31 Plays in 31 Days 2025, #26 - “Lost Girls”

[breakinglight11]

Scene eight of the Wicker Man remake! Another fairly original scene, meant to both advance the detective story, develop characters relationships, and establish some important information. I find myself consistently concerned that the themes are not really coming through, at least not to the degree that I want. Of course, that’s a classic “later draft” issue, where you tweak things to make it more precise to what you’re trying to convey, and I should be grateful these first drafts are coming so easily. But it’s hard not to fixate on what I know I want, but haven’t quite nailed yet.

Day #26 - "Lost Girls"
From The Wicker Man
By Phoebe Roberts

EXT. STONY LANE – CONTINUOUS

Elise and Willow walk together down the lane.

WILLOW: Don’t let Rowan trouble you. He only likes to put people off their balance.

ELISE: You seem friendly with the man.

WILLOW: Well. He can be a charmer too. After a while, a girl can’t resist any longer.

ELISE: Are you… together, then?

WILLOW: Ah, a time or two, when the mood strikes.

ELISE: Oh.

WILLOW: What of it? Do you fancy him?

Elise reacts with a little too much affront.

ELISE: I beg your pardon?

WILLOW: I saw your squirming in there.

ELISE: What are we, teenaged girls gossiping over boys?

WILLOW: Not to worry. We’re not possessive here on Summerisle. Do what you like!

ELISE: (Uncomfortably) Sha— Willow. I don’t— I don’t believe in it. Not— before marriage.

WILLOW: Still? You know, it’s real whether you believe in it or not.

ELISE: For heaven’s sake, I’m here to work, not fraternize with witnesses. Or suspects, for all I know.

WILLOW: Ah. There’s the Elise I remember. All business, true to the rules, and ready to suspect anyone.

ELISE: Now that’s not fair.

WILLOW: Isn’t it?

ELISE: I believed you, didn’t I?

Willow stops and looks down.

WILLOW: Yeah. You did. When not too many folks would.

Beat.

WILLOW: Well. Like you said, you’ve got a job to do. What can I do for you?

They continue walking.

ELISE: You can answer a few questions. Be straight with us— is the island really so small that everyone would know this girl if she lived here?

WILLOW: Well— it’s not that small— I’m not sure I know everyone. But it seems strange you haven’t met a single body who recognizes her.

ELISE: So you do think somebody is hiding something.

WILLOW: Can’t think of anything else that would explain it.

Elise breathes deep and drags her hand over her forehead.

ELISE: I’ve got to find some evidence of her life here— something I can follow to learn more about her.

WILLOW: Some way of tracking down her family, maybe?

ELISE: Doesn’t seem to have any— at least, none that will admit to it.

WILLOW: Where else do children spend their time?

ELISE: Well, at school, I suppose. I could look in at the local school— you do have one here, don’t you?

WILLOW: You really do think we’re a pack of barbarians, don’t you? Of course we do. Miss Rose runs it; it’s over on Aurochs Street.

ELISE: Will you show me?

WILLOW: It’s not far. Nothing’s too far on Summerisle.

ELISE: You could come with me. I could use your help. You know how things are around here, and you could vouch for me.

WILLOW: No, Elise. I don’t want everyone thinking I’ve thrown in my lot with the king’s jackboots.

ELISE: Hm. Well, thank you anyhow. I appreciate anything you can do.

WILLOW: Like you said. I know what it’s like to be a lost girl.