MUSIC BOX

SHORT FILM (New Version)

2010-07-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Written, Filmed, Directed & Edited by:

Director Rorne Tan

Maya Beach, Phi Phi Island

(SYNOPSIS)
Toby Patrick Damson who divorced his wife, Caren Larson Lee, 10 years ago due to his illicit affair with a mistress suddenly died of drowning while searching for a heart shaped coral rock in Similan Islands. When the news came to his ex-wife, Caren, it became clear to her that Toby never forgot his promise to her. The promise to find her a heart shaped coral rock even after their divorce. Touched and confused by Toby’s true love that was kept from her for 10 years, Caren decided to go to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island to search for the music box that Toby had buried and hidden in the sand. The music box was Caren’s valentine gift from Toby 13 years ago. Sadly while she was on the way to Phi Phi Island, disaster striked...

To read the script, click:
http://musicbox-romance.blogspot.com/search/label/Script%20%28Scene%201%29%28Prologue%29

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TRAILER 2010

In Loving Memories...

Caren Larson Lee's music box was buried & hidden here.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island

FEATURE FILM

2009-12-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

...Based on a true story.

- Directed by Rorne Tan -

Voted as "Best Feature Film" in Voting Award Category

*CELLESTY ONLINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2010

http://www.blackcarpetpremier.com/feature.html

Nominee for "Best Short Film"

*SHORTS INTERNATIONAL 2010, UK

*FUTURE SHORTS 2010, UK

YOU CAN ALSO WATCH THE FEATURE FILM IN YOUTUBE:

MUSIC BOX (Part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jml7TpMfno

MUSIC BOX (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hFxYykTB98

MUSIC BOX (Part 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttdmz3DcaLU

MUSIC BOX (Part 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ7JmW_xOU0

MUSIC BOX (Part 5)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kXdnytPLj8

(SYNOPSIS)
Toby Patrick Damson who divorced his wife, Caren Larson Lee, 10 years ago due to his illicit affair with a mistress suddenly died of drowning while searching for a heart shaped coral rock in Similan Islands. When the news came to his ex-wife, Caren, it became clear to her that Toby never forgets his promise to her. The promise to find her a heart shaped coral rock even after their divorce. Touched and confused by Toby’s true love that was kept from her for 10 years, Caren decided to go to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island to search for the music box that Toby had hidden. The music box was Caren’s valentine gift from Toby 13 years ago. While Caren was on the way to Airport, she met a road accident and fell into coma. In her last breath, she dreamed of Toby’s love again while holding Toby’s heart shaped coral rock before she succumbed to her injury and died.

*You can read the script by clicking the script icons at "Labels" (upper right side).

Start here: http://musicbox-romance.blogspot.com/search/label/Script%20%28Scene%201%29%28Prologue%29

(CAST)

Caron Larson Lee Yuhwen

Sharon Larson Lee Sara Teng

Kelly Randall Joanna Soh

Toby Patrick Damson Louis Teo

Jack Anderson Jay Delancy

Pamela Tanning Grace Chua

Butler Alfred Mohd Zulkarnain

Tour Guide Kamal Rezuan

(DIRECTOR COMMENT)

On the 31st December 2009 marked the final end of the Music Box feature film editing process. It has been a great 10 months of my life in 2009. From the first day I started writing the script in March 2009 till today when I announced the final completion of this project in this blog. The most unique and memorable character that I had created, Caren Larson Lee, had been living with me in my mind for the last 10 months. I could see, feel and communicate with her in my mind. With a new aura in year 2010, my heart felt a sudden pain realising I have to leave her and all the characters of Music Box world to start a new project called "Horror at 3AM" which is my specialty. I think I will always remember the year 2009 for the wonderful shooting, filming and creating this story into reality. To all the cast and crew of this project, I thank them for their dedication and hard work in making Music Box story known to the whole world. As the latest version of this film had just been recently edited with better background musics and with subtitles, it has already given a million tears to fans around the world who love this story. So have fun watching this film and always remember this story that was finally told in honour of a very special person who inspired this film. I thank you for being a fan of this blog and my work all along. Have a prosperous new year 2010!...Director Rorne Tan

* At the mean time, you can watch the Making, NG Videos, the Audition, the Original Soundtracks and many others by clicking at Labels (upper right side) *

Do join the "MUSIC BOX" Feature Film group in Facebook to find

out more about the sequel to this story called

" MOON RIVER (a sequel to Music Box) "

coming up in my next upcoming project in 2010.

Please click:

http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=95610722863&ref=mf

BEHIND THE SCENES...

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(RECOMMENDATION)
If you like this story, you may want to read another script

called "My One & Only Little Angel" currently in writing

for year 2010 which is equally touching and

heart warming. Prepare to have tears! Happy reading, click:

http://onlylittleangel.blogspot.com

Join My One & Only “LITTLE ANGEL” group in Facebook

to get updates on the writing and filming, click:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&ref=mf&gid=49600186073#!/group.php?gid=307804731390

TRAILER 2009

2009-07-13T10:16:00.001-07:00

TRAILER 2010

Please start your journey by clicking at Labels (right side):

"An Introduction To The Story"

If you wish to purchase the DVD for this feature film, pls click:

"DVD is available now"

Enjoy your film!

Luv always, Director Rorne Tan

An Introduction To The Story

2009-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, a song was written...

Today it became a loving memory of his ex-wife forever...

MUSIC BOX

(Chords)

G Am C D

G Em C D

Time has come to face reality.

Where all memories fade away.

All our precious love forever gone.

When today we step into the Court.

It's so funny, feeling yester years again.

As if yesterday I first hold her hand,

walking along the pathway, saying "I love you".

As if yesterday we've just climbed up together

at the Tower House, hiding our love notes.

As if yesterday I've just crafted a love sign

on the sand, on the sand for her.

(Chorus)

But ..... all I want is to see her.... one last time......

So...... I could hug her..... and tell her.... I am so sorry...

Oh...Oh...Oh....

Now the reality become so real.

So real that I couldn't breath.

Though all I have now is just our music box.

God, I'll always remember how I've lost her.

Wonderful seven years I've had with her.

She had done so much and hope so much for me.

And all I gave her was nothing but pain.

I got to be strong now, I got to let her go now.

Got to stop this pain for her now.

(Chorus)

<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>

JOIN Director Rorne Tan's film making network groups in Facebook:

“MUSIC BOX” Feature Film group in Facebook, click here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95610722863#/group.php?gid=95610722863

SweetAngel Productions group in Facebook, click here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114454154371&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=93780323079

Director's Introductory Comment

2009-03-08T06:29:00.001-07:00

I have decided to write this story after having had a long thought. It was a long overdue promise to a very dear friend of mine. When I was busy staging another play called “The Bloodihood Story” last year, I was asked to write a new script based on his life. This is a very dear friend of mine and I have known him for years. He told me that he wanted to have his story written somewhere and to educate the world about his mental pain and suffering of losing someone so dear in his life. He wanted his story to be told so that those who had read his story and those who had fallen into the same situation as he had, not to follow the things that he had done. If there is ever a glimpse of chance appearing in one’s life to undo the damage in life, to undo it quickly before it is too late. He said this to me….

“Rorne….in life….you cannot undo what is done but you can do what is undone….”

At first, I didn’t understand what he really mean by that but after I heard his story and remembered his past, I began to understand his maxim in life. A promise to his ex-wife that he didn’t fulfill until it was too late to fulfill it in the end. This story is very unique as it covers common problems in early years of marriage among young adults; adultery; the pain of knowing that your life partner has loved someone else and mostly what you mean by “second chance” in life to love again.The following are the characters that I had created to make the story more interesting and at the same time to follow exactly the events that dominated his life till today. Further, I had created a new blog entirely for this story as I believe it deserves its own space. In order to make your reading more interesting, I had uploaded videos and trailers in the respective scenes so that you will have an idea of all the emotions protrayed in the scipt. It’s like watching a semi-shortfilm while reading the script. This may be a revolution in the eyes of movie industry that I called it the “SCRIPTFILM”. So welcome to my scriptfilm and enjoy watching the videos while reading the script. Only your power of imagination can bring you into the story and understand the pain and suffering of the characters created based on true events…...

CHARACTERS of the story:

TOBY PATRICK DAMSON - A divorcee, Caren’s ex-husband

CAREN LARSON LEE - A divorcee, Toby’s ex-wife

HENIE GOLDWIN - Toby's mistress

SHARON LARSON LEE - Caren’s sister

KELLY RANDALL - Caren’s best friend

KENNETH CHANDLER - Caren’s lawyer

JACK ANDERSON - Toby’s best friend

PAMELA TANNING - Toby’s new girlfriend after his divorce

SCENES of the story:

Scene 1 - The Lost Memory

Scene 2 - The Wallet

Scene 3 - Truth Reveals

Scene 4 - The Heart Shaped Coral Rock

Scene 5 - Drama In Family Court

Scene 6 - The Final Pain

Scene 7 - Tears From The Heart

Now enjoy reading and watching the story!

P/S: Please read the story in chronological order or else you will lose the dramatic twist in the end!

For your info, the feature film is available in DVD now. Book your copy by email: swtangel888@yahoo.com

Please join these groups in FACEBOOK to know more:

“MUSIC BOX” FAN CLUB - click here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95610722863#/group.php?gid=95610722863

SweetAngel Productions - click here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114454154371&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=93780323079

Sincerely,

Rorne Tan
Playwright, Director & Filmmaker
email: swtangel888@yahoo.com

Director's Ending Comment

2009-03-08T06:27:00.006-07:00

A message from the person who inspired this film...

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DIRECTOR RORNE TAN'S FINAL JOURNEY...

...In loving memories of
Caren Larson Lee and Kelly Randall.

I still remember the last day of last year 2009 when I clicked the “export” button in my laptop after finishing the final edit for “MUSIC BOX”. It was an emotional moment for me at that moment because I knew then it will be the end of MUSIC BOX Project. A project that I had been looking for all my life. With a great story that was based on true events and in honor of a dear friend in my heart, it couldn’t be a much better and more meaningful project than any project I had undertaken.
…. In my eyes, I had seen the character that I had created, Caren Larson Lee, for 10 months since March 2009 when I started writing the script and when I decided to shoot the scene of her death, it was so real that I really felt that Caren actually died in my life. In that one month of editing this film, I had the luxury of getting close to her. Seeing her in all the scenes only made me feel as if she was still around by my side. I could actually see her in my mind, I could still hear her voice and I could still feel her presence as if she was just beside me. When the final day comes (31st December 2009) after I had re-edited the background music of “MUSIC BOX”, I knew that I have to leave this project and move on to another one. Like in life, I have to move on and only leave memories of her in my heart forever.
…..However, on the 15th January 2010, I walked out from a conference room belonged to a reputable local film producer with a light heart. After so much hard work and passion into filming “MUSIC BOX”, finally I have a famous producer willing to accept my script and my project to make it into a movie. We are preparing a proposal and will be looking for investors and funders with an estimated cost of 1.5 million to produce this movie. After the producer watched my experimental feature film and my presentation, he was so touched by the story and the idea of breaking new ground in our local film industry had promptly made him decide to appoint me as the only Director to direct the film. That meeting was the most memorable meeting in my career as an independent film maker. When I left the meeting and on my way back to my home, I had tears in my eyes. After so long, I never thought the love of this story has brought me a step to a greater success. Of all the failures and set backs I encountered in making my films, I never thought that it is still “MUSIC BOX” that made an impact and helped me to achieve my dream of becoming an international class feature film director in the local film industry.
… Everyone was right, if MUSIC BOX can touch any hearts, it will change the world and all I have to thank is my cast, crew and fans of MUSIC BOX. Mostly I have to thank Caren Larson Lee, it was really her who made all this possible. After 10 years, her love is still felt, missed and remembered in my heart. I think my executive producer, Cassie Chung, will have tears as we have come a long way. From the success of my first script “The Bloodihood Story” with memories of Cassandra, now we have Caren Larson Lee being a pillar of our strength filled with ocean of love in our hearts.
…. I will always have Cassandra & Caren in my mind and heart. For Cassie, thanks for being a true friend and supporter of my work and only you can see, understand and appreciate my work and who I am all these years….

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Luv always,
Director Rorne Tan
Film Maker & Story Teller

*If you wish to watch "MUSIC BOX" experimental feature film, please click:
http://musicbox-romance.blogspot.com/search/label/Feature%20Film

PHOTO GALLERY

2009-03-08T06:27:00.005-07:00

Some say a photo speaks a thousand words. I think it's rather a thousand words that make up a photo. These photos of the feature film would not have been so meaningful if not for the direction that comes from an undying heart, the acting skills of the cast and the passion of the project members in making this film a success...Director Rorne Tan.

Do watch the full version of the feature film by clicking at "Labels" (right side) or click here: http://www.musicbox-romance.blogspot.com/

ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS

2009-03-08T06:27:00.003-07:00

Original Song No.1 - "MUSIC BOX"

The greatness of this feature film is that it has its own original song written by a very special person who inspired this film. The name of the song is the same as the film itself called "MUSIC BOX". Arranged and sang beautifully by Ellisan Tan, I had made it as the introduction song for the intro of the film. Somehow this song and Ellisan's voice inspired me to do my own music mainstream blog as my next line up project. Check out the lyric of this song too, it will break your heart...Director Rorne Tan.

Lyric for "Music Box"

Time has come to face reality.
Where all memories fade away.
All our precious love forever gone.
When today we step into the Court.

It's so funny, feeling yester years again.
As if yesterday I first hold her hand,
walking along the pathway, saying "I love you".

As if yesterday we've just climbed up together
at the Tower House, hiding our love notes.

As if yesterday I've just crafted a love sign
on the sand, on the sand for her.

(Chorus)

But ..... all I want is to see her.... one last time......
So...... I could hug her..... and tell her.... I am so sorry...
Oh...Oh...Oh....

Now the reality become so real.
So real that I couldn't breath.
Though all I have now is just our music box.
God, I'll always remember how I've lost her.

Wonderful seven years I've had with her.
She had done so much and hope so much for me.
And all I gave her was nothing but pain.
I got to be strong now, I got to let her go now.
Got to stop this pain for her now.

(Chorus)

Original Song No.2 - "Why I Never Know?"

After our Executive Producer, Cassie Chung, suggested to me to do an original song for the ending credits of this film, I had decided to contribute a song of my own that I had written about 13 years ago. Some song especially like this one could last so long till now and it really striked my heart when I heard the arranged version by Ellisan Tan. Some old memories came to surface so vividly as if they are still in reality to me today. A song that will always give tears in my eyes and it has never fail even till today. For the first time in my life, Ellisan and Cassie made me realised that besides the power of video in my soul, there is this power of melody that also speaks a million words in our hearts. I like to thank Ellisan and Cassie for this song. A forgotten song a long time ago had again resurfaced in my heart...Director Rorne Tan.

Lyric for "Why I Never Know?"

Honey that’s what you call me every day and every night
Honey that’s what you think of me every hour and every second
You cared for me, I know now
You loved me well, I know now

Why….I never know, I never realise, I never see,
Why….I never know, I never realise, I never see,

Baby, you are my only love, my one….only of my life
Baby, you are my Angel, my Sweet…. Angel of my life
You prayed for me, I know now
You wished me well, I know now

Why….I never know, I never realise, I never see,
Why….I never know, I never realise, I never see,

Why….I never know, I never see, I never rea…lise, oh…oh
Why….I never know, I never see, I never rea…lise, oh…oh

….Your Love

DVD IS AVAILABLE NOW!

2009-03-08T06:27:00.001-07:00

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(DVD Front Cover)

The DVD includes:

* The Feature Film;

* The Making of "MUSIC BOX";

* The Audition;

* Trailer;

* Photo Gallery;

* Director Rorne Tan's Comment;

* Original Soundtrack for "Music Box" & "Why I Never Know?"; and

* Special Feature for Similan Islands Tour Video.

<<<>>>

(SYNOPSIS)
Toby Patrick Damson who divorced his wife, Caren Larson Lee, 10 years ago due to his illicit affair with a mistress, suddenly died of drowning while searching for a heart shaped coral rock in Similan Islands. When the news came to his ex-wife, Caren, it became clear to her that Toby never forget his promise to her. The promise to find her a heart shaped coral rock even after their divorce. Touched and confused by Toby’s true love that was kept from her for 10 years, Caren decided to go to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island to search for the music box that Toby had hidden. The music box was Caren’s valentine gift from Toby 10 years ago. While Caren was on the way to Airport, she met a road accident and fell into coma. In her last breath, she dreamed of Toby again while holding Toby’s heart shaped coral rock before she succumbed to her injury and died.

<<<>>>

Comment: This DVD has several bonus features. It comes with 2 original soundtrack of the original songs written by the person who inspired this story and also by Director Rorne Tan. Another added special feature is the 15 minutes tour video of Similan Islands that is being featured in this feature film. With "the making" of the feature film and "the audition" of this film being shown in the DVD, it is a masterpiece of Director Rorne Tan's most emotional and touching film ever made. A collection item for romance and drama fans.

If you are interested to watch this touching and heartfelt feature film, get a copy of the DVD now (while stock last).

Price per DVD

USD 5 (for purchases made outside Malaysia)

RM 15.00 (for purchases made in Malaysia)

All transaction will be in USD currency except for purchases

made in Malaysia where RM currency is acceptable.

All DVD will be delivered by mail.

If you wish to purchase this DVD, pls email to Director Rorne Tan now:

swtangel888@yahoo.com

* For other Island Tour Videos filmed by Director Rorne Tan, please click:

http://phuketvideo.blogspot.com/search/label/%2807%29%20DVD%20%28Documentary%29

Thanks and have fun watching the film!

Hugs & Kisses,

Cassie Chung, Executive Producer

SCRIPT FILM

2009-03-08T06:24:00.009-07:00

(Inset)

The real & original Music Box together with a heart shaped coral rock based on a true story...

The Script Film of "MUSIC BOX"

(Filmed by Director Rorne Tan)

A Glimpse Of Rorne Tan's Feature Film called "MUSIC BOX"

(Filmed by Director Rorne Tan)

CAST INTERVIEW

2009-03-08T06:24:00.007-07:00

SARA TENG
acting as

Sharon Larson Lee

THE MAKING...

2009-03-08T06:24:00.005-07:00

If you wish to see the full version of the Making of "MUSIC BOX",

please click here & scroll down till you see "BEHIND THE SCENES":

http://musicbox-romance.blogspot.com/search/label/Feature%20Film

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The DIRECTOR

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The CAST

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The MUSIC
.
Ellisan Tan - The Music Composer & Singer

The original "MUSIC BOX" song will be featured in the Short Film. Ellisan Tan who is our Music Composer and Singer by profession will be singing and composing the original written song for this short film.
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.
Yuhwen - The Lead Actress & Singer

Yuhwen and Ellisan will be singing together as duet for the second featured song in the short film. A song written by me and I called it "Why I Never Know?" Each time when I view the video of Yuhwen singing, it touches my heart so much and it brought me to another world. A past that I had long forgotten came into my mind again. Yuhwen's voice is incredible and she is giving life not just to her own character but to the very story itself. This song that I am contributing is a great song written by me many years ago. About the same time when my dear friend wrote his to his ex-wife. Since the lyrics in my song are suitable for this film, I have decided to dedicate this song to them and make it an ending credit song for the film in their honor. Something that will always make one to remember and know things that one didn't know before. A song of lost soul when memory is gone forever in one's life. Thanks for singing this song so well..... Yuhwen. You are a very exceptional person!
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The SHOOTING
DAY 1

Date: 08.08.2009
Actual Location: A Bungalow in Rawang
Scene Location: Toby's Mansion & Caren's Room
Character: Toby Patrick Damson & Caren Larson Lee
Cast: Louis Teo & Yuhwen
Scene: Scene 3 & 7
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DAY 2

Date: 15.08.2009
Actual Location: Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson
Scene Location: Similan Islands
Character: Toby Patrick Damson & Tour Guide
Cast: Louis Teo & Kamal Rezuan
Scene: Scene 4
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DAY 3

Date: 22.08.2009
Actual Location: A Bungalow in Rawang
Scene Location: Caren's home
Character: Caren Larson Lee, Sharon Larson Lee & Kelly Randall
Cast: Yuhwen, Sara Teng & Joanna Soh
Scene: Scene 2 & 5

Director's Shooting Comment

2009-03-08T06:24:00.003-07:00

SIMILAN ISLANDS

This is Similan Islands where Toby Damson drown while searching for a heart shaped coral rock for someone he loves all his life in Scene 4 of MUSIC BOX.

Director Rorne Tan's View

I was at Similan Islands twice. This is one of the greatest Islands I had ever seen and it's reputed to be Thailand's No.1 Island. When you are there you will feel like you are in another planet where the ocean sea is so clear. The rocks on the island are so smooth and unique.

At one moment, when I was snorkeling, I found my mind so clear and I began to understand the character that I had created in my mind, Toby Damson. How he felt in his heart and the pain that he had suffered in silence for 10 years. The pain of having lost someone for so long and the tears that never seem to dry in his eyes each time he remembers his ex-wife. Like the way he was relaxing in the water near the beach searching on the sand and on every reef and rock just to find one unique coral rock that he had been longing all his life. Part of his mind was hoping that his mission would not be accomplished for fear that he would have nothing else or more to do for her if he were to find that unique coral rock.

As I floated myself near the beach with its crystal clear water, I happened to glance at the blue sky touching the horizon of the faraway ocean and felt a sense of tranquility in my mind clashing with a terrible feeling of sadness that was striking my heart. This incredible feeling happened when I felt what and how Toby Damson would have felt as if he was there and I was not.

In Toby's eyes.........at Similan Islands.

In Toby's thoughts while he was looking at the crystal clear water...

"God! I can still see her in my heart. I can still see her here. Pretending that she is here with me. Smiling and holding me. What have I done? We should have been here together. Just need to find that coral rock. Just got to try again. Got to try again for her. Though it might not mean anything for her now but it means a lot to me. Finding that coral rock is like having her again in my heart. God! Please help me find a heart shaped coral rock in this island today!"

AUDITIONS

2009-03-08T06:24:00.001-07:00

Here are the only initial audition videos filmed by me. There are several good and potential actors and actresses suitable for several characters of the story. View these videos and concentrate on their acting skills and the emotions portrayed in the relevant Scenes. Please disregard their hairstyle, hair color, make-up or the surroundings as these are only audition videos for my personal review before I make my final decision as who would be the best chosen ones to act the characters for my feature film. At the mean time, enjoy watching them acting...

Candidate No.1 - HANNAKE TALBOT

This is Hannake Talbot auditioning for the role of Caren Larson Lee in Scene 2.

Candidate No.2 - YUHWEN FOONG

This is YuhWen Foong auditioning for the role of Kelly Randall in Scene 4.

This is YuhWen Foong auditioning for the role of Caren Larson Lee in Scene 3.

Candidate No.3 - SARA TENG

This is Sara Teng auditioning for the role of Sharon Larson Lee in Scene 5.

Candidate No. 4 & 5 - HEMANRAJ & GRACE CHUA

These are Hemanraj & Grace Chua auditioning for thr roles of Kenneth Chandler, Judge Warren & Caren Larson Lee in Scene 3 & 5.

(This audition video won "FACEBOOK MOST POPULAR & BEST CHOICE" category.)

Candidate No. 5 & 6 - GRACE CHUA & JOANNA SOH

These are Grace Chua & Joanna Soh auditioning for the roles of Kelly Randall & Caren Larson Lee in Scene 4.

Candidate No.6 - JOANNA SOH

This is Joanna Soh auditioning for the role of Caren Larson Lee in Scene 2.

Candidate No. 7 - INTAN LIYANA

This is Intan Liyana auditioning for the role of Hospital Nurse in Scene 7.

Candidate No.8 & 9 - LOUIS TEO & JAY DELANCY

These are Louis Teo & Jay Delancy auditioning for the role of Toby Patrick Damson & Zack Anderson in Scene 6.

Candidate No.10 & 11 - AIDIRA & SHANICE SEE

These are Aidira & Shanice See auditioning for the role of Doctor A & B and Nurse B in Scene 4 & 7 respectively.

Candidate No. 9, 12 & 13 - JAY DELANCY, PARANEE & KAMAL REZUAN

These are Jay Delancy, Paranee & Kamal Rezuan auditioning for the role of Toby Patrick Damson, Judge Warren & Tour Guide in Scene 6, 5 & 4 respectively.

PLEASE VOTE YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR OR ACTRESS

If you like any of the actresses' or actors' acting, kindly vote and comment their videos at "MUSIC BOX FAN CLUB" group in FACEBOOK. Thank you for your time.

To join the Music Box Fan Club group in Facebook, kindly click:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93780323079#/group.php?gid=95610722863

To join our "SweetAngel Productions" group in Facebook, kindly click:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93780323079#/group.php?gid=93780323079

HOW THE VOTING WORKS:

Every single positive comment of these video auditions will earn them a vote and those who has the majority of positive comments will have the majority of number of votes and will win the "FACEBOOK MOST POPULAR & BEST CHOICE CATEGORY".

DIRECTOR'S BEST CHOICE AUDITION VIDEO

This audition video is my best choice for the actresses' looks & acting skills that fitted the requirement the characters of the story demands in this short film.

AUDITION VIDEO DELETED SCENES

These video clips are created to show our warmth appreciation to those who had attended the audition for this short film production.

(Deleted Scenes - PART 1)

(Deleted Scenes - PART 2 & The Preparation)

MUSIC BOX - A dramatic masterpiece by Director Rorne Tan

2009-03-08T06:23:00.006-07:00

WRITING THE SCRIPT
Some of you have asked me why I have decided to write this story. Why the sudden decision? The answer is this. I remembered how my dear friend said this to me, "Rorne, no matter what I do and how I wish and hope for, I just can't turn back the clock to make things right anymore...I wish that I could just turn back the clock, I just wish I could just do that for her". Then I remembered that his favourite song was also my favourite song called "With or Without You" by U2 and the radio was playing that song when he told me his pain in his heart. He just can't live with or without her anymore and has to suffer in silence all these years. Then my heart striked me so hard that I decided to write his story and tell him this..."Okay! I will write your story and I will make you turn back time to do things right again for her. With this story being told and put into film, you will be able to do it for her for one last time." Then he broke down and cried. It was an emotional moment that I will not forget. Like I have saved someone from his pain and gave him a final hope in his life. A final closure that he has been seeking all these years. With tears or no tears, I gave him my promise and I will fulfill my promise. This is why I have decided to write this story.
...Director Rorne Tan (08.03.2009)
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THE AUDITION

Currently auditions are been conducted and the demand for the best candidates that have the quality that Director Rorne is looking for in this upcoming shortfilm production has made several notices of the Audition posted in Kakiseni being extended.

There are so many new talents and all have passion to act. However, it is not the passion to act that will make one succeed in this audition. It is the way one will look in camera and video. It's imperative that one must have a look that blends with the relevant character of the story so that the story will win the hearts of the audience when it is completed.

However, from the bottom of my heart, I like to thank those who have shown deep interest for this project and may your undying passion brings you to the stars of freedom and wonderfulness by living and dedicating your lives on films.

...Director Rorne Tan (17.07.2009)

VIDEO AUDITION HAS ENDED

The last audition video had been posted here and in Facebook today. The final result for "FACEBOOK Most Popular and Best Choice Audition Video" will be announced in FACEBOOK by 7th August 2009. Now everyone, the cast and crew are preparing for the shoot. All are busy preparing and anxious about the upcoming first day of shooting the short film.

...Director Rorne Tan (03.08.2009)

OUR FIRST SHOOT

It was 8th August 2009 yesterday where we had our first shooting of MUSIC BOX. We only managed to shoot two scenes and that took us one whole day since morning at 10.30 am, preparing, rehearsing and shooting. By the time we finished around 7pm, everyone were mentally tired and exhausted though we had done great acting with numerous hilarious hitches along the way. It was a moment that none of us will ever forget.

...Director Rorne Tan (09.08.2009)

FACEBOOK MOST POPULAR & BEST CHOICE AUDITION VIDEO

The Audition Video between Hemanraj & Grace Chua won the "Facebook Most Popular & Best Choice" category. It was confirmed today. Congratulations to Heman & Grace Chua.

...Director Rorne Tan (11.08.2009)

A 2nd SONG WILL BE FEATURED IN THE SHORT FILM

Yuhwen and Ellisan will be singing together as duet for the second featured song in the short film. A song written by me and I called it "Why I Never Know?" Each time when I view the video of Yuhwen singing, it touches my heart so much and it brought me to another world. A past that I had long forgotten came into my mind again. Yuhwen's voice is incredible and she is giving life not just to her own character but to the very story itself. This song that I am contributing is a great song written by me many years ago. About the same time when my dear friend wrote his to his ex-wife. Since the lyrics in my song are suitable for this film, I have decided to dedicate this song to them and make it an ending credit song for the film in their honor. Something that will always make one to remember and know things that one didn't know before. A song of lost soul when memory is gone forever in one's life. Thanks for singing this song so well..... Yuhwen. You are a very exceptional person!

...Director Rorne Tan (25.08.2009)

THE SHOOTING HAS FINALLY ENDED!

Today is the day I will always remember. How the shooting ended. Though some scenes are difficult to finish due to circumstances beyond our control like wrong timing, clashes of shooting schedules & events, departmental non-approval & stuff but overall, in my heart I think something tells me it's complete and it's time for edit. Stay tuned! The short film is coming! Many thanks to the cast who had acted and my sincere apologies to those who are unable to act due to unfortunate circumstances. Nevertheless, I believe is their hearts in this project that counts whether one have acted or not. To the entire cast & crew, we are one and together in this project and I thank you. AGAIN LET THE EDIT BEGIN!

...Director Rorne Tan (08.10.2009)

THE EDIT IS COMPLETING SOON!

The Edit is about 80% complete. Never thought by cutting out few scenes will make other scenes so great as it magnifies the emotional flow. Seeing less is giving more power to the mind. After having done the editing so far, I finally realised what a great contribution that the cast had given to this film. Thanks to Yuhwen, Joanna, Grace, Sara, Louis, Jay, Kamal & Zholl who made this film possible. Not to mention Ellisan for her great voice in singing the real song for the introduction of this film.

...Director Rorne Tan (21.11.2009)

THE FEATURE FILM IS FINALLY COMPLETED!

After 25 days of editing day and night, finally the feature film has been completed and will be ready for screening and submission to international film festivals around the globe. As I am typing this, the DVD has already found its way to USA to compete for feature film category. Funny how time flies, from the day I first penned down the first page of MUSIC BOX and today when I am typing updates to inform my fans that the feature film is finally completed. Much appreciation and credit goes to the cast and crew not to mention the wonderful and lovely singer for the original soundtrack of MUSIC BOX by Ellisan Tan. So if you have waited long enough and dying to watch this feature film, the DVD version is available now. Just email me. Thanks for reading this blog and the story of MUSIC BOX. Take good care. Do watch out for the sequel called "MOON RIVER". It's a story of the aftermath of Caren Larson Lee's death where the story of Pamela Tanning's love for Toby in the past memories set in. So stay tuned again for Part 2 of "MUSIC BOX".

... Director Rorne Tan (09.12.2009)

Scene 7 - Tears From The Heart

2009-03-08T06:23:00.003-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

After spending 128 days in coma at Heyston Hospital, Caren suddenly opened her eyes. Twinkling her eyes slowly while she struggled to see. Then her mind felt so blank as she couldn’t remember anything. She has no idea who she was and why she was there in the room.

Then a woman came in and hugged her so tight and murmured that Toby was dead and cried on her shoulder. Caren was shocked and speechless as she has no idea who that woman was. It was actually Pamela Tanning, Toby’s girlfriend since a year ago. Pamela recognized Caren and she knew who Caren was. Pamela had seen Caren's picture that was secretly hidden by Toby in one of his drawer in his study table.

While responding to Pamela’s sudden passionate hug, Caren saw a music box displayed on a side table next to her bed. Pamela realized Caren was staring at the music box. So she gently held the said music box and forwarded it to Caren. Caren held it closely and stared at it tentatively before lifting the music box cover that turned on a Titanic music tune. Suddenly the music box exploded with a loud bang and Caren was reaching out both her hands in the air and called "Toby" several times and there was a bright light that lit up the entire room with echoes of Caren calling Toby's nick name, "Honey! Honey! Honey!".

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Toby woke up with perspiration. As he opened his eyes, he saw Caren caressing his face and calling his nick name softly while smiling at him.

Caren: Honey!…..Honey!……Honey!....Wake up! Wake up! It’s time.

Toby: Caren?

Caren: Honey! HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!!!

(Caren kissed Toby softly and Toby was still surprised looking at her.)

Caren: Hey! Are you still sleeping? Wake up! Honey!

Toby: Happy Valentine????

Caren: Yeah! Today’s February the 14th. It’s our second valentine celebration, honey!

Toby: Second Valentine?

Caren: Yeah!! ….Mmmmm are you alright, honey? You seem a bit blur.

Toby: ….?????? (looked very blur.)

Caren: Hey!......Are you playing one of your tricks on me again? I told you….

(Before Caren could continue, Toby quickly interrupted.)

Toby: Caren! You are not mad at me anymore!!!!!

Caren: Mad at you!!!!! Why???

(Then Toby realized that he just had a terrible bad dream of having divorced Caren for 10 years and how he died and how Caren met an accident and went into coma.)

Toby: Oh! My God! I just had the most terrifying and saddest dream of my life.

Caren: Huh?????

Toby: Sweetie, I am so glad that you are still here with me.

(Then Toby started to sob and then cried and this caught Caren by surprise.)

Caren: Hey, honey! Why are you crying? Huh?

(Caren gently wiped Toby’s tears away but Toby just couldn’t stop crying as he was speechless. Overwhelmed by the fact that all the saddest things that he felt was actually a dream. While looking at Toby getting emotional, Caren quickly passed her gift that she was hiding underneath the bed to Toby. Hoping that it will at least cheer him up.)

Caren: Ta da! Here’s your present! Happy Valentine Day, Honey! Don’t cry ya!

(Toby looked at his present from Caren and ended having even more tears in his eyes and he cried so loud.)

Caren: Huhhhh, honey!! What’s wrong? Why are you crying?

Toby: HHHUUuuhhh.........I ..I …..know …..wh…what is in your present.

Caren: ….You do?

Toby: ..It’s a tie, isn’t it?.....huhhhhuhhhhhhhhH........

Caren: …Oh!!!! How do you know?

Toby: (cried profusely)

Caren: Hey! Honey! What’s wrong? Are you touched by my present? Or..or …. If you forgot to get me my present ….it’s okay? I am not mad.

Toby: Huuhhhuhhh….. I am so sorry, Caren. So so so ..sorry ……huhhuhhhhh!!!!

(Caren hugged Toby quickly and pacified him.)

Caren: It’s okay, honey don’t cry ya. You know already. My present from you is….

(Before Caren could finish what she wanted to say, Toby quickly interrupted.)

Toby: It’s for me to love you forever. ……. (cried profusely and emotionally even more.)

Caren: Hey! How do you know? You are so clever!

Toby: huhuhhhhh!!!!!!!! (continued crying.)

(When Caren saw Toby so emotional, she started to sob and hugged him tightly.)

Caren: Hey! Honey! Whatever your dream was and whatever is in your mind now, I am here now ya and I love you okay. Please don’t cry.

Toby: Huhhuhuhhh….. (sobbed) ….. okay….huhhhhuhh.....huhuhuh.......okay........(sobbed)

(Both Toby and Caren hugged passionately for awhile. Then Toby composed himself and sat up. He then walked towards his study table and drew out a drawer. Inside the drawer he took out a present and passed it to Caren. Caren was surprised to see her present and jumped with ecstasy.)

Caren: Oh! My God! You remembered!

(Caren quickly opened her present and found a little brown box. She lifted the box cover and saw a heart shaped coral rock in it and she was so awed by it.)

Caren: Oh! My God! You found it! This was something that you promised me last year! Oh! Honey! I love you so much! Thank you!

(Caren hugged Toby tightly and they kissed passionately. Suddenly the whole room was filled with total brightness again.)

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A nurse was attending to Caren on her hospital bed. While the nurse was scribbing something on a paper board hanging at the end of Caren's bed, she noticed Caren suddenly has tears flowing down on her cheeks while her eyes were still closed. The nurse was so surprised and happy until she quickly ran out from the room calling the doctor from the other side. Everyone, the nurses and doctors, all rushed into the room to look at Caren's first movement after so long. At first they were all happy to see Caren's tears but later on when it became clear that it was actually tears of sadness in her heart, a gloomy expression filled the entire room.

For Caren, after being in coma for months at the hospital, she finally had a movement. Sadly, her only movement was her tears of her happy dream. Dreaming how she loved Toby again on that special day. Her second Valentine with Toby where Toby remembered and fulfilled his promise to her after finding and giving her the heart shaped coral rock.

At 5.56 am on the 21st March 2002, Caren succumbed to her injury and died. Doctor said her tears were still flowing down on her cheeks when she passed away and the news broke the hearts of everyone.

The Music Box, till today, remain hidden somewhere in Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island.

The End.

Scene 6 - The Final Pain

2009-03-08T06:23:00.001-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

Four hours ago…

It was at Starbuck Café located in Lamson Street a few blocks from the Central Bus Station at Los Angeles. Caren was sipping her ice blend mocha while remaining silent. Sitting next to her was Toby’s best friend, Jack Anderson. Earlier Caren called Jack to come to meet her before she departs to Phi Phi Island, Thailand to search for the music box hidden by Toby. She wanted to know the real truth that had been kept from her for the last 10 years. She figured that since Jack was Toby’s best friend, she would be able to know the truth behind Toby’s real love for her after all these years.

Caren: Thanks for coming today, Jack.

Jack: Sure. No problem. How have you been?

Caren: I….I’m okay.

(Caren was silent as a grave for a while. Contemplating how to pose the question to Jack. After a while, tears streamed down her cheeks. Jack looked at her with sympathy as he knew what Caren had been through. She probably knew the truth already from Toby’s lawyer, Kenneth, before coming to see him for confirmation.)

Jack: You knew the whole thing?... (sighed slightly)

Caren: Was it true that he has been keeping his promise to me?

Jack: Yes, Caren. He has been keeping it all along.

Caren: Why didn’t anyone tell me?

Jack: He didn’t want anyone to know. Especially you, Caren. All he wanted was for you to forget him and move on with your life. He loves you so much……so much that one could never imagine.

Caren: But…....but why? An….and why now?

Jack: ……(sighed heavily)……….I guess his heart got the better of him. For the first few years after your divorce, he struggled away like an old log. Nobody recognize him anymore. He was always drunk and alone and miserable all the time. Until one day, he started to change. He became his real self again and shaved his beard. Wore his favourite suits and shoes and called me to meet him. I went to see him alright and he told me that he wanted to fulfill his promise to you. The promise to search a heart shaped coral rock. He traveled to almost every part of the world and swam to almost every coral reefs you know, just to search for this coral rock that has to be a heart shape. He asked me to help him and accompany him. I did for a few years and after a while, I quitted joining him. I told him that it was useless. To me he was just wasting his life over something that was no longer there. To fulfill a promise to someone that was no longer there anymore…... (sighed heavily again)

Caren: -(sobbed and was feeling more emotional.)-

Jack: I should have been to Similan Islands with him. To watch over him. So he wouldn’t have drown. After all these years of searching for something and now for what? He’s no longer around. God! He’s so stupid…. He loves you so much until he almost forgot his vow not to see you again.

Caren: What…. Almost forgot his vow? What do you mean?

Jack: He told me that he visited you last year at your office or something like that and said you didn’t see him but he saw you.

Caren: …Last year???

(After a while, Caren remembered that there was one incident that a harley davidson biker wearing a full face helmet dropped by at her office’s main entrance. When she was about to leave the office for lunch and noticed him, the said biker sped off. This incident happened a few times.)

Caren: …Oh! My God! That Harley Davidson??? It was him, wasn’t it?

Jack: Yeah! it was him. He got his new bike a year ago and wanted to come to see you with his bike. He was proud of his bike but I think he was proud of something else by bringing his bike to see you.

Caren: What do you mean, Jack?

Jack: I did asked him before what was the point of showing his bike in front of you and…….

(Suddenly, Jack couldn’t continue and started to sob. Caren was surprised to see his sudden change of emotion. Jack struggled with his tears remembering what Toby had told him and he tried to compose himself. He needed to finish what he wanted to tell Caren.)

Jack: He…he ……he….said… Caren… (sighed)…. He said that he was unworthy of a person to see you… that he hurt you so much and destroyed his marriage with you. He never thought that he was a worthy person or have the right to see you again. When he bought the Harley bike, he told me that he don’t mind risking his life riding that bike though he didn’t have experience riding a big bike because all he ever wanted was to see you with his big bike one day…

Caren: To see me with his big bike? I don’t get it.

Jack: All he wanted was…(sighed)……for you to be proud of him. He figured that when he lost you, you will no longer be able to be proud of him anymore no matter what he does. All he wanted was for you to be proud of him one more time even though for the wrong reason. He said he missed the old Caren who used to love him and be proud of him before and all he wanted was for you to be proud of him one last time. Proud of him riding a big bike ….like a Harley Davidson bike from a person who never ride a motorbike before in his life time. I guess he was so lost of losing you that he thought by appearing in front of you with his Harley, things will be different…. You will be awed and be proud of him somehow….. so stupid …stupid boy!

Caren: (sobbed profusely and emotionally)

Jack: Caren! Toby never stop loving you. I have not seen a person’s love for another so great that can last forever like this. He has been loving you all this long…. until the day he died.

Caren: What…..what about Henie?

Jack: Henie?...You mean Toby's previous mistress, Henie Goldwin? You still remember her, dont' you? She's already long gone.

Caren: Long gone?

Jack: The day when he agreed to see you at Kenneth’s office 10 years ago was the day Henie left him and he was in pain. Terrible pain. First I thought the pain was about losing his mistress, Henie, but it turned out differently.

______________________________<>_____________________________

(In Jack’s mind, 10 years ago at Jack’s house. Toby was knocking on his front door frantically. Jack opened his door and saw Toby crying. )

Toby: ……. Huhhuhhhuhh....(crying)

Jack: Toby! What’s wrong? Come in….

(Toby came in and continued crying with great emotion.)

Toby: I did it….I di….did it (sobbed profusely)……

Jack: You did what, Toby?

Toby: I signed the paper, Jack. I SIGNED THE PAPER. I am officially divorced.

Jack: Oh!.....

Toby: Caren is no longer my wife. I have lost her forever, Jack!

Jack: Okay…. But why are you so unhappy? I thought that was what you wanted. Now you can live with Henie and be happy.

Toby: HENIE? She’s left me yesterday.

Jack: What! What happened?

Toby: She said she didn’t want her life to be so complicated and she left me.

Jack: Just like that?

Toby: Yep!.....Just like that.

Jack: That no good low life whore! Forget about her. Now you know who is the real person who loves you. Go tell Caren about this!

Toby: It’s no use. She doesn’t believe what I say anymore. She said that I lied and lied to her all the time and this time, she will never believe me again. Jack…. My heart is so painful now…..I can’t breath.

Jack: Toby..Listen to me. Now is the time. Go and tell Caren everything once and for all. For god sake, don’t destroy your marriage just because of one young and stupid woman.

Toby: It’s too late. I have signed the paper. The court hearing’s tomorrow.

Jack: Then unsign the paper. Go and see Kenneth tonight for help.

Toby: NO! I want it to be this way….

Jack: What? What do you mean?

Toby: I want Caren to hate me and forget me. That’s the only way for her to live a normal life again without me and be happy again. I have messed up… Too messed up for her. I am just…just…

Jack: No…Toby!...No!

Toby: I AM JUST NOT WORTHY A PERSON FOR HER ANYMORE, JACK. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? HUH? I AM JUST NOT WORTHY ANYMORE. I AM A SCUM AND A TERRIBLE PERSON THAT DESTROYS A HAPPY MARRIAGE AND MAKE PEOPLE CRY AND HURT THEM…… I AM NOT WORTHY FOR HER ANYMORE.

(At this juncture, Toby exited the door and ran away.)

Jack: TOBY! TOBY! WAIT! WAAAIIIIIIIITTTTTTTT!

(Toby was gone.)

_______________________________<>_____________________________

Jack: That day he wanted to tell you everything but you shut him out. He didn’t blame you as he knew it was all his fault and he deserved to be treated that way. …(sighed)….. it was just so sad that his love for you has to wait for so long for you to know.

Caren: Stop!!!!Stop!!!STOP!!!!!!!!STOP IT!

(At this juncture, Caren couldn’t control her emotions any longer nor to hear any of Zack’s explanation of Toby’s secret love for her. She quickly stood up and ran across the busy road. Surprised to see Caren’s sudden emotional outburst, Jack chased after her.)

Jack: CAREN! Where are you going? WAIT!

(Caren stopped and looked back at Jack emotionally.)

Caren: WHY GOD? WHY??? (sobbed)….WHAT HAVE I DONE? OH!!! GOD!....WHAT HAVE I DONE?.........TOBYYYYYY! (cried profusely)

(Jack ran towards her and gently hugged Caren from behind.)

Jack: It’s okay, Caren. It’s okay. Toby knows now…. …. He knows…..

Caren: (continued crying even more and emotionally)………….NO!!!!!NO!!!!!! TOOOBBBBBYYYY!!!!!!!!!

(Suddenly Caren broke away from Jack and ran towards a road junction oblivious of a sudden high speed car coming her way. In a split second, Caren was knocked down by the car and was lying on the road side unconscious. To Jack’s horror after witnessing what had happened to Caren, he quickly ran to her side and tried to revive her while a crowd gathered around. Caren suffered a massive head injury due to the impact of her fall. A moment later, an ambulance came and sent Caren to a nearby hospital with Jack by her side.

Weeks later, Caren was in coma still recovering from the accident. Doctor said she suffered from acute amnesia and might lose her memory entirely if she were to wake up one day. Everything about her past will be completed wipe out in her mind. To some especially her family members, it was a blessing since they thought she had suffered enough already but to others who knew Toby, it was a sad ending because the memory of true love between them that Caren finally discovered after a decade long was forgotten just like that in a few seconds.)

Scene 5 - Drama In Family Court

2009-03-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

12 hours ago...

It was in Caren’s room. Caren was busy packing her clothes into a luggage. Her sister, Sharon Larson Lee, was standing next to her watching her packing with disappointment. Sharon was furious about Caren’s reaction towards Toby’s sudden death and she argued with her. Kelly was there watching them helplessly.

Sharon: WHAT! Are you crazy or something?

Caren: I….I have to…

Sharon: You have to? ….After all these years of forgetting him and now you telling me… you have to! What is the point of going to Maya Beach? I thought you told me years before that you will not go there anymore…. not in your life time?

Caren: Sharon, Toby is dead and I have to know…

Sharon: Know what? What is there to know? Have you forgotten what he did to you? How…how he hurt us, your parents and you….especially you? As far as I am concern that bastard can die a thousand times for all I care… You.. you are always so soft….always so naïve….. Damn you’re so STUPID!

(Kelly couldn’t stand watching Sharon scolding Caren blindly without caring for her feelings and interfered in the conversation.)

Kelly: Sharon!.... Stop it. She’s your sister. It’s not right to talk to your sister like this.

(Sharon turned towards Kelly.)

Sharon: You shut up! It’s between me and my sister….our family matter. SHUT UP!

Caren: STOP IT! Sharon….just stop it!

Sharon: Why don’t you listen to dad and mom? Your friends and all? Why don’t you listen to us?

Caren: Listen to you? (started to sob)….. It’s because I listened to everyone 10 years ago … that ….that…. (sobbed heavily)….

Sharon: You are doing it again….. Cry when you think of him. ARRGGGGG! I don’t know what to say to you anymore!!!!!

(Sharon quickly exited the room and slammed the door hard.)

Caren: (sobbed)….. Kelly…. I am sorry about Sharon’s behavior. She…. She’s always lose her temper easily since she was small.

Kelly: I think your sister is right this time, Caren? What is the point of going to Maya Beach? Is the music box so important?

Caren: ……

Kelly: You are falling back to your previous life that you’ve hated so much and wanted to forget. These 10 years I have seen you so happy and I was so glad that you finally able to move on after your divorce 10 years ago. And now, you ….(sighed slightly)….…. I mean….. do you remember that it took you three years to get over him after your divorce…….(sighed again)… Is it worth it to search for that music box?

Caren: (started to cry)…….HuhhhhuhuhuHuhuhhuhhh....

(Seeing Caren in an emotional state like the way she was before, it broke Kelly’s heart tremendously. She quickly hugged Caren with sympathy. Hoping to pacify her emotion.)

Kelly: Oh! Caren… this… this is all not fair to you. So not fair.

Caren: Kelly…. I know that I should have forgotten him…. and….and I know I’ve hurt my sister and my parents again…… I know that I have let everyone down… but…..but…(sobbed)……this is something I have to do…. I have to find out and…. I have to know…. (sobbed)……
The music box was …. was …. the only thing that was sacred and special… the only thing that I can find solace in my pain… andda.. andda…..(cried profusely)…..uhuhhuhhuhhhhhh…..

Kelly: Closure…… you need closure, isn’t it?

(Caren just nodded.)

____________________________<>_______________________________

(In Caren’s mind, 10 years ago at Los Angeles Family High Court. The divorce case between Toby Patrick Damson and Caren Larson Lee was called up in front of Judge Warren. Caren’s lawyer, Kenneth Chandler was representing Caren in the proceedings. The Judge asked both parties, Toby and Caren to stand up and asked them whether they are agreeable for a mutual divorce. Both of them nodded.)

Judge Warren: Okay I am granting two of you a divorce by law effective today.

(Judge Warren was scribbling the order on a legal document.)

Judge Warren: Is there anything ..... any of you want to say to this Court before I call the next case?

(Suddenly Toby raised his hand to the surprise of Caren and her lawyer, Kenneth. Even the crowd at the public gallery was watching him tentatively as it was quite unusual for a petitioner to say anything after the Court has granted a Divorce Order. Usually both parties would walk out of the Court room separately and be parted separately. Moving on with their new lives as single again.)

Toby: Yes I do. Your Honor…. (paused for awhile.)

Judge Warren: Well! Mr. Toby Patrick Damson. What do you want to say to this Court?

Toby: …… (silent)

(Toby ‘s head was facing down. Feeling rather depressed as his life has just turned into a lonely world by just appearing in Court that day.)

Judge Warren: Mr. Toby. Are you alright? Do you want to say something to this Court?

Toby: …….(still silent)

Judge Warren: Mr. Toby. My patience is wearing me thin. Do you want or I shall call the next…

(Before Judge Warren can continue, Toby quickly answered.)

Toby: I almost died….I.....

Judge Warren: ???

(At this juncture, Kenneth quickly stood up and made an objection. Fearing that Toby would say something bad that would prejudice his client, Caren, in the proceedings.)

Kenneth: My Lord! I have to object to this.

Judge Warren: Overrule! Sit down! Mr. Kenneth.

(Judge looked at Toby again for awhile and understood his emotional state.)

Judge Warren: Mr. Toby, please continue.

Toby: Sorry! My Lord. I don’t mean to waste the Court's time. I…I…..just…

Judge Warren: It’s okay. Mr. Toby. I have judged hundred of cases like yours and I understand your desire to express your feelings on this particular day. Please continue. I can give you only 1 minute of my time here as I got another 50 cases to be heard in my Court today. So please do the honor to this Court what you have to say.

(Kenneth stood up again.)

Kenneth: My Lord. This is highly irregular and my client….

Judge Warren: SIT DOWN! Mr. Kenneth! This is a family Court and not a civil court of law. We are dealing with people’s emotions here and the least a Court can do is to allow some flexibility in the procedure to ease any form of hardship or burden that may arise for these parties today. NOW SIT DOWN and give Mr. Toby a chance to say something in my Court.

Kenneth: Yes! Your Honor. Much obliged.

(Kenneth sat down and looked at Toby tentatively. So was Caren and the crowd at the public gallery behind them.)

Toby: Thank you. Your Honor. I ..ah….

(Toby looked at Caren but Caren turned away.)

Toby: Twelve years ago, I almost died when I gave her, my wife….I mean my …..ex-wife this.

(Toby handled out a music box from his bag beside him.)

Toby: I had appendix and was lying at a hospital desperately making calls to American Express to deliver this gift to her… I still remember…..(sighed and grinned a little)…. It was our 2nd Valentine …..

Toby: And she loved it very much….. (sighed)… She even played the music box every night before she sleeps and she always sleep with it next to her pillow…. (started to sob)…….My Lord…. All…..all I have to say is that I wasn’t a good husband to her. (sobbed)…. I hurt her so much…and…andda…. today….just now before our case was called…. She returned this music box to me…. and said
She doesn’t want it anymore……(sobbed)

(The crowd murmured with sympathy and Caren was seen slowly wiping her tears away.)

Toby: …if ….if…..only I have ….. (sobbed)…huhhuhhhuh......
fulfill my promise to her that day, My Honor … the promise I made to her 13 years ago….. hhhuuuhhhhhh.....the promise to find her…..the…hhhuhhuhh.....

(Before Toby could finish what he wanted to say, Caren stood up and quickly ran out from the Court room. While Kenneth quickly stood up and apologized to the Court for Caren’s sudden behavior, Toby ran behind her. Toby tried to catch up with her and managed to grab Caren’s arm just outside the Court’s building after chasing her all the way from the upper stairs to the Court’s front gate while shouting her name.)

Toby: Caren! Wait!

Caren: Don’t touch me!

(Caren’s arm swang away from Toby’s grab.)

Toby: Caren! Please! All I want….. Can..can … we talk?

Caren: There’s nothing to talk. I want to go home. My parents are waiting for me.
Toby: Wait…. All I want now is to make things better for you….please… don’t go.

Caren: It can never be better! Toby!

(This time Caren walked away so fast. Crossing the street and leaving Toby behind. While staring at his precious ex-wife walking away from him, he can see her image getting smaller and smaller and slowly she disappeared into the crowd. At that moment, Toby felt a sharp pain in his heart. It was an emotional pain that came striking his heart so fast that he realized his greatest fear of losing Caren in his life has finally come and became a reality. There is nothing he can do anymore to change that. With all this emotion erupting in his mind, Toby slowly lowered his head in agony. Feeling extremely sad and heart broken while walking slowly at the pathway opposite the High Court building.

Suddenly he received a short message system via his handphone from Caren. It said “You will be better off without me”. After looking at that message, Toby cried in silence and stood still for a moment. He finally understood that Caren insisted divorce that day not because her parents wanted her to do so. It was because Caren wanted to let him go so that he can have a better life without her. In his heart, he finally knew that Caren was quietly suffering in silence like him where both individuals could not live with or without each other but it was Caren who did the first and final sacrifice that day for a better future for both of them. After realizing this, Toby blamed himself for ending their marriage in such a pitiful way and his heart started to ache more and more because of what Caren had just done for him.

Unable to take it anymore, Toby quickly called his good friend, Pamela Tanning, with his handphone while standing next to a busy road. Oblivious to all the motorists who were staring at him. Toby got the call through and the phone from the other side rang for a while before a woman picked up.)

Pamela: Hello!

Toby: (sobbed terribly) ….huhhuhuhhh..Huh….I wasn’t a good husband…..Hhhuhssuhuhuh (sobbed terribly)

Pamela: What? Is that…..is that you, Toby?

Toby: ..She…sh….she left me already…huhhhh Huhhhh…. I wasn’t a good husband…huhhhuhh…(cried emotionally.) She….shhhhseeee….. huhuhhhhh….left me..huhuhhh allllready ….huhhh hu hhhh huh left….. left… Oh God!..... Shhhhe ….left….me………huhhuhhhhuhh.
(cried profusely)

Pamela: Toby…. Are you alright? Where are you? Toby!.....Toby!............Toby!

Toby: I ….I…….forgot my promise to her…. Huhhuhuuhuhhh…. (cried profusely)….. Huhhuhuuhuhuhh…. I forrr hhhh..ggot ….. huuhuuhhhhhh……mmmyy huuuuhhhhh……pro…huhhhh….miiiisee!

Pamela: Promise? What promise? Toby! Where are you? Tell me where you are, I will come and get you.…

(After Toby told Pamela where he was, Pamela droved over to fetch him to his home. While Toby was sitting in Pamela’s car, his eyes were staring at the sky through the side window. Both his hands were still holding the music box as he remembered his promise to Caren. The promise to search a heart shaped coral rock for her. Though the promise was no longer relevant in his life anymore, it was a promise that Toby would never forget for the rest of his life.)
_____________________________<>______________________________
<>

Caren: I shouldn't have returned the music box to him ..... It was all my fault that he is dead now...I had hurt him so much. The music box meant a lot to him and to me before the affair. Somehow ... I....I......(sobbed)..... I know that he still loves me...... and I .... I...........just didn't believe him.. and all I ever think or remember was his betrayal.... (sobbed).....but after I met Kenneth and when he told me the truth that was kept from me all these years......I finally know that he still loves me and I didn't believe him before....It's all my fault, Kelly.... hhuhhhuhhh...

Kelly: No! No! It's not your fault. Never your fault. How would you know if a secret was intentionally kept from you? How would you know? It's never your fault, Caren!

Caren: ....Huhhuhhhhhhh.....I just .......just need to go and get the music box back..... so that he... he... huhuhhuhhhhhhhh......knows that I have.........huhhhhuhhuhhhh..... forgiven him.......huhhuhhhhuhhh...... (sobbed profusely and emotionally.)

Kelly: Oh! Caren! You poor baby... come here...

(Kelly hugged Caren tightly and passionately like a sister.)

Caren: Kelly....huhuhhhuhhh...... I just need to go.... I have to..... I want him to know ..... huhuhuhhuhhhhh.... that I know I.....I finally know that he loves me...... I finally know........(sobbed terribly.)

Kelly: Okay! Caren! Okay! (whispered softly.)

(All Caren wanted to do then was to find that music box where ever it was. Hoping for Toby to know that she has finally forgiven him in her heart. Something which she could still do for him to remember how they used to be, the perfect loving couple as everyone used to say.)

Scene 4 - The Heart Shaped Coral Rock

2009-03-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

One day ago...

Toby Damson heard someone shouted at him from behind while he was floating in the ocean at Similan Island located at north west of Phuket, Thailand. It was the most beautiful island in Thailand where it gained its reputation due to its location far away from shore with its unique giant rock concentration at the beach. Toby turned his head and saw his tour guide floating in the ocean about 30 feet from him. The tour guide was waving at him desperately.

Tour guide: TOBY! TOBY!... I saw one….

Toby: What? What did you say?

Tour guide: I SAW YOUR ROCK!!! (shouted at Toby and still waving.)

Toby: YOU MEAN A HEART SHAPED ROCK? (shouted back at Tour Guide.)

Tour guide: YES! YES! DOWN HERE!

(Toby quickly swam towards the tour guide and they both dived into the ocean deep. Searching for a unique coral rock that has a heart shape. After awhile, the tour guide swam to the surface. Gasping for air and he looked around him but he couldn’t see Toby. So he dived again into the ocean and searched for Toby. While he was deep in the ocean, about 80 feet from the surface, he saw the coral reef and Toby was lying motionlessly along the reef. The tour guide quickly held his arm around Toby’s neck and tried to swam to the surface but Toby suddenly moved and struggled to break away from him. He pushed the tour guide away and remained in a motionless position. The tour guide got a shock and realised that Toby was actually trying to commit suicide and he grabbed Toby again. This time both were struggling desperately in deep water until the tour guide gave up and swam towards the surface as he was desperate for air to breathe. As the tour guide swam to the surface, he saw a lifeless body of Toby hanging at the bottom of the ocean.

Suddenly everything became so bright and Caren screamed “TOBY! TOBY!”.
Caren woke up abruptly from her sleep. It seems she was having a nightmare of Toby searching for a coral rock in the ocean. The news that she heard from Kenneth this morning about how Toby died was too unbearable. Her heart was beating so fast and slowly she felt a terrible sadness striking her heart about what Toby has done for her after all these years and she started to sob. Kelly, her good friend who agreed to stay overnight with her so that she won’t be alone after what happened, quickly rushed into her room to see what happened.)

Kelly: CAREN! Are you okay?

(Caren was still sobbing.)

Kelly: What’s wrong? I heard your scream just now….

Caren: I think Toby committed suicide…. Kelly….I think he did (sobbed)

Kelly: ….

Caren: I saw him in my dream and …and…. he was struggling in the ocean …and…and…..

Kelly: Oh! Caren…. It was just a nightmare. You just had a nightmare.

Caren: Huuhhhuh..(sobbed terribly)….. It… it was all my fault….wasn’t it? Why…Why didn’t I listen to him 10 years ago?..... huhhuuuh (sobbed.)

(Caren hugged Karen and started to cry emotionally.)

Kelly: Hey, it’s not your fault that Toby died. It’s not your fault.

Caren: I know he died because of an accident but …. but…he went to the ocean …for me…...his promise…to me…huhhuhhuh….I killed him, Kelly…… I killed him..….huuhuhuhuhhhhhhh (sobbed)

Kelly: Oh! Caren!.....No….no….it was an accident……don’t think like that…

Caren: Kelly…..huhuhhhhh…. I’ve lost him 10 years ago…..and now… huhuh hhuhhuhuh…. I‘ve lost him all over again…..huhhuh..huhuhuh …This time I will never be able to see …..huh huhuhuh huhhhhh… him again….. huhhh uhuhhuhh….(sobbed terribly).

(Caren was still hugging Kelly, shaking emotionally as she struggled with her tears.)

Caren: Huhhhhuhhh…. I love …him…..huh huhhhhhh… I still love him so much…..huhhuuhuhhh…….huhhuhuhhhh….What have I done?......huhhhuhhhh….huhhhhh….. Oh God!......huhuhuhuhuuhu…please bring back Toby to me..huhuhhuhuh..huhhhhuhuh (cried emotionally.)

(After feeling Caren’s emotional cry, Kelly hugged her tightly and started to cry with her. They were both hugging like sisters unable to come with terms of Toby’s sudden death. After awhile, Caren slowly broke away from Kelly.)

Caren: I want to go to the mansion tomorrow…Can you come with me?

Kelly: Caren..I don’t think it’s a good idea.

Caren: I want to…. I have to….

Kelly: But why? What is there to see in the mansion?

Caren: I…I want to see how he live in the last 10 years….. This is the least I can do for him now…. I …. I …..(sobbed) …… I just want to look for the music box ...huhhhuhhhuhhh…… I want to see it again…….huhhhhuhhh (sobbed)….

Kelly: …..Music Box?........ (blurred for a while and then she remembered)...... You mean the music box that Toby gave you as a present on your second Valentine 12 years ago?

_____________________________<>_____________________________

(In Caren’s mind, 12 years ago at Glen Adam Hospital where Toby was in an emergency operation room and the doctors were operating him. Kelly and Caren including Toby’s family members were anxious waiting outside. Feeling sad, Kelly passed a present that was tied up with a pink ribbon to Caren. It was a present from Toby on their second Valentine.)

Kelly: Here… I know it might be a bad timing butta Toby wants me to pass this to you….

(Caren’s eyes were locked on the present as she slowly held the present from Kelly.)

Caren: This…this is from Toby?

Kelly: Yes…

Caren: Oh God! Why didn’t he tell me that he was admitted to the hospital?

Kelly: He didn’t want you to worry? He even told his family members not to tell you.

Caren: Oh! Toby… (sobbed and grabbed the present next to her heart.)

Kelly: He has appendix. I am sure he will be fine, Caren. Don’t worry!

Caren: …huhhuhuh…huhhhhhuh…(kept sobbing.)

(Caren slowly opened the present by untying the ribbon and found a music box in it. She lifted the music box’s cover and a music tone was played. It was a tone from the movie “Titanic” and Caren sobbed even more while listening to the music.)

Kelly: Toby loves you very much. I wish I have a boyfriend like him. When he was admitted, he asked the nurse for a telephone and he called up American Express to redeem this gift for you. This music box was custom made for special customers and there are only 20 being produced for the card promotion. When he called American Express, he was told that all the music box were fully redeemed and his order has to be turned down. Toby was such a fighter that he kept arguing his way out in the phone until he managed to convince American Express to sent you one and insisted that it must be delivered on Valentine day today. Then he called me to get the gift from them and wrap it up for you…You see how lucky you are. So stop crying and be happy for yourself and him. He is gonna be okay alright. Huh?.... Okay?

(Kelly hugged Caren passionately and Caren felt so touched after hearing what Kelly have just said and nodded with a little smile. Then the red light at the entrance of the operation room turned off and a doctor came out to inform that Toby was alright. During the operation, though the appendix burst, the doctor managed to clean it up and Toby was no longer in danger. Caren was so happy and started to have tears of joy and quickly run towards Toby after he was transferred to a patient room. Kelly and Toby’s family members were there and later left Caren alone with Toby as they knew that she needed her private moment with him. Toby was still unconscious but Caren already held his right hand so tight against her cheek while staring at his face with tears in her eyes. Suddenly Toby opened his eyes slowly and saw Caren.)

Toby: Hey… sweetheart……Wh…why are you crying?

Caren: You… you…stupid boy!……Why didn’t you tell me that you are admitted? You made me so worried….

(Toby struggled to feel comfortable on bed as he felt pain after the operation.)

Caren: Hey….don’t move so much. Just rest okay…

(Toby looked at Caren and noticed the music box on the side table.)

Toby: You like it…

Caren: Of course I like it. I love it very much!

Toby: Actually my actual gift for you was a heart shaped coral rock…. I was supposed to go to the ocean but I ended up in hospital instead. Sorry about that, sweetheart…

Caren: Shhhh! It’s okay….This music box is better…… It’s okay darling.

Toby: But…but I promised you last year….I must get you a coral rock with a shape of…..

(Caren quickly put one of her fingers on Toby’s lips.)

Caren: Shhhhh! I said it’s okay darling. As long you are safe and well, it will be my greatest Valentine gift forever… Okay?

(Toby smiled at Caren and they both kissed passionately. Feeling even more in love with each other than before after the trauma in hospital.)

Toby: Sweetheart.. where's my present?

Caren: It's at home. I was rushing to see you and I forgot about...

Toby: Never mind that. Your present to me is to love me forever....okay?

Caren: Hey! That's my line. You stole my line!

Toby: Well! It's mine now. (laughed and giggled. Then groaned in pain) ...uhuuhhhh....

Caren: Hey! you okay?

Toby: ........just a little pain....I love you sweetheart.

(Caren just looked at him with a greater smile on her face.)

______________________________<>_____________________________

Next morning, Caren opened the front door of Toby’s mansion. Kelly was standing beside her. It seemed the mansion was deserted after Toby died. Caren walked into the living hall and was surprised to see all her previous photos were still hanging on the wall. Some were with beautiful frames standing on the side tables and some where displayed in a glass shelf. Everything looked the same as ten years ago after Caren left the mansion. Caren was feeling emotional while covering her mouth with her left hand. Trying not to cry as she looked at the surroundings of the living hall emotionally.

Caren: Oh! My God! Kelly…. Toby was living in the past…. All these years he was still living like before…

Kelly: (looking around the living hall) ......Toby didn’t move on.

(Kelly was observing the living hall together with Caren. Suddenly Caren noticed two little white coral rocks displayed in a glass shelf at the end of the living hall. She opened the glass door of the shelf and looked at them tentatively. They have the shape of a heart. As she slowly held the first rock, her tears started to flow down her cheek. It seems that Toby has found several rocks for her and he has fulfilled his promise for her all these years. Then she held the second white coral rock that almost resemble a heart and saw the wordings “SIMILAN ISLANDS” on it and started to weep so much and cried. Remembering what Kenneth told her just a day ago that Toby died in Similan Islands searching for a heart shaped coral rock. Toby never gave up trying as he went to every ocean in the world searching for a perfect coral rock that look like a heart like the way he had promised Caren before.)

Caren: Toby finally fulfilled his promise to me, Kelly? (sobbed) Huhhhuhhuhhhhh…. He finally fulfilled his .....huhhuhuhhh promise to me…huhhhhh (sobbed)

(Kelly quickly hugged Caren passionately and remained speechless. Don’t know what else to say to her. Caren’s pain in her heart was so bad. No words could make her feel better anymore. Then Kelly noticed a small picture of Toby standing while holding the music box. The small picture was lying next to the two coral rocks in the glass shelf. In the picture, Kelly noticed Toby standing on a white sandy beach with a small panel display next to him stating “MAYA BEACH”. Kelly pointed at that picture.)

Kelly: It’s that Toby holding your music box?

(Caren looked at the picture and was amazed by it. Then she held that picture and looked closely and turned the picture side way to look at the back. There was a map drawn by Toby with some words on it. Caren read it.)

Caren: Buried here. Always in my heart. Toby loves Caren.

(The map drawn on the other side of the picture was a map leading to a secluded spot at the end of Maya Beach in Thailand where Toby buried the music box next to a tree. Hoping for the music box to be kept in a safe place where he and Caren once shared their first Valentine together. It seemed it was the only place where he could find good and wonderful memories with Caren together. A place where he could leave the music box from the bottom of his heart.)

Scene 3 - Truth Reveals

2009-03-08T03:36:00.000-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

Two days ago…

Caren was in Kenneth Chandler’s office after she agreed to come to meet him when his secretary called her the next morning after her birthday party. Kenneth was the most reputed lawyer in California after making his name in public eye for representing celebrities in high profile divorce proceedings. He was also a very good friend of Caren Larson and had known her for many years since his school days. He had attempted to hope to be more than just a friend to Caren until Toby Damson came into her life. Knowing that Caren’s heart can never be the one for him to treasure, he channeled his attention to his work and he was good at what he did. Fighting for the rights of the wronged, aggrieved and innocent parties in civil suits and divorce proceedings.

Kenneth: Thanks for coming, Caren. How have you been all these years?

Caren: I am…. I am fine. Thank you, Kenneth.

(Caren looked rather gloomy as Kenneth’s office reminded her of the past when she walked into the same office with Toby ten years ago. Kenneth took out an envelope in his drawer and opened the envelope and slid out a piece of folded paper. It was Toby’s will and he read it to Caren indicating about the transfer of Toby’s half share of his mansion at Serville Park to her. After reading it for a while, he was interrupted by Caren abruptly.)

Caren: Why is he doing this to me? What about his wife or girlfriend or…their family? Are they objecting this?

(Kenneth stopped reading the letter and looked at Caren. He knew that Caren is desperately looking for an answer from him. Caren didn’t understand why. Why after all these years Toby is doing the things he should have done long time ago before the divorce? But why now?)

Kenneth: Toby didn’t have a wife or a girlfriend.

Caren: What?... But I remembered 10 years ago when I came in here with Toby signing our divorce papers, you told me that he has a girlfriend and will be getting married again after my divorce is finalized…. What are you saying now?

Kenneth: (sighed)..

Caren: What? What is going on here, Kenneth?

(Kenneth sighed harder and looked away. Couldn’t look at Caren anymore as he felt guilty all of a sudden.)

Caren: Tell me Kenneth? I know there is something here. Toby was your friend. Please tell me what all this is about and why now?

Kenneth: Caren.. As a lawyer I am bound by my privilege……

Caren: STOP TELLING ME THE LAWYER AND CLIENT PRIVILEGE THING. I WANT TO KNOW WHY!!!. KENNETH! TOBY IS DEAD….. (starting to sob)… the… the least you can do is…..is……….. tell me why…. And ….. why are all these….. happening in my…. life again…..(sobbed terribly and her tears were uncontrollable).

Kenneth: Caren… please calm down.. I am not suppose to tell you this because…. because….. Toby asked me not to….
_____________________________<>______________________________

(In Kenneth’s mind, 10 years ago in his office when Toby came to see him alone…..

Kenneth: Why are you doing this, Toby?

Toby: I ..I……(sighed)…..Just do it for me, Kenneth.

Kenneth: mmmmm I know what you are doing? Butta do you think it’s a good idea?

Toby: I don’t care anymore. You should look at Caren’s face when she told me how I have suffocated her to the wall until she couldn’t breathe. I…. I… just don’t want her to suffer anymore… Kenneth…

Kenneth: Yeah! Butta…

Toby: Just DO IT OR I FIND ANOTHER LAWYER TO DO IT. OKAY?

Kenneth: Okay… Please calm down. What if she finds out one day? She will be even more painful than she is now, don’t you think?

Toby: That’s is why you MUST NOT TELL HER. Remember your lawyer and client privilege? Please Kenneth, you are my only friend whom I can trust. Please do this for me. No... Please do it for Caren. We both love her right?

Kenneth: ….(silent and thinking about what Toby wants him to do.)

Toby: RIGHT?.....

Kenneth: Okay.. Toby….okay…

______________________<>________________________

Caren: …What?....Toby asked you not to?... Not to tell me what, Kenneth?

Kenneth: Remember the girl I kept mentioning to you ten years ago….the girl who was Toby’s colleague and how they were supposed to get married after your divorce….and….

Caren: You mean Amy… right?

Kenneth: Yes…..(paused for a while.)

Caren: AND?

Kenneth: Are you sure you want to hear this Caren? Maybe it will be better to let it go?

Caren: AND? (with a louder tone.)

Kenneth: (sighed) ….Actually there wasn’t any person called Amy in Toby’s life. She was just a fiction or someone I have made up or what Toby wanted me to make up to tell you.

Caren: … wh….why?

Kenneth: Toby knew that at that time….. though you wanted divorce so much from him, he knew that you still loves him and you will carry the pain of losing him even after the divorce…. So he wanted you to forget him by hating him. He wants me to make it look as if he is a terrible person so that you can forget him easily and move on with your life. …Caren, I am so sorry… so sorry to tell you all these. (sighed)… Toby actually loves you very much even until today before he died. The day after you have executed the divorce paper and left, Toby signed the transfer forms and documents to transfer half of his share of the mansion to you and asked me to keep it and wait for his further instructions…. I didn’t know that he wants me to keep it till today for this…. I am very sorry, Caren. I am telling you this because as a friend, I hate to see you in tears and I felt so guilty as a friend not being able to tell you earlier …I am very sorry…and I am very sorry for Toby too…. I do wish it should have been better between both of you all these years.

(Caren sobbed terribly and started to cry after knowing what Toby did for her.)

Caren: ….How…..how did Toby die?

Kenneth: He drown while diving in Similan Island. Some tour guide in Thailand told me he was searching for something in the water for years…. Searching for ….ahh…coral or something….Oh yeah… I remembered… searching for a heart shaped coral rock…

Caren: ….wha….hea…(sobs)….heart shaped coral rock?

(After hearing what Kenneth has just said, Caren cried so loud and couldn’t control her tears any longer.)

Kenneth: Caren…what is it?.... What’s wrong?

Caren: hhhuhuhh….Heart shaped coral rock ….was….was his promise to me 13 years ago?.....hhuhhhh …..Oh God…huuuhuuuuh…why Toby…..why now? ..huhhuhhhhh……(cried terribly.)
______________________________<>______________________________

(In Caren’s mind, 13 years ago in her room while celebrating her first Valentine Day with Toby….

Caren: Ta da! Here’s my gift for you.

(Caren handed a gift to Toby while jumping with excitement.)

Caren: Go on! Open it.

(Toby opened the gift and saw a branded wallet with a lot of side pockets. The one where you can put all your credit cards and display them all at once in the wallet. The kind of wallet that Toby has been searching for a long time.)

Toby: Oh my God! Where do you get this? I have been searching for this for ages…

Caren: I know. That’s why I am getting this for you. Hey! Do you know that I have been searching at every counter in all the shopping malls in town for the last 3 days until I finally found it for you?

Toby: Oh…honey….You shouldn’t….have. I love you.

(Toby hugged Caren tightly and passionately. Feeling touched by the wonderful gift from Caren.)

Caren: I love you too. Now, where is my present?

Toby: …uuur…oh…uurrr…
(Looking rather pale and speechless as he realized that he has forgotten to get Caren a present for the Valentine Day celebration.)

Caren: You forgot or you didn’t…

Toby: I… I am sorry…..I

(Seeing Toby feeling guilty, Caren quickly hugged him.)

Caren: Shhh…..It’s okay. I don’t need any present from you as long you love me.

(Caren looked deeply into Toby eyes and smiled.)

Caren: Your present for me is to love me forever…(giggled)…. That will be my best present in any Valentine in my life……(giggled)….Okay?

Toby: (smiled)….Okay.

(Caren and Toby looked at each other eyes for a moment and then they kissed passionately. After a while, Toby broke the passionate moment and told Caren what was in his mind.)

Toby: Tell you what? I am going do something for you right now…What do you want?

Caren: Right now?

Toby: Yes right now? What do you want?

Caren: Mmmmmmm

(Caren looked at a table calendar on a side table next to her bed. It has a picture of Maya Beach in Thailand illuminating the colours of the calendar. Caren has been hoping to go and visit this beach for a long time after she has watched a movie called “The BEACH” acted by Leonardo DeCaprio. After the movie, the beach has gathered world wide publicity for its unique surrounding with beautiful white sand beaches secluded in Phi Phi Ley Island. Toby noticed Caren staring at the picture.)

Toby: I know what you want now?

Caren: What?

Toby: You want me to book for a holiday in Phi Phi Island?

Caren: Yeah but quite?(giggled)

Toby: Quite?... What do you mean?

Caren: I want you to book me a holiday trip to Maya Beach and then…. You must swim into the coral and get me a coral rock….mmmmmmm….that coral rock must not be any kind of coral rock you know…...

Toby: ahhhhh…..I see. So my dear princess, what kind of coral rock do you want me to get for you…huh?

Caren: Let see….(giggled)….okay….. I want you to get a coral rock for me as proof that you love me very very very very very much…. A coral rock that has a shape of a heart……hahahahahh (giggled).

Toby: A coral rock that has a shape of a heart..... mmmm. No problemo!!!

Caren: You liar…..(giggled)

Toby: No..no… I promise….I promise…..I will do it for you. I love you honey.

Caren: MMMMmmm….. we shall see?

______________________________<>______________________________

(After hearing Caren’s explanation about the heart shaped coral rock and seeing her crying so emotionally, Kenneth moved closer to her and gave her a hug. Feeling sorry for her and for Toby, it was a moment that he has tried to prevent all these years and also warned Toby about it 10 years ago but Toby wouldn’t listen to him. Now all he has to do is to help Toby achieve his wishes by executing his will for him and to hope for the best for Caren. While giving Caren a friendly hug, Kenneth suddenly remembers something.)

Kenneth: Oh! I almost forgot!

(Kenneth moved towards his file cabinet next to his study table and drew out a drawer. He took out a bunch of house keys and passed them to Caren.)

Kenneth: Here.....It’s the keys to the mansion. Toby wanted me to pass these to you when you come to see me about his will.

(Caren’s right hand slowly grab the keys from Kenneth while her left hand was still wiping her tears away.)

Kenneth: (sighed) Take care of the mansion, Caren. It has come a long way. Actually Caren, just something I thought you should know. Toby was a bankrupt before he died. His business was not doing so well. Many times I have asked him to sell off the mansion so that he can cover all his debts but he refused and insisted that his mansion should be kept safe and sound. I guess I finally understood why now. He was keeping the mansion for you.

(After awhile, Caren left Kenneth’s office without saying a word. Too distraught to speak and to take everything that happened at one glance. So sudden and so heavy for her to carry in her heart. The pain and suffering of knowing the truth was just too unbearable for her. The awful memories of the past with Toby have returned to her and haunt her again with new ones emerging in her mind all over again.)

Scene 2 - The Wallet

2009-03-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

*Please play the music while reading the story*

Three days ago…

It was Caren Larson’s birthday celebration at her house. All her friends came including her best friend, Kelly Randall, whom she had known since her childhood. Caren and Kelly were practically sisters though Caren has a real sister called Sharon Larson Lee who has the opposite character of Caren. Caren was a gem in the family that all of her relatives, colleagues and friends came to celebrate her birthday that wonderful afternoon. It was like an engagement party, where Caren’s relatives were busy preparing food in the kitchen, her friends were chatting and socialising at the living hall having their champagne and children were playing and running around the house. Caren was so happy and cheerful that day and none of her friends and relatives have seen her so happy before.

While all this joyous occasion was happening, a door bell rang. Caren opened the door and saw a postman. The postman asked for Caren Larson and passed Caren a small parcel. She opened the parcel and found a letter and an old empty and tattered wallet that looked like it has been used for a long time. Caren opened the letter slowly and was shocked to know that it was a lawyer’s letter from a legal firm and after reading the letter, her mind began to wonder wildly. Her eyes were glued to the contents of the letter for a while. Then later she ran into a room beside the kitchen and locked herself in while having uncontrollable tears in her eyes. With great emotion, her hands were holding and touching the wallet tenderly but with agony. Slowly her mind brought her to her past as she realized whose wallet it was and she started to lose control and cried. She cried so loud as the old memories came back to her so fast and gave her the answer that she has been searching for all this while. Caren kept crying and crying until her cries was heard from the outside that caught Kelly’s attention. Wondering what has happened to Caren, Kelly knocked the door and came in. Kelly was shocked to see so much tears in Caren’s eyes. A second ago, Caren was so happy celebrating her birthday and now she is crying like a baby.

Kelly: Caren… what…what’s wrong?....Why are you crying?

(Kelly quickly closed the door behind her and hugged Caren tightly. Caren is still crying loudly as she couldn’t control her tears.)

Kelly: Shhh!SHhhhh what is it? What’s wrong?

Caren: HuhhHUhhh….HuhhHUhhhh (cried and sobbed terribly)

Kelly: …. Caren… are you okay? What’s going on? Tell me.

(Getting worried after seeing Caren in such an emotional state.)

Caren: Hhhhhh… he….He…….He still keeps the wallet…..HuhhhUHhhh.
The wallet……huhhhhuhhh the wallet huhhhhhhw…. Wallet….all these years…Kelly…..after all these years…..(sobs terribly.)

(Caren showed the wallet to Kelly and Kelly held the wallet gently from Caren and looked at it.)

Kelly: This ….. this is the same wallet you bought for him 13 years ago, isn’t it? It was your valentine gift for him, wasn’t it?.. the one which we picked when we went shopping together.

(While sobbing terribly, Caren nodded.)

Kelly: Oh my god! After so long, you mean he has been keeping this wallet… Oh my God……Caren. He really loves you so much.

Caren: There is a letter……hhhummu..huhhhh. It’s from his lawyer…. It says that…. that…. Toby just …. just ….just passed away last month….. (sobs)

(Kelly was silent as she was shocked to hear the bad news and continued staring at Caren. Then she took the letter from Caren and read it herself.)

Kelly: We act for Mr. Toby Patrick Damson. With our condolence, we write to inform you that our client, Mr. Toby has recently passed away on the 19th October 2001 and he has written a will of which we are appointed as his executor. According to clause 1 of his will, he has instructed us to prepare a transfer of half share of his property, a mansion, located at No.20, Wellington Road, Serville Park, California in your name. We write to inform you to kindly make an appointment to see our counsel, Mr. Kenneth Chandler, for due execution of the transfer documents to comply with the wishes of your late ex-husband, our client.

(Kelly looked at Caren with an awesome feeling and then read the letter again.)

Kelly: According to clause 2 of his will, our client has instructed us to forward this item to you on the day of his demise. We apologize for disturbing you at your hour of sadness in this unfortunate event. We look forward to hearing from you again. Should you have any further enquiries, kindly contact our counsel, Mr. Kenneth Chandler.

(Kelly looked at Caren again. This time much surprise was shown on her face.)

Kelly: .. Caren… This Kenneth lawyer…. Isn’t he the lawyer who did your divorce about 10 years ago?.... and andda…… Toby is transferring his property to you…that mansion…. The one … I mean ….Was it your dream house 10 years ago? The fairy tale house that Toby bought for you as a wedding gift 10 years ago…. Wasn’t it? …. Oh God….. Why are all these happening to you now?

(Caren nodded with profuse tears in her eyes. With great sympathy, Kelly stared at Caren waiting for her to say something but Caren’s tears and pain were too overwhelming and she began to suffocate as she struggled with her tears.)

Kelly: You still loves him don’t you? Look at you, you still got so much tears for him after all this time….

(Caren just shook her head left and right slowly. Hoping to tell Kelly that she doesn’t love Toby anymore but Kelly knew that Caren was lying as her eyes were telling the opposite. Feeling sorry for Caren, Kelly quickly hugged Caren passionately.)

Kelly: …. It’s okay….it’s okay, sweetie. I know you still do. I know…..

(Both Kelly and Caren were hugging like sisters alone in the little room beside the kitchen away from the crowd who was oblivious of what happened to them. For a while, both Caren and Kelly were all alone and felt so lonely in their hearts while sharing the same feeling of sadness together. In Caren’s mind, it was a forgotten past that has come to meet her future and brought her terrible tears again.
Then suddenly Kelly noticed a folded paper hidden in the wallet and passed it to Caren. She knew it was a letter written by Toby and Caren might want to read it alone and so she left the room quietly giving Caren her privacy in the room. With her hands still trembling, Caren slowly unfold the letter and read it. Her tears were falling and dripping onto the letter continuously. In her eyes, she saw Toby’s hand written words on the letter that slowly transformed into Toby’s smiling face that used to be in her heart.)

(Toby’s letter to Caren:

Dear Caren,

I always remember that you once told me that your greatest gift from me in Valentine’s Day is for me to love you forever. I hope that you have been happy all these years and loved because I have never stop loving you and will always love you in my heart and I hope my love for you will always be your Valentine’s gift forever.
I like to thank you again for your wonderful gift to me. I really love this wallet very much. It’s the only thing I have from you in my life after our divorce. I have regretted my actions and the way I have treated you. I was never a good husband and never a good lover. I didn’t take good care of you and I didn’t love you like the way you loved me before. I know this when I saw you walking away from me after our divorce court proceedings. I felt like my spirit in my body has left me behind and the pain has become more and more unbearable and....I am so sorry for everything that I did.
I just hope that you have been happy and will be happy for the rest of your life without me as I don’t deserve you. You deserve better and you are always my one and only Angel in my life. Take good care.

Luv,
Toby, your ex-husband.)

Scene 1 - The Lost Memory

2009-03-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

Caren Larson Lee, formerly known as Caren Damson Lee, was an American borned Chinese living in California after she married an American businessman by the name of Toby Patrick Damson. In the beginning she thought her world has become nothing more than a fairy tale romance after she said yes to Toby when he proposed to her one Christmas morning. Who won't when you have a mansion as a wedding gift from a wealthy husband who loves you so much? But as life is always unpredictable and harsh, little did she know how her life will end up after marrying a man of her dreams. Caren once said, "...When I found out about the truth of Toby's affair, I felt like my whole world has come trumbling down and all of a sudden the world is so different and so scary to me......". Her words will always be remembered. Everything happened so fast until one day it was no longer important to know which was the past and which was the present in her life any longer. That one day was the day she has amnesia and woke up from her sleep.

Caren Larson opened her eyes slowly while twinkling them. A sense of dizziness made her vision blur. She looked around the room and found her mind blank . She couldn’t remember nor recognize the room. Where is she now? She wondered. Her eyes were looking at every angle of the room. Trying hard to remember where she was. Was she in her own room or was it someone’s room?

Then suddenly, she saw a music box on a side table next to her bed. She began to remember something but very vaguely. She struggled in her mind to remember about the music box. It seemed it was the only thing in the room that made sense to her somehow and she seemed to remember seeing the music box from somewhere. Somewhere that she used to belong. Somewhere that made her happy and sad at the same time. Somewhere that brought tears to her eyes until she suffocated and died. She hit her forehead repeatedly. Feeling frustrated not being able to remember anything clearly at all.

Then the door knob at the end of the room started to turn and the door opened slowly. Caren saw a young female walked slowly into the room with profuse tears in her eyes. The young lady looked like she has seen a terrible accident but Caren just stared at her and couldn’t help but to wonder who she was. In her mind, she just couldn’t remember. Her mind wondered wildly and started looking for answers. Who is she? Is the young lady her sister or a friend? Why is she sobbing so terribly? What happened? Caren began to feel afraid as she felt trapped in this world that was so unfamiliar and so alien to her. Then the young lady approached and sat next to Caren. The young lady tried hard to say something but her tears kept flowing down her cheeks while her sobs silenced her speech. Caren just stared at her with her eyes wide open. Though Caren couldn’t remember who this young lady was, she knew that the young lady was going to tell her something terrible. Something that will make her sad and cry like the pitiful young lady. With a little effort, the young lady finally struggled to say, “ …(sobs)..(sobs)… Toby… Toby’s…..dead!... (sobs harder and louder)….”. Caren continued staring at the young lady as her mind was still blank. She got no emotions, no sadness and no tears as she just couldn’t remember who Toby was. Everything was just blank in her mind. At that moment, Caren quickly turned her head and looked at the music box again. Hoping to refresh her memory to remember everything or something. Trying hard to make sense out of everything in her mind.