Home - Script
INT. ORPHANGE - BEDROOM - DAY
We see some CHINESE KIDS playing outside through a window.
Inside the orphanage bedroom there are 4 or 5 beds on both sides of the room.
In front of one of the window sits a little girl - MAI - head shaved, on a bed, looking out through the window.
She's wearing a hospital gown.
There's a woman with her talking to her in Chinese, inaudibly.
We see Mai's face. She has cleft lip and palate.
We hear someone approaching - he's wearing a white doctors jacket.
SURGEON
It's time.
The woman to the girl.
CAREGIVER
Are you ready, MAI?
CAREGIVER stands up and takes Mai's hand. They walk out.
INT. HOSPITAL - SURGIRCAL ROOM - DAY
We hear BEEPING of the surgical machines.
There's quiet muffles and chatter from the surgeons.
We see Mai on the bed wrapped up ready for surgery.
A surgeon puts on the anesthetic mask on Mai. Her eyes close.
FADE TO:
INT. ORPHANGE - BEDROOM - A COUPLE MONTHS LATER - MORNING
Mai is recovered from her procedure and her cleft lip is "fixed."
Mai is in bed waking up. She then jumps out of bed.
Her Caregiver walks in and places a toy bunny on Mai's bed.
INT. ORPHANGE - BATHROOM - MORNING
MONTAGE
Putting on clothes.
Brushing teeth. Rinsing out hole through the nose.
Despite the hassle, Mai is excited and happy as can be.
INT. ORPHANGE - DINNING HALL - MORNING
Caregiver walks Mai to get breakfast with the other kids. Mai is holding a toy bunny.
We see Mai eating, but has to eat more soft food. When she drinks, she has to plug her nose.
Mai looks over to see the other kids who are eating just fine. We can tell that the other kids are younger than she is. Mai hangs her head low slightly.
We see a woman approach to talk with Mai's Caregiver.
SPEECH THERAPIST
We're ready for her, when you're ready.
Mai sits there looking down with her hands in lap.
MATCH CUT:
INT. ORAPHANGE - THERAPIST ROOM - DAY
Mai is sitting there looking down with her hands in lap, in a speech therapy room.
SPEECH THERAPIST and Caregiver are trying to get Mai to repeat after them. Mai is not engaged.
INT. ORPHANGE - THERAPIST ROOM - END OF SESSION - DAY
As they are leaving the room.
SPEECH THERAPIST
We'll try again next week.
CAREGIVER
Thank you so much.
SPEECH THERAPIST
Take care, Mai.
INT. ORPHANGE - HALLWAY - DAY
As Caregiver and Mai are walking down the hall, they pass a group of people.
There's a LITTLE BOY, younger than Mai with his Caregiver, squatting beside him. There's an AMERICAN MAN and WOMAN - the woman is kneeling in front of the boy, holding out a stuff dog.
We hear a little bit of what they're saying.
BOY'S CAREGIVER
It's okay. Don't be shy.
WOMAN
Do you want to come home with us, Lieng?
MAN
We want you to be a part of our family.
Mai is watching them until she and her Caregiver makes a turn and out of the room.
INT. ORPHANGE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
MAI is in bed, tossing and turning, not able to sleep.
INT. ORPHANGE - CLASSROOM - DAY
Following day, Mai is in a classroom with other kids.
The TEACHER is chatting along, and Mai, along with the other students are showing enthusiastic participation.
The bell rings and it's recess time.
EXT. ORPHANAGE - PLAYGROUND - DAY
Mai runs outside along with the other kids.
MONTAGE of Mai playing by herself.
Mai is walking in a series of lines.
Swinging.
Playing in the sand.
Sitting under a playground equipment watching the other kids play.
We hear the bell ring.
INT. ORPHANGE - CLASSROOM - DAY
Back in the classroom, teacher is going about teaching.
Shortly after, a woman (ORPHANAGE DIRECTOR) walks into the room to speak with the teacher.
Teacher looks towards a little girl a couple rows in front of Mai.
The Orphanage Director walks to the little girl, kneels, and whispers something to her.
The little girl jumps in excitement.
She's getting adopted.
INT. ORPHANGE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mai is awoken by people talking from outside of the room.
Through the crack, we see the lights on and figures are moving around in the hallway.
We hear people talking.
Mai hears the door open and pretends to be asleep.
She hears footsteps getting closer but then passes a few beds down.
Mai peaks from under the covers. She sees the Orphanage director gently waking up a LITTLE GIRL.
The Director whispers something to the little girl and the little girl sits up.
The little girl gets out of bed and the Director takes her hand.
Mai hears them walk out of the room and down the hall.
INT. ORPHANGE - BEDROOM - MONTHS LATER - MORNING
We see Mai sitting in the half empty bedroom with another LITTLE GIRL, who's sitting across from her.
We hear someone walking into the room. It's the Orphanage Director.
The Director walks to the girl sitting across from Mai and whispers something to her.
The little girl looks confused but excited. The Director takes her hand and they walk out of the room.
Mai is now sitting in the dark room by herself. Mai grabs her bunny toy and curls into a ball.
She hears noise again - it's the Director approaching Mai.
The Director sits beside her and smiles.
The Director has Mai take her hand and she leads her out of the room and down the hall.
INT. ORPHANAGE - HALLWAY - MORNING
They turn the corner to see a group of people, including the little girl.
Mai's Caregiver is conversing with two woman - they are American.
There's a little Chinese GIRL, looks to be a little younger than Mai, who is hiding between one of the women's leg.
LITTLE GIRL
Mommy, is that her?
Everyone turns to face Mai.
The women with blonde hair, kneels down.
WOMEN 1
Mai? Is that you?
Mai starts to rock back and forth. The other women speaks as she kneels beside the little girl.
WOMEN 2
Look. She has the bunny we sent her.
Mai's Caregiver kneels beside Mai.
CAREGIVER
It's okay. They're going to take you home, and you're going to have a family.
Mai is shy at first, but then a smile grows on her face.
FADE OUT: