2. 2
FADE IN:
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Calm day. There is nobody around for miles. DON and PALM
are standing on the shore at the beach holding hands and
looking at the distance.
Title in bottom right corner:
SEASHELL
DON
(Smiling)
Isn’t this nice Palm?
PALM
(Amazed)
Yeah.
DON
We need to do this more often. Where we
just come down to the beach and look at
the sea.
DON
Want to bring something with us as a
souvenir?
PALM
What would be a good souvenir?
DON
Well, let’s check the shore, there are
tons of interesting stuff.
DON stares off to the distance trying to look for
something. DON spots a seashell on the shore and walks
towards it.
DON
(Picks up seashell)
Look what I just found.
3. 3
PALM
(Thrilled)
Oooh can I see?
DON hands the seashell to PALM gently.
PALM
(Enthusiastic)
Woah, it’s so big!
DON
(Lunges forward)
Try putting the shell next to your ear.
PALM holds up the seashell next to her ear.
PALM
Is something supposed to happen?
Both stare silently at each other as if they are waiting
for something to happen.
DON
Can you hear it?
PALM
Hear what?
DON
Well…what do you hear?
PALM
I hear…Something.
DON
Yeah, it sounds like the ocean doesn’t it?
PALM
It doesn’t sound like the ocean to me…
4. 4
DON
(Stands up hastily)
I think we should be heading back home
now. You can bring the seashell home with
you if you want.
PALM
Okay!
FADE TO BLACK:
FADE IN:
EXT. PALM’S HOUSE – DAY
Outside front door with bushes around the entrance and a
trash can on the right of the door. The front door is
slightly opened with PALM on the other side.
PALM is wearing a uniform and carrying a backpack with a
water bottle on one hand and the seashell in the other.
PALM
Bye mum!
KARA (O.S.)
Stay safe Palm!
PALM closes the door behind her and starts walking to the
right.
EXT. SCHOOL CAMPUS – DAY
A small group of kids walk out the school and congregate
opposite the bench all wearing uniforms.
PALM walks through the campus walking towards a bench.
PALM sits down on a bench.
PALM holding the shell up to her ear, closes her eyes and
inhales heavily.
KID 1
(Lowering voice)
Look, she’s doing it again.
5. 5
All the kids in the group look over at PALM
KID 2
Is she disabled or something?
KID 1
Hey, PALM!
PALM gets startled, opens her eyes and hastily puts the
seashell on her lap.
All the kids quietly giggle.
KID 1
(Raises his arms trying to grab the
seashell)
What’s this you’re holding?
PALM reflexively turns her back on him and hides it under
her arms. Then picks up her bag and walks away.
The kids all giggle.
KID 1
Such a weirdo.
INT. PALM’S HOUSE – DAY
Inside the living room, there is a round table and stairs
next to it. There is a kitchen and living room with the TV
on. KARA is watching TV
PALM is at the bottom of the stairs.
KARA (O.S.)
Hi Palm! How was school today?
PALM
It was okay
PALM walks up the stairs slowly
KARA
(Mutes the TV and looks over at Palm)
Are you sure? You don’t look well.
6. 6
PALM
No no, I’m fine…Can you make dinner
please?
KARA
Sure honey.
KARA unmutes the TV.
PALM walks to her room and closes the door behind her.
PALM sits on her bed and puts the shell next to her ear
with her eyes closed.
The sky transitions to night over the house.
KARA
PALM! DINNER’S READY!
A long pause and PALM’s door opens.
PALM walks to the round table and is carrying her seashell.
PALM goes to the kitchen, grabs a plate and silverware.
PALM places the seashell on the table and puts the plate in
front of it, she puts some of her food on the empty plate.
PALM sits down on her chair.
KARA
Palm no, put that away.
PALM slowly takes the seashell and puts it under the table
gently.
KARA
Sooooo…did you have fun at school today?
Are you still talking to your friends?
PALM
(Pause)
Yeah…
KARA
(Pause)
7. 7
Wanna invite Emily over for a sleepover? Her
parents said she missed coming over.
PALM silently eats her dinner.
KARA
W-well, you can always let me know if you
need anything okay?
PALM
Yes mum…
Both PALM and KARA eat their dinner silently.
PALM (CONT’D)
I’m full.
KARA
Give me your plate, I’ll have the rest.
PALM scrapes her plate onto KARA’s plate.
PALM
I’m tired…thank you for the food mum!
PALM walks to the bathroom.
KARA
Okay, remember to brush your teeth first.
PALM
Yes mum!
EXT. PALM’S HOUSE – DAY
Outside front door with bushes around the entrance and a
trash can on the right of the door. The front door is
slightly opened with PALM on the other side.
PALM is wearing a uniform and carrying a backpack with a
water bottle on one hand and the seashell on the other.
PALM
I’m going now!
8. 8
KARA
I’ll be picking you up later okay?
PALM
Okay, bye mum!
EXT. SCHOOL COURT – DAY
The center of the campus
School bell rings
PALM exits out of the school building
PALM stands in front of the school gate.
KARA stands far outside the school gates and raises one of
her arms in the air for PALM’s attention.
PALM runs towards KARA
KARA
Ready to see dad?
PALM
(Hugs KARA and nods head)
Mhm
FADE OUT to black:
EXT. GRAVEYARD – DAY
A wooden cross is stuck under a ground the words “RIP DON
1984-2019” engraved on it.
KARA is carrying an umbrella and PALM is carrying the
seashell.
Both PALM and KARA close their eyes and are silent.
They bow their head and mourn.
FADE OUT:
THE END
