When she eventually makes it to the dining room, Edgar is already there, his hands and face somewhat scratched from retrieving Tuck.*

Nora: (giggling) "Are you okay?"

Edgar: (grumbling) "Oh, never better."

* He drops Tuck, who races off, and takes his seat at the table. Nora takes her seat as well. There are only two chairs and two table settings. Edgar speaks as he begins serving the food.*

Edgar: "Next time you want a closer look at the storm, just let me know. You don't need to open any windows. I have some string in the attic – I can tie it to your ankle and send you up there, just like a kite. Then you can get a real good look."

Nora: (looking thoughtful) "Hmmm …"

Edgar: (looking horrified that she's actually considering it) "No, no, no – nevermind." (chuckling to himself) "I forgot that you're actually crazy enough to do it."

Nora: (indignant) "And what's crazy about it?! Hmmm? It's just wind – it wouldn't hurt me."

Edgar: "That's not 'just' wind … that's the West Wind we're talking about." (takes a big mouthful and begins to speak around it) "That's the wind that drives the storms and brings the floods. Why do you think they call it the wind of destruction?"

Nora: (speaking around her food as well) "Oh come on, Papa, it's not that bad."

Edgar: (shaking his head) "It's that bad and worse. Just because we've gotten off easy lately doesn't mean that others aren't having a hard time of it. Don't tell me you forgot about last year, when that wind ruined the corn harvest, blowing all the ears clear out of the valley just as they were getting ripe for picking? And what about Mister Thornton? Don't you think he's missing his well right about now, the one the West Wind tore into a pile of junk? And then there was –"

Nora: “Okay Papa, I get it!”

Edgar: (nodding in approval) “Alright, so long as you do.” (somberly) "It's a miracle that none of us have lost our lives to that cursed wind yet, but I feel like it's only a matter of time …"

* Nora is silent, chewing thoughtfully. She frowns and she thinks but suddenly perks up.*

Nora: "But it's not always causing trouble! Don't you remember? It saved me when I almost fell into the river." (gets up on her chair to demonstrate, causing the chair to tilt precariously back and forth on two legs) "The water was really high that year, after the snow melted, and I went to see it –"

Edgar: "After I told you not to."

Nora: (glaring at her father as the chair slams back onto four legs) "Papa, I already apologized for that! Now let me finish!" (continues her balancing act as Edgar holds up his hands to placate her) "The river bank crumbled, and I would've fallen in if the wind didn't suddenly blow me back onto the grass."

* The chair again slams onto its four legs; this time Nora is sent flying to the side, and only a timely save by Edgar keeps her from hitting the floor. She smiles up at him as if she had known he would catch her. With a frown he sets her back on her feet.*

Edgar: "I remember, Nora; I was there. It's a miracle you weren't hurt. But I told you back then, didn't I? It wasn't the West Wind that did that."

Nora: (indignant) "It was! I know it was!"

Edgar: (shaking his head) "It wasn't. If anything, it was probably the East Wind. The East Wind is gentle – it protects farmers and travelers and brings the rains that water our fields." (takes some water in his fingers and flings the droplets at Nora, who squawks in surprise) "The West Wind only destroys. And it certainly doesn't save children – especially noisy ones who disobey their fathers."

Nora: (sticks out her tongue and throws a cherry stem) "It wasn't the East Wind, Papa. I'm sure of it. I've never even met him."

Edgar: (giving her a strange look before laughing out loud) "Alright, Nora, if you say so." (looking troubled) "But … it does feel like it's been a while since the East Wind visited these parts, doesn't it? Lately it feels like it's been nothing but bad news year after year. And the storms only seem to be getting worse …"

* With a sigh, he shakes his head, seemingly signalling the end of the conversation. Nora picks up on the mood, and they finish their meal in silence. Around them the wind howls fiercely, punctuated by the occasional sound of trees cracking and other ominous sounds of impact. With each sound their heads jerk up, but where Edgar looks troubled by the noise, Nora seems merely curious.*

Edgar: (collecting the dirty dishes) "Why don't you head upstairs and get ready for bed?

Nora: (pouting) "What? Already?"

Edgar: (nodding) "It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow, cleaning up after all of this." (gesturing aimlessly up at the ceiling to indicate the storm) "And there'll be a lot to do in town as well. Jasper just began re-tiling his roof … I'd hate to think what it looks like over there. He might be sitting ankle-deep in water right about now." (chuckles at the thought)

Nora: (brooding for a moment; does not seem amused) "Why do we have to help Jasper? I don't like him."

Edgar: (sternly) "Now, now, none of that."

Nora: "I don't like him! He's a nasty old man."

Edgar: "Nora –"

Nora: "It's true! He thinks just because he's got a big house that he can be mean to everyone. And he's always calling you things like 'ox' and 'buffalo,' bad names like that. I hear him!"

Edgar: (chuckling) "Well, the ox and buffalo might disagree with you. I bet they like their names just fine."

Nora: (exasperated he won't take her seriously) "Papa, that's not –!"

Edgar: "And remember, Jasper is a little fellow – I probably do look like a buffalo to him from time to time." (grins and makes horns with his fingers to emphasize)

Nora: (pouting) "It's not funny! I don't like it!"

Edgar: (shrugging) "It's just his way, Nora. He doesn't mean anything by it."

Nora: (sulking) "I don't care. He's a jerk."

Edgar: "Whether or not he is, he's still our neighbor, and we still need to help. That's what neighbors do for each other."

Nora: (looking away petulantly and mumbling) "I know."

Edgar: "Don't let him get to you. Remember, it's just words – they can't hurt you."

Nora: (still looking away) "I know."

Edgar: (patting her on the head, making her squirm in annoyance) "Anyway, that's enough of this sort of talk! We'll have to be up early to get a fresh start. Best to get to sleep now."

Nora: (sighing) "Yes, Papa."

Edgar: (calling up after her) "And don't go opening any windows, you hear?! We already have enough to clean up without you adding to it!"

Nora: "Okay!"

* In her room, Nora closes the door and immediately goes to the window, opening it without hesitation despite the fierce shrieking of the wind outside. Immediately the wind comes roaring in, smacking her in the face and nearly throwing her backwards. Papers and other things, still scattered about from earlier, are thrown around even more, but Nora doesn't seem to care as she revels in the touch of the wind across her face, enduring it all with a beaming smile. Eventually she starts to close the window, afraid that her father might notice.

But as she looks outside, she catches a glimpse of someone standing by the edge of the forest, just far enough away that the features are indistinct. She can only see that he seems to be an old man, and that he is staring directly at her. With a startled gulp, she slams the windows shut. She begins to dart out of the room before sneaking back and pulling the curtains tight as well, tying them together with a giant knot.*

Nora: (frantic) "Papa! Papa! Papa!"

Edgar: (racing up the stairs) "Nora?! What is it? What's wrong?"

Nora: (meeting him at the top of the stairs, clutching him by the arm, hopping up and down, and pointing back towards her room) "There's someone outside! I saw him! He's standing outside the window! He was watching me!"

Edgar: (sternly) "Nora, did you open the window aga–?"

Nora: (shouting at him) "Papa! That's not important! There was someone watching me! Hurry! Go!"

Edgar: "Go? And do what?"

Nora: "Beat him up!"

Edgar: (blinking) "… Beat him –?"

Nora: "Hurry! He's gonna get away!"

* Grumbling, Edgar throws on his rain jacket and exits through the front door. Nora races upstairs and opens the window, struggling briefly with the curtain ties. Again the wind explodes through the room, further unsettling everything. Tuck once again takes refuge under the bed. After a few moments, Edgar appears outside beneath the window, looking harried as he fights to stay upright in the storm.*

Nora: (leaning out the window and pointing) "He was over there, Papa!"

Edgar: (unable to hear over the storm) "What?!"

Nora: (leaning out further and shouting) "He. Was. Over. There!" (she nearly tumbles out the window before catching herself)

Edgar: (wading through the storm to the treeline) "I don't see anything!"

Nora: (frowning) "He was right there! I saw him! He was standing there watching me!"

Edgar: (continuing to search) "There's nothing here!"

Nora: (unassuaged) "Keep looking! You need to find him! You need to beat him up!"

* Ignoring her, Edgar gives the area once last cursory glance before returning the way he had come. Pouting, Nora reluctantly closes the window and runs to meet him downstairs just as he enters through the front door, dripping wet.*

Nora: "You gave up too fast! He could still be out there! Go back out and –!"

Edgar: (giving her a knock on the head to silence her) "There was no one out there, Nora."

Nora: (holding her head) "Owww … But I saw –"

Edgar: "Whatever you saw, it should have at least left footprints, right?" (pointing to his own mud-caked boots) "But I didn't see anything. There were no tracks, and the bushes and leaves hadn't been touched. Unless this stranger of yours can fly, then he was never there in the first place."

Nora: (indignant) "But I saw him! I'm sure of it!"

Edgar: (smirking) "Well, that's the West Wind for you … It can play tricks on the eyes.” (suddenly smirks mischievously) “Especially if you're the type of person that's easily fool –" (yelps as Nora gives him a knock in the head)

Nora: (frowning) "I know I saw him, Papa. It wasn't the wind playing tricks. But … I guess there's nothing to worry about, as long as he's gone." (makes a determined fist) "But if he comes back, I won't let him scare me. I'll catch him myself!"

Edgar: (looming threateningly over her) "If you open that window again, that stranger's gonna be the least of your problems. Understand?" (Nora nods meekly, her eyes wide and afraid) "Good. Now what do you say we get this room of yours clean? And then it's off to bed with you!"

* View from outside: the window is closed but the shutters are unsecured and banging against the house, allowing a clear view into the well-lit room as Nora and Edgar go about straightening up the room, taking occasional breaks to playfully throw things at each other. Panning back further one can indeed see that the indistinct figure of an old man is silently watching them.

The same view transitions to morning. The storm has stopped, and the area is a mess, with broken tree branches and other debris thrown everywhere. The house is remarkably undamaged, except for the shutters to Nora's window - those hang precariously askew on their hinges. Edgar stands outside looking at them while shaking his head.*

Edgar: (sadly to himself) "So close … Almost a perfect score. But thank goodness, it seems we got off lightly again. Could have been a lot worse, that’s for sure."

Nora: (standing nearby, looking ashamed) "Sorry, Papa. It's because I opened the window last night."

Edgar: (with mock sternness) "It is! I told you about those shutters a hundred times." (walks over and ruffles her hair, causing her to smile shyly) "But it's just a shutter. We'll have it fixed good as new, and no one will be the wiser. But first, let's gather up these broken branches. It looks almost as bad as your room out here …"

* Nora sticks out her tongue, and together they begin to tidy the branches in companionable silence. Nora takes the opportunity to inspect the spot where she had seen the strange old man, but as expected, aside from Edgar's footprints there are no signs anyone was ever there. The underbrush looks pristine, and of course there are no other footprints to be found. She seems disappointed.

The trees rustle loudly in the wind, and her head perks up, tilting to the side occasionally as though she's listening to something. Edgar is watching her thoughtfully from a short distance away, leaning on a rake. As the wind dies down, Nora returns to normal and continues her task of dragging underbrush clear of the bushes, struggling with them as she does.

Edgar comes to help, and they work side by side for a time in companionable silence. Finally, Edgar speaks.*

Edgar: (warmly, casually) "You've been doing that a lot these days."

Nora: (questioning look) "Hmm? Doing what?"

Edgar: "Lately, whenever the wind blows, you tilt your head." (demonstrates) "Like this."

Nora: (smiling shyly) "Do I?"

Edgar: "You do. It's like you're listening to something."

Nora: "That's because I am, Papa."

Edgar: (amused) “Really? So what are you listening –”

* At that moment a long gust of wind comes through, rustling the leaves of the trees around them. Nora smiles, closing her eyes and tilting her head in her usual way. Edgar watches silently until the wind dies down.*

Edgar: "Well, what did you hear that time?"

Nora: (matter-of-fact) "A voice."

Edgar: "A … voice?"

Nora: (brightly) "Uh-huh!"

Edgar: "Whose voice?"

Nora: "The wind!"

Edgar: (skeptical) "The wind?" (Nora nods) "So the wind is, uh, speaking to you, then?"

Nora: "Uh-huh!"

Edgar: "So … ummm … What's it saying?"

Nora: (thoughtful) "Well … it's hard to put into words." (thinking) "It's like when you hear someone whispering across the room, and you can only make out a little bit here and there."

Edgar: (smiling) "I have plenty of bad habits, but eavesdropping isn’t one of them. But, I think I know what you mean."

* The wind rushes through again. This time, both Nora and Edgar assume matching listening poses, both with their eyes closed, like twins. As the wind dies down, Nora turns to Edgar expectantly.*

Nora: "So, did you hear anything this time?"

Edgar: (nodding solemnly, his eyes wide) "I did."

Nora: (excited) "Really?! Tell me! Tell me!"

Edgar: (putting a hand to his forehead in concentration) "The wind told me … that you should … get back to work."

* Edgar laughs as Nora scowls, making frustrated sounds, and he returns to pulling branches. Nora pouts and joins him, tugging on the branches violently.

The sun moves in the sky; in just a little time they clear the mess and finish up. Edgar looks up at the sun, lets out a loud breath, and wipes the sweat from his brow.*

Edgar: "Whew! Well, that should just about do it. How do you feel, Nora? Tired?"

Nora: (brightly) "Nope!"

Edgar: "Good! Then what do you say we head on into town and check up on Jasper? I have a feeling his house won't be looking quite as pretty as ours."

Nora: (deflating) "Do we have to …?"

Edgar: (smiling) "No, we don't have to." (Nora brightens) "But we're going to anyway." (ruffles her hair)

Nora: (re-deflating) "Aww …"

Edgar: "Because that's what –"

Nora: " – good neighbors do for each other … I know, Papa."

Edgar: (gathering his tools) "Well, if you knew, then why did you ask?" (ignores Nora’s defeated look as he finishes getting ready) "Alright, let's go!"

Nora: (sighs and slumps, following after him off-screen) "Coming …"

* Transition of the two walking at a distance, Nora clearly reluctant and unwilling as they go. After some time they enter the town, passing houses and small shops before arriving at the town square. Here there are many people gathered, helping to repair the damage done by the storm. Unlike their house, the damage here is much worse, though thankfully nothing catastrophic.*

Edgar: (subdued) "Seems they got it pretty hard. At least the buildings are still standing." (gulps as he sees one roof caved in) “Well, most of them.”

* Nora just nods somberly in reply. Some people pause in the midst of their work to call out greetings to Edgar and Nora. They both smile and answer in kind. Finally they stop at a large group gathered around an upturned tree. Edgar's eyes go wide.*

Edgar: (sympathetic disbelief) “Don't tell me … is that the Wye Oak?”

Bill: (glancing back from his work, wiping sweat off his brow) “Oh, Edgar, it's you.” (sighs deeply, shaking his head) “Yes … that’s our Wye oak, alright. It stood here in this spot for almost two-hundred years … after the storm, this is all that's left.”

* Edgar watches them work silently. People are sawing off branches and chopping the larger sections down with quiet, industrious efficiency. Bill also stops to watch, his face numb.*

Bill: “I have a lot of memories of this tree.”

Edgar: (nodding in agreement) “We all do, Bill. I remember playing in that tree as a kid, climbing its branches …“

Bill: (laughing quietly) “That’s right, we got into our share of mischief with this tree …” (smile fades) “But I also remember lazy days sitting in the shade of these leaves, sipping lemonade or having a game of cards.” (sighs deeply and rubs his eyes; with his back to us we can't see if he's crying or not, but his voice is thick and halting) “I asked my wife to marry me, you know – right here beneath this tree. When she said 'yes,' we sat in that branch together watching the stars until the sun came up.” (points to a branch lying in cut-up sections) “And now it's gone.”

Edgar: “Bill …”

Bill: “I know it's only a tree. It's not a person lying there bent and broken, and for that I'm grateful. But it's hard, Edgar. It's hard to know that every time I pass here I'll see nothing but an empty patch of dirt. It meant a lot to me, this old tree …” (sighs deeply and makes a visible effort to collect himself) “But enough of my moaning; what brings you into town today?”

Edgar: “Well, since we finished cleaning up, we thought we'd stop by and see if we could lend a hand.” (gestures to Nora and his bag of tools)

Bill: (eyebrows raised) “You're finished, you say?”

Villager 1: (loudly, as a crowd gathers) “What's that? Finished already?!” (takes a glance at the sun) “It's barely past noon!”

Edgar: (seeming embarrassed by the attention) “Well, there wasn't much for us to do.” (laughs nervously) “I guess we did get off pretty lucky.”

Villager 2: “Luck?! I wish you'd lend us some of this luck of yours. I'll probably still be cleaning when the next storm hits!”

* As the others laugh, Edgar looks around in embarrassment – he seems ashamed of his good fortune. Nora doesn't seem fazed at all, smiling at the good cheer around her. *

Villager 1: (putting an arm around Nora's shoulders) “What do you say, Edgar? Why don't you let us borrow this lucky charm of yours? Then you can see what it's like to suffer through a real cleanup for a change!”

Villager 2: (putting an arm around Nora's other shoulder – she looks slightly panicked as she is crushed between them) “That's right! You haven't really lived until you've had your roof caved in at least once, you know!”

* As the townspeople laugh, Edgar smiles painfully, looking downcast. Bill approaches and squeezes his shoulder. *

Bill: (smiling gently) “There's nothing to be ashamed of, Edgar. We're just glad that you and Nora are alright. Isn't that right everyone?” (answered with loud cheers of agreement)

Anonymous Voice: (loudly) “You mean as long as Nora's fine – who cares about that giant carpenter anyway?!”

* There is more laughter, and then the crowd jovially begins to go their separate ways again. Edgar smiles, looking relieved as he squeezes Nora around her shoulders. *

Edgar: “Thanks, Bill. I guess we should be on our way. We were planning to stop by Jasper's place – see how he's doing.”

Bill: (making a face) “Jasper, eh? Well, that's awful kind of you, but I wouldn't expect him to roll out the welcome mat. I hear his place is looking mighty bad.”

Edgar: (smiling determinedly) “All the more reason to lend a hand.” (hefts his bag over his shoulder) “Let's get going, Nora. We'll see you later, Bill.”

Bill: (waving, turning back to the shattered tree) “Take care, Edgar … Nora.”

* As they walk, Nora's eyes wander around the square and the people bustling about. She chances to see a young woman, exotic looking with a sheer, billowy dress, more suitable for the beach than the mountains. Their eyes meet, as the strange woman had been watching her. Nora looks away, embarrassed at being caught staring. After a moment, she risks another curious glance and sees that the woman is still watching her with a friendly smile. As they catch eyes again, the woman waves at her, surprising Nora.*

Nora: (tugging on Edgar's sleeve) "Papa … who’s that girl?"

Edgar: (absently) "Which girl?"

Nora: "That girl … right there." (points)

Edgar: (scanning the crowd) "You mean little Alice?"

Nora: (getting frustrated as the stranger continues to wave at her and smile) "No, not Alice! I mean her! That lady wearing the strange dress!"

Edgar: "Which dress? Do you mean Mrs. Tolliver?" (chuckles) "Now that you mention it, her dress is a little strange, isn't it –?"

Nora: "No, not her! Can't you see? She's right next to the well!" (points more insistently)

Edgar: "Where? I don't see anyone."

Nora: "Papa! By the well, like I said! Look, she's right over …" (points again but finds that the strange person is no longer there) "She's gone."

Edgar: (smirking) "Is the weather playing tricks on you again? Last night you saw an old man, and today it's a –"

Nora: (yelling) "He was there!" (blushes and shrinks as her shouting draws the attention of the crowd and continues more quietly) "And so was she!" (to herself) "At least I think she was …"

Edgar: (still smirking, playing along) "Well, if you see them again, be sure to let me know, okay?"

Nora: (eyes narrowing) "You don't believe me, do you?"

Edgar: (walking away) "Oh, of course I believe you! And I'm sure you believe you saw something – "

Nora: (angrily) "I'm telling you I –"

Edgar: (continuing over her) "– But we'll have plenty of time to talk about your imaginary friends later. Right now we should get out to Jasper's place … it's already nearly lunchtime."

Nora: (stalking after him off-screen) "I didn't imagine it!"

* They arrive at Jasper's farm, where they find Jasper himself busy tugging helplessly at some piles of wood. The house itself is a mess, part of it having caved in and collapsed. The roof is also in bad shape, with a large number of expensive-looking tiles littering the property, and livestock are scattered about, grazing contentedly and leashed to anything that will hold them. Despite the mess, though, the house is clearly much larger than Nora's – it seems that Jasper is very wealthy and happy to show it.*

Jasper: (frowns as he sees them approach) "Well, if it isn't Edgar ... and you brought Nora along did you?” (makes a mocking bow, gesturing to the wreckage) “Welcome to my humble abode. Or what's left of it, anyhow.”

Edgar: “We thought you might need a hand after the storm.” (takes a long look around) “Looks like we were right.”

Jasper: (scowling) “So kind of you to come. I don't suppose you happened to convince anyone else to tag along as you passed through town, did you?"

Edgar: (shaking his head) "Everyone in town's got their hands full."

Jasper: (shaking his head) "I thought as much. That's why I'm stuck dealing with all of this by myself. It took me all morning just to track down the animals, you know. But six goats are still missing … I fear the storm got them." (scowl deepens) "Blast it all – do you have any idea what it will cost me to replace six goats?"

Edgar: (shrugging) "Not really. We've only got the one cat, and he's enough trouble on his own."

Jasper: (gestures to the broken mountain of wood) "And how am I supposed to do anything with this? This used to be my front porch! Now it's just firewood." (kicks the pile) "It seems everyone is too concerned with their own problems to spare a hand for those with a greater need."

Edgar: "Well, don't worry – we're here now, ready to lend a hand." (makes a muscle) "We would have come sooner, but we had our own mess to take care of first."

Jasper: (snorting) "I'd love to see what passes for a 'mess' at your home. A couple of shingles came loose from the roof, did they? Or perhaps your poor rosebushes were tossed about?" (shaking his head) "I've heard about it from the others, how your house always manages to escape these storms unscathed." (grimacing) "You have the devil's own luck, Edgar, I swear it."

Nora: (moodily) “That's not a very nice thing to say.”

Jasper: (eyes narrowing) “What was that, young lady?”

Edgar: “Nora, don't –“

Nora: “I said that wasn't very nice.”

Jasper: (amused, incredulous) “Not nice, you say?”

Nora: “That's right, not nice! We came all this way, the least you could do is –“

Jasper: (dripping with sarcasm) “Oh my, of course you’re right, where are my manners? To think that I, who merely suffered the minor inconvenience of having my house reduced to rubble overnight, would be anything less than brimming with good cheer and sunshine … Well, I apologize if I upset you in any way, my dear!”

Nora: (turning red) “That’s not what I meant, and you –!”

Jasper: (scowling) “You may have lived a charmed life thus far, young lady, but don’t be so naive as to think that it will continue forever. Misfortune will surely visit you one day, just as it has me, and when that day comes, you can be certain that I’ll be the first to –”

Edgar: (levelly) "That's enough of that, Jasper. We came here to help, not to bicker. If you'd rather work alone then we'll just head on back."

Jasper: (suddenly ingratiating) "Oh come now, Edgar, there's no need for that sort of talk. Forgive my poor attempts at humor." (gestures to a pile of broken timbers) "Why, look at this mess here. If you leave, how will I ever take care of this. Why, it would take the strength of an ox to do anything with all of this!"

Nora: (getting angry) "Don't you call him –!"

Edgar: (stepping in front of her) "Even an ox couldn't move this. Luckily for you I brought some help." (hefts the bag at his side and draws out a large saw)

Jasper: (eyes wide - the saw, once attached to a wooden haft that Edgar screws in, is nearly as tall as he is) "M-my, that's certainly a big saw."

Edgar: (smiling) "Strength isn't everything – it's more important to have the right tools for the job. Isn't that right, Nora?"

Nora: (nodding brightly) "Uh-huh!"

Jasper: (still eyeing the saw nervously) "I see … The right tools for the job, you say … I'll remember that. Then I'll leave this task to you." (turns to Nora, who eyes him distrustfully) "What do you say young lady – would you like to help me collect tiles from the roof?" (holds up a scattered tile, which cracks and crumbles in his hand. He lets out a disgusted sigh and tosses it aside) "There might be a couple that are salvageable, at least."

* Nora takes on a defiant expression and opens her mouth to refuse, but she catches Edgar's eye as he shakes his head. She deflates and sighs.*

Nora: "Alright."

Jasper: (smiling) "That's the way. With two of us working together, this will be over before you know it."

Nora: (pouting) "If you say so …"

* They work together in awkward silence as Edgar saws away at the pile of collapsed wood off-screen. Most of the tiles are broken, and Nora works in a very dispirited fashion, obviously reluctant.

The wind comes sailing through. Jasper trembles and cowers as though expecting the worst, but Nora tilts her head in her usual way before resuming her work. Jasper notices this and watches with unusual fascination.*

Jasper: "You don't seem afraid of this wind."

Nora: (not looking at him) "Why would I be afraid? It's just the wind."

Jasper: (scowling) "I beg to differ, young lady. Have you looked around here?” (gestures widely at the destruction around him) “Can you really say it's 'just' wind after the terrible things it's done?"

Nora: (not bothering to look, continuing to collect tiles in a bored manner) "Well, it's never done it to me."

Jasper: (grinding his teeth) "Aren't you the lucky one."

Nora: "It isn't luck. I just know how to listen, that's all."

Jasper: "Listen? What do you mean by –"

Nora: "The wind has a voice, if you know how to listen.”

Jasper: (scoffing) "Nonsense. Maybe you're just hearing things – perhaps the noise the wind makes blowing across the mouth of an empty bottle, or –"

Nora: "Your hat.”

Jasper: (blinks, surprised) “My … hat?”

* Suddenly a gust of wind comes barreling in. Before he can react, Jasper finds his hat flying through the air, blown right off his head. With a yelp, he chases after it, struggling to corral it a few times before finally managing to snare it. Breathing heavily, he gives Nora a look, equal part awe and suspicion. She has not looked up from collecting tiles the entire time.*

Jasper: (approaching Nora carefully) “Young lady, how did you do that?”

Nora: “Do what?”

Jasper: “My hat … How did you blow it off like that? Can you …?” (swallows nervously) “Can you control this infernal wind?”

Nora: "Of course not. It's the wind. You can't control it. Who would even want to?"

Jasper: (insistent) "But then how did you –"

Nora: “I just listened … that’s all.”

Jasper: “Listened? W-what … I don’t –”

Edgar: (off-screen) "Jasper, come here and give me a hand!"

Jasper: (looking torn as he stares at Nora, who continues to ignore him) "Err …” (calls back angrily) “Can't it wait a moment?"

Edgar: (still off-screen) "Sure thing.” (Beat) “Oh, and just so you know, I accidentally cut a leg off this purple desk. It was mixed in with all the other junk so it was hard to tell. I hope it wasn't important."

Jasper: (eyes widening in shock, shouts as he hurries towards Edgar) "That desk came from the capital, you ox! It's from a famous maker – it's worth more than your house!"

Edgar: (on-screen in the middle of a great pile of wreckage, staring idly at the remains of the desk) "Well, not anymore, it isn't."

* Cut to Jasper racing furiously off the scene. We stay focused on Nora, who continues to absently pick up roof tiles, listlessly separating them into piles as Jasper yells at Edgar off-screen. Time passes, and the scene shifts to Edgar and Nora walking back home at the end of a hard day.*

Edgar: (complaining) " … why he's so mad. It's just a desk leg – I could make him another one, good as new. And I'd paint it a decent color while I'm at it. Why would anyone spend good money on a purple desk anyway?"

* Nora is silent and moody as they walk. Edgar is basically talking to himself. Finally he stops talking, watching Nora from the corner of his eye, trying not to show his concern.*

Edgar: (nonchalant) "You're awfully quiet. Anything the matter?"

Nora: (shaking her head) "No, Papa."

* Edgar watches her thoughtfully for a few moments before clearing his throat nervously and trying again.*

Edgar: "Now your Papa may not be the brightest fellow in the world, but he at least knows when his little girl is feeling down.”

Nora: “I'm not –“

Edgar: (continuing obliviously) “I know you may not want to talk about it, and I may not be able to help, but sometimes it feels better just to say what's on your mind. Get it out of your head and set it loose. Then, who knows, once it's out there in the open, the wind can take it and carry it far, far away, along with whatever else is bothering you.”

Nora: (silently considering his words) “The wind, huh?”

Edgar: “That's right.”

Nora: (sighing deeply) "It's just …”

Edgar: “Just what?”

Nora: “I don't understand it. We could have stayed at home and enjoyed ourselves today. But instead, we took the time to come all this way just so we could help out.”

Edgar: (nodding in agreement) “We did. And I think we did a good job of it, don't you?”

Nora: (growing frustrated) “But then why does he treat us that way?”

Edgar: “Who? You mean Jasper?”

Nora: “Yes him! Why is he so mean to us, even when we're trying to help him the best we can?"

Edgar: “Hmm, I don't know.” (thoughtfully) “Maybe because he's a jerk?”

Nora: (shocked, her eyes going wide) “Papa!”

Edgar: (innocently) “What?” (he shrugs, avoiding her gaze with a playful smile on his lips) “You don't think so?”

Nora: (giggling) “What are you saying – of course I do!” (her expression grows puzzled) “But if you really think he's a jerk, then why did we go to all this bother?”

Edgar: (putting an arm around her) “I got to spend some time with my lovely daughter – where's the bother in that?”

Nora: (dodging aside) “Stop that, Papa! You know what I mean.”

Edgar: (holding his hands up placatingly) “Alright, alright.” (sighs deeply) “I understand how you feel, Nora, I really do. Believe it or not, I even feel the same way myself sometimes.” (Nora begins to interject in surprise) “No, it’s true! Sometimes when he starts yelling at me, I want to yell right back, or even pick him up and shake him a bit.” (mimics picking up a smaller person and shaking them roughly by the collar with a fierce expression on his face) “It would make me feel better, that’s for sure!”

Nora: “Me too!”

Edgar: (chuckling ruefully) “Right! But then where would we be? Do you think that after all that, Jasper would say ‘Oh my, I’m so sorry, I never knew you felt that way, please accept my apologies?’”

Nora: (sadly) “No … he’d probably be even nastier the next time we saw him.” (tossing her head angrily) “But then why go to the trouble of helping him? He doesn’t even appreciate it!”

Edgar: “Well … I don’t really have a good answer for that.” (searching for the right words) “It’s true that he’s a pretty rude fellow; he never has a kind word for us and I’ve certainly never heard him say thank you. But none of that changes the fact that, today at least, he truly needed our help. And, today at least, we were fortunate enough to be able to offer help, rather than needing it ourselves.” (sighing deeply) “When I saw all the destruction today – homes ruined, people hurt, the Wye Oak toppled – I just felt so very very thankful. Thankful that through all of this, you and I have managed to stay safe and sound all this time.” (stretching his arms wide before bringing them down to ruffle Nora’s hair, ignoring how she squirms underneath his hand) “When you look at it that way, someone being a little rude to you seems pretty small in comparison, don’t you think?”

Nora: (reluctantly) “I guess …”

* They continue along in thoughtful silence. While they walk, Nora gazes distractedly at something in the distance, her head tilted in its listening posture. Edgar notices.*

Edgar: "Do you see something?"

Nora: (blinking, as though being shaken awake; turns to look at him) "No, Papa. I thought I heard something. But … what's that? Way out there? I don't think I've been there before." (points to some distant rock formations)

Edgar: (squints as he looks. The rocks are very far away) "Hmm, I'm not sure. Some quarries, I guess … Probably some caves too."

Nora: (surprised) "Caves? Really?"

Edgar: (shrugging) "Hard to say. I've never been out that way.”

Nora: “Never? Why not?”

Edgar: (indignant) “Why should I? I'm a carpenter, not a sculptor. What do I need with a bunch of rocks? Give me a good thick grove of twenty-year maples any day." (chuckles)

Nora: (looking morose, not rising to his humor like usual) "I guess …"

Edgar: "Why do you ask?"

Nora: (shaking her head) "It's nothing. Just … the wind feels different there."

Edgar: (smiling gently, encouraging her to speak) "Different how?"

Nora: (making vague gestures) "It's hard to explain. It's swirling all around. It's like the wind there feels … I don't know, restless, somehow."

Edgar: "Hmm … You want to go take a look?"

Nora: (silent, staring intently at the horizon. Finally she shakes her head) "No. Let's just go home."

Edgar: (smiling, puts a hand around her shoulder) "Sounds good to me."