The population of a small, isolated countryside village believe that their alliance with the mysterious creatures that inhabit the forest around them is coming to an end.

Ivy Walker: When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable. Why can you not say what is in your head?
Lucius Hunt: Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance I will ask you to dance. If I want to speak I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak further. Why? What good is it to tell you you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come from my saying that I sometimes cannot think clearly or do my work properly? What gain can rise of my telling you the only time I feel fear as others do is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy Walker. I fear for your safety before all others. And yes, I will dance with you on our wedding night.
Ivy Walker: Sometimes we don't do things we want to do so that others won't know we want to do them.
Ivy Walker: Papa, I cannot see his color.
Mrs. Clack: [Edward Walker tells the group he has sent Ivy to the towns to fetch medicines] What have you done?
Edward Walker: He is the victim of a crime.
Mrs. Clack: We have agreed never to go back. Never
Edward Walker: What was the purpose of our leaving? Don't forget, it was out of hope of something good and right.
Robert Percy: You should not have made decisions without us!
Edward Walker: I'm guilty, Robert! I made a decision of a heart, I cannot look into another's eyes and see the same look I see in August's without justification! It is too painful, I cannot bear it!
Mrs. Clack: You have jeopardized everything we have made.
Edward Walker: Who do you think will continue this place, this life? Do you plan to live forever? It is in them that our future lies, it is in Ivy and Lucius that this way of life will continue. Yes I have risked, I hope I am always able to risk everything for the just and right cause. If we did not make this decision, we could never again call ourselves innocent, and that in the end is what we have protected here, innocence! That I'm not ready to give up.
August Nicholson: Let her go. If it ends, it ends. We can move towards hope, that's what's beautiful about this place. We cannot run from heartache. My brother was slain in the towns, the rest of my family died here. Heartache is a part of life, we know that now. Ivy is running toward hope, let her run. If this place is worthy, she'll be successful in her quest.
Mrs. Clack: How could you have sent her. She is blind.
Edward Walker: She is more capable than most in this village. And she is led by love. The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe.
Ivy Walker: I am in love.
Edward Walker: I know.
Ivy Walker: He is in love with me.
Edward Walker: I know.
Ivy Walker: If he dies... all that is life to me will die with him.
Ivy Walker: My sister cried alot. You wonder how I recognize you? Some people - just a handful, mind you - give off the tiniest color. It's faint. Like a haze. It's the only thing I ever see in the darkness. Papa has it, too. Do you wonder what your color is? Well, that I won't tell you. It's not ladylike to speak of such things. You shouldn't even have asked.
[pause]
Lucius Hunt: You run like a boy.
Ivy Walker: Thank you. I know why you denied my sister. When I was younger... you used to hold my arm when I walked. Then suddenly you stopped. One day, I even tripped in your presence and nearly fell. I was faking, of course, but still you did not hold me. Sometimes we don't do things we want to do so that others won't know we want to do them.
Lucius Hunt: There are different types of love.
Ivy Walker: If he dies, all that is life to me will die with him
[Voice Over]
Mrs. Clack: My sister did not live passed her 23rd birthday. A group of men raped and killed her. They stuffed her in a dumpster three blocks from our apartment.
August Nicholson: My brother worked in an emergency room downtown. A drug addict came in with a wound to his ribs. My brother tried to dress the wound. He pulled a gun from his jacket and he shot my brother through his left eye.
Alice Hunt: My husband, Michael, left for the supermarket at a quarter past 9 in the morning. He was found with no money and no clothes in the East River three days later.
Edward Walker: My father was shot by a business partner who then hanged himself in my father's closet. They had argued over money. I am a professor. I teach American History at the University of Pennsylvania. I have an idea that I would like to talk to you about.
Alice Hunt: And what makes you think that he has feelings for me?
Lucius Hunt: The way he never touches you.
Lucius Hunt: You run like a boy.
Ivy Walker: Thank you.
Ivy Walker: [after Noah hands her some red berries] Oh, berries! What a splendid present!
Lucius Hunt: Be cautious. You are holding the bad color.
Ivy Walker: [becomes worried, covers the berries with her hands] This color attracts Those We Don't Speak Of.
[Turning to Noah]
Ivy Walker: You ought not pick that color berry anymore.
[Noah nods]
Lucius Hunt: [In a hushed whisper] He picked it from his pocket.
Ivy Walker: Your breathing has changed. What's wrong?
Lucius Hunt: [to Noah] If you did not pick this now, where did you get it?
[Noah takes Lucius's hand and leads him through the forest. Cut to scene where we hear Lucius addressing the Elders]
Lucius Hunt: Today at Resting Rock, Noah Percy handed Ivy Walker berries of the bad color. When asked where he had found these berries, for they were unlike any I have seen, he pointd to the drawing on Resting Rock. It is my belief that Noah has entered the woods, and has done so on many occasions. It is also my belief that, because of his innocence, those creatures who reside in the woods did not harm him. This strengthens my feeling that they will let me pass if they sense I am not a threat.
Ivy Walker: What is your name?
Young Security Guard: Kevin.
Ivy Walker: Kevin, you have kindness in your voice. I did not expect that.
Mrs. Clack: [Edward Walker tells the group he has sent Ivy to the towns to fetch medicines] What have you done?
Edward Walker: He is the victim of a crime.
Mrs. Clack: We have agreed never to go back. Never
Edward Walker: What was the purpose of our leaving? Don't forget, it was out of hope of something good and right.
Robert Percy: You should not have made decisions without us!
Edward Walker: I'm guilty, Robert! I made a decision of the heart, I cannot look into another's eyes and see the same look I see in August's without justification! It is too painful, I cannot bear it!
Mrs. Clack: You have jeopardized everything we have made.
Edward Walker: Who do you think will continue this place, this life? Do you plan to live forever? It is in them that our future lies. It is in Ivy and Lucius that this way of life will continue. Yes, I have risked! I hope I am always able to risk everything for the just and right cause. If we did not make this decision, we could never again call ourselves innocent, and that in the end is what we have protected here: innocence! That, I'm not ready to give up.
August Nicholson: Let her go. If it ends, it ends. We can move towards hope, that's what's beautiful about this place. We cannot run from heartache. My brother was slain in the towns, the rest of my family died here. Heartache is a part of life, we know that now. Ivy is running toward hope, let her run. If this place is worthy, she'll be successful in her quest.
Mrs. Clack: How could you have sent her. She is blind.
Edward Walker: She is more capable than most in this village. And she is led by love. The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe.
Lucius Hunt: Are you upset you can't see?
Ivy Walker: I see the world Lucius Hunt, not as you see it.
Ivy Walker: I heard my parents speaking of you... you wish to go to the towns. I think it is noble but I do not think it is right.
Lucius Hunt: Are you not angry you have no sight?
Ivy Walker: I see the world, Lucius, I do. Just not as you see it.
Lucius Hunt: ...What of Noah, then? What if there are medicines that could help him be still and to learn?
Ivy Walker: May we stop speaking of this, it is putting knots in my stomach.
[walks then turns]
Ivy Walker: ... Kitty, is to be married. She's found love... again. It's Christop Crane. You'd think an odd match though. He won't sit back in his chair for fear of setting wrinkles in his shirt. But he does have a gentlemanly way about him. And he does care for my sister... deeply. I think Kitty is blessed... I am blessed as well. My older sister is now spoken for. I am now free to receive interest from anyone. Who might have interest?
[smiles and turns, goes in the house]
Ivy Walker: Has anyone seen Noah?
[goes to closet, opens, gets a blanket, and closes the door and leaves]
Noah Percy: [hiding in closet, watches Ivy leave and laughs silently]
Noah Percy: [about to have a footrace] No cheating!
Ivy Walker: What a deeply scandalous thing to say! I insist you take that back! Is that the school bell?
[runs off]
Ivy Walker: I'm not going to tell you what your color is, so stop asking.
Kitty Walker: [whispering] Don't let them in!
Ivy Walker: I know why you denied my sister. When I was younger, you used to hold my arm when I walked. Then suddenly you stopped. One day, I even tripped in your presence and nearly fell. I was faking, of course, but still you did not hold me. Sometimes we don't do things we want to do so that others will not know we want to do them.
Brown-Eyed Girl: Heed the warning bell, for they are coming.
[repeated line]
Noah Percy: They're coming.
[first lines]
August Nicholson: Who'll pinch me to wake me up? Who will laugh at me when I fall? Whose breath will I listen for so that I may sleep? Whose hand will I hold so that I may walk?
Ivy Walker: How is it that you are so brave while the rest of us shake in our boots?
Lucius Hunt: I don't think of what might happen, only what must be done.
Ivy Walker: We have the magic rocks. They will keep us safe.
[tears well up]
Finton Coin: Why have we not heard of these rocks before?
Ivy Walker: There is nothing to fear.
[on the edge of tears]
August Nicholson: I often wondered if you and my son bonded because neither of you was fond of speaking. You're very kind. You must pardon my manners; I haven't slept in many nights.
Edward Walker: You are fearless in a way that I shall never know.
Ivy Walker: [singing to her sister Kitty] Baby sleep, gently sleep / Life is long and love is deep. / Time will be sweet for thee / All the world to see. / Time to look around and know / How the shadows come and go, / How the breeze stirs the tree, / How the blossoms grow
Edward Walker: His will to live is very strong.
Kevin: Where are you from?
Ivy Walker: The woods.
Guard at Desk: Do not get into conversations.
Edward Walker: The moment I heard my daughter's vision had finally failed her, and that she'd forever be blind, I was sitting in that chair. I was so ashamed.
Beatrice: It is amazing what two people love chooses to unite. It follows no rules.
Noah Percy: [near-hysterical, laughing and sobbing] ... Bad color! Bad, bad color! Bad c-color...!
Edward Walker: It is all that I can give you... It is all that I can give you.
Alice Hunt: I accept.
August Nicholson: We cannot run from heartache... Heartache is a part of life. We know that now.
Kevin: What's your name?
Ivy Walker: Ivy. Ivy Elizabeth Walker.
Ivy Walker: My sister has found love... again.
Lucius Hunt: Sometimes we don't do things, yet others know we want to do things so we don't do them.
Alice Hunt: What nonsense do you speak?
Lucius Hunt: You needn't worry. Nothing will happen to me.
Alice Hunt: You remind me of a colt sometimes.
Edward Walker: Yes, I have risked. I hope I am always able to risk everything for the just and right cause.
Ivy Walker: I heard my parents speaking of you. i know of your request to go to the towns. I think it is noble, but I do not think it is right.
[pause]
Lucius Hunt: Are you not angry you have no sight?
Ivy Walker: [whispering] I see the world, Lucius Hunt. Just not as you see it.
[pause]
Lucius Hunt: [quietly] What of Noah, then? What if there are medicines for Noah, that could help him be still and to learn?
Ivy Walker: May we stop speaking of this? It is putting knots in my stomach.
[Ivy turns away, then turns back]
Ivy Walker: [whispering] Kitty is to be married. She's found love, again, with Christop Crane. You think it an odd choice, right? You know, he won't sit back in his chair for fear of setting wrinkles in his shirts. But he does have a gentlemanly way about him... and he does care for my sister, deeply. I think Kitty is blessed. I am blessed as well. My older sister is now spoken for. I am now free to recieve interest from anyone... who might have interest.
Ivy Walker: [to Noah] What's this? Oh, berries. What a splendid present.
[laughs]
Lucius Hunt: Be cautious. You are holding the bad color.
Ivy Walker: [gasping] ... This color attracts Those We Do Not Speak Of. You must bury it. You ought not to pick that color berry anymore.
Lucius Hunt: ...He picked it from his pocket.
Ivy Walker: What's wrong? Your breathing has changed.
Lucius Hunt: I've never set eyes on these before.
[to Noah]
Lucius Hunt: You did not pick that now. Where did you find this?
Kitty Walker: Ahh, it's frightful, this business with the coyote. Is it not, Papa?
Edward Walker: Do not feel worried, Kitty.
Kitty Walker: You are not troubled?
Edward Walker: I'm certain it will all end soon.
Kitty Walker: Can we speak on other matters, then?
Edward Walker: It would be a relief.
Kitty Walker: I'm in love!
Kitty Walker: Good afternoon, Lucius. I wanted to... tell you something.
[Lucius stares at her]
Kitty Walker: I love you, Lucius. I love you... like the day is long! I love you more than the sun and the moon together. And if you feel the same way, then we should not hide it any longer.
[Lucius continues staring, deadpan]
Kitty Walker: It's a gift, love is! We should be thankful! We should bellow it out with all the breath in our lungs! Thank you! Thank you!
[Lucius, looking slightly incredulous and concerned now, just stares]
Kitty Walker: THANK YOU!
[Lucius continues staring as Kitty smiles]
Kitty Walker: [cut to Kitty screaming and sobbing loudly in her bed]
Christop Crane: [after Ivy hugs Kitty] She's not going to squeeze my shirt like that, is she?
Young Security Guard: You're not allowed to go in there. Please return to your vehicle.
Ivy Walker: What was that noise?
Young Security Guard: What are you doing out here? How did you get here?
Ivy Walker: Are you from the towns?
Young Security Guard: Um, Where are you from?
Ivy Walker: The woods.
August Nicholson: We can move toward hope; that's what's beautiful about this place.
Lucius Hunt: I am not the one with secrets.
Alice Hunt: What is your meaning?
Lucius Hunt: There are secrets in every corner of this village. Do you not feel it? Do you not see it?
Ivy Walker: [after Noah hands her some red berries] Oh, berries! What a splendid present!
Lucius Hunt: Be cautious. You are holding the bad color.
Ivy Walker: [becomes worried, covors the berries with her hands] This color attracts Those We Don't Speak Of.
[Turning to Noah]
Ivy Walker: You ought not pick that colour berry anymore.
[Noah nods]
Lucius Hunt: [In a hushed whisper] He picked it from his pocket.
Ivy Walker: Your breathing has changed. What's wrong?
Lucius Hunt: [to Noah] If you did not pick this now, where did you get it?
[Noah takes Lucius's hand and leads him through the forest. Cut to scene where we hear Lucius addressing the Elders]
Lucius Hunt: Today at resting rock, Noah Percy handed Ivy Walker berries of the bad color. When asked where he had found these berries, for they were unlike any I have seen, he pointd to the drawing on Resting Rock. It is my knowledge that Noah has traveled into the woods on many occasions. It also confirms my belief that the creatures did not harm Noah because of his innocence, and they would let me through to fetch medicines.
Lucius Hunt: [reading a letter to the elders] My mother is unaware of the reason for my visit today. She did not give her consent or consult me in any form. The passing of little Daniel Nicholson from illness, and other events have weighed on my thoughts. I ask permission to cross into the forbidden woods and travel to the nearest town. I will gather new medicines, and I will return. With regards to Those We Don't Speak Of, I am certain they will let me pass. Creatures can sense emotion and fear. They will see I am pure of intention and not afraid. The end.
Edward Walker: We have always had a gentle understanding with the creatures that live in the woods.
Ivy Walker: We ought not to return right away, huh? What shall we do with our stolen time? Hmm...
Noah Percy: Hmm...
Ivy Walker: Hmm... Shall we have a foot race?
Noah Percy: Yes!
Ivy Walker: Up the hill to the resting rock?
Noah Percy: [points accusingly] No cheating.
Ivy Walker: What a deeply scandalous thing to say. I insist you take it back. Is that the school bell?
[as Noah turns to look, she bolts and runs]
Noah Percy: [turns back, runs after Ivy] Ivy, you cheated!
Lucius Hunt: Do you not wish you had your sight?
Ivy Walker: I see the world, Lucius Hunt. Just not as you see it.
Ivy Walker: [Ivy sits straight up in bed and walks out to the porch, then sits down next to Lucius] The elders are going to have an inquiry tomorrow. Each member of the village is to be questioned in the meeting hall.
Lucius Hunt: To see how the borders were breached?
Ivy Walker: Yes.
Lucius Hunt: It is cold outside. You ought to go in.
Ivy Walker: Why are you on this porch?
Lucius Hunt: It is not safe.
Ivy Walker: There are other porches... Do you find me too much of a tomboy? I do long to do boy things - like that game the boys play at the stump. They put their backs to the woods, and see how long they can wait before getting scared. That's so exciting. I understand you hold the record. It will never be broken, they say.
Lucius Hunt: It is just children's games.
Ivy Walker: How is it you are brave, when all the rest of us shake in our boots?
Lucius Hunt: I do not worry about what will happen, only what needs to be done... How did you know I was here?
Ivy Walker: I saw you out the window. No, I won't tell you your color. Stop asking. When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable... Why can you not say what is in your head?
Lucius Hunt: Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance, I will ask you to dance. If I want to speak, I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak further. Why? What good is it to tell you you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come from my saying I, I sometimes cannot think clearly, or do my work properly? What gain can rise from my telling you the only time I feel fear as others do... is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy Walker. I fear for your safety before all others. And, yes... I will dance with you on our wedding night.
Ivy Walker: We'll be safe, we have the magic rocks.
[repeated line]
Edward Walker: [part of a table grace] We are grateful for the time we have been given.
Edward Walker: Ivy...
Ivy Walker: Yes, father.
Edward Walker: Do your very best not to scream.
Noah Percy: They're coming! Come on in!
Kitty Walker: [to Ivy] Just close the door!
Ivy Walker: Lucius is outside walking.
Noah Percy: They're coming!
Kitty Walker: He's inside safe somewhere. Please, close the door!
Ivy Walker: He'll come back to make sure we're safe.
Kitty Walker: Ivy. Ivy, please!
[Ivy holds her hand out the door]
Kitty Walker: [whispering] Please.
Ivy Walker: ...No.
Kitty Walker: [whispering] Don't let them in.
[Dark shape looms closer. As it reaches Ivy, Lucius suddenly grabs Ivy's hand and pulls her inside]
Ivy Walker: I heard my parents speaking of you. I know of your request to go to the towns. I think it is noble, but I do not think it is right.
[pause]
Lucius Hunt: Are you not angry you have no sight?
Ivy Walker: [whispering] I see the world, Lucius Hunt. Just not as you see it.
[pause]
Lucius Hunt: [quietly] What of Noah, then? What if there are medicines for Noah, that could help him be still and to learn?
Ivy Walker: May we stop speaking of this? It is putting knots in my stomach.
[Ivy turns away, then turns back]
Ivy Walker: [whispering] Kitty is to be married. She's found love, again, with Christop Crane. You think it an odd choice, right? You know, he won't sit back in his chair for fear of setting wrinkles in his shirts. But he does have a gentlemanly way about him... and he does care for my sister, deeply. I think Kitty is blessed. I am blessed as well. My older sister is now spoken for. I am now free to receive interest from anyone... who might have interest.
Ivy Walker: I do long to do boy things. Like that game the boys play at the stump. They put their backs to the woods and see how long they can wait before getting scared. It's so exciting. I understand you hold the record? It will never be broken they say.
Lucius Hunt: It's just childish games.
Finton Coin: Thank you, Lucius. You're a good friend.
[last lines]
Ivy Walker: I'm back, Lucius.
Ivy Walker: Noah Percy! Stop your fussing right this moment.
Ivy Walker: you're in trouble, you know. I'm to place you in the quiet room.
Noah Percy: Um, I'll cry quarts.
Ivy Walker: What if we strike a deal?
Noah Percy: Yeah, capital idea!
Ivy Walker: It would be prudent to keep our deal a secret. Can you do that?
Noah Percy: Can I keep a secret? Like a chuch mouse.
Ivy Walker: You needn't go into the quiet room if you take an oath to never strike any person again.
Noah Percy: No hitting, no hitting.
Ivy Walker: No, no hitting.
Noah Percy: No hitting.
Ivy Walker: No hitting.
[They shake hands. Ivy points to her cheek. Noah kisses it]
Ivy Walker: The deal is struck