The Wishful Willow Tree by: Jay Mark M. Malirong

 "The Wishful Willow Tree"

 A One-Act Play Characters: 

Narrator: (A voice that guides the audience)

Anya: (A teenage girl, struggling with family issues and school pressure)

Willow: (An ancient willow tree, wise and magical, played by two students - one for the voice, one for the physical movements)

Luna: (A mischievous and playful fairy, who appears to help Anya)

Dad: (Anya's father, hardworking but stressed) - Mom: (Anya's mother, loving but overwhelmed)

Principal: (Strict and focused on academic success)

Teacher: (Enthusiastic and supportive of Anya)

Best Friend: (Loyal and understanding of Anya's struggles)

Chloe: (Popular and confident, often teasing Anya)

Ethan: (Quiet and shy, often bullied by Chloe)

Rex: (Loud and aggressive, picking on Anya and Ethan)

 Setting:

 The play takes place in a school courtyard, with a large, ancient willow tree at the center. There are benches, a small fountain, and a chalkboard with the school motto: "Reach for the Stars." The play begins at dusk, the sky turning from blue to orange.

( As the lights rise on the courtyard. Anya sits alone on a bench, her head in her hands.) 

Narrator: (Music: "The Wishful Willow Tree" theme begins, a melancholic melody with gentle strings and a hint of magic) Anya, a bright and talented student, felt like her world was crumbling around her. Her parents were constantly arguing, her grades were slipping, and she felt invisible at school. She just wanted to disappear. 

(The Willow tree rustles its leaves, a soft, gentle sound.)

 Willow (Voice): (Sound Effect: Gentle rustling leaves, birds chirping in the distance, a soft, calming breeze) Anya, my dear, what troubles you? 

(Willow (Movement) gently sways its branches.)

 (Anya looks up, startled, then sighs.) 

Anya: Everything, Willow. My parents are fighting all the time, my grades are awful, and everyone at school is mean to me. I just want to disappear. 

Willow (Voice): (Sound Effect: Deep, resonant voice, perhaps with a slight echo effect) You are not alone, Anya. The world can be a harsh place, but there is magic in kindness, in hope, and in believing in yourself. 

(Music: "The Wishful Willow Tree" theme briefly fades as a light, playful melody with twinkling instruments begins to play. Luna, a tiny fairy with shimmering wings, appears beside Anya.) 

Luna: (Sound Effect: A light, tinkling chime, followed by the sound of tiny wings fluttering) Hello, Anya. I'm Luna. I've heard your wish. I can help you make things better. But you have to be willing to change. 

(Anya looks at Luna, hesitant.) 

Anya: Change? How? 

Luna: You need to find the magic within yourself. The magic of kindness, of courage, of believing in your dreams. But first, let's have some fun! 

(Luna snaps her fingers and a small, shimmering cloud appears above Anya's head. It begins to rain glitter.) 

Anya: (Laughing) What is this? 

Luna: (Waving her wand) (Sound Effect: Gentle tinkling of tiny bells or a soft, sparkly sound effect) A little magic to brighten your day! Now, let's see if we can fix those family problems. 

(Closing of curtain)

SCENE 2 

(The scene shifts to Anya's home. Dad and Mom are arguing loudly. The room is filled with tension, with furniture and papers scattered on the floor.) 

Dad: (Voice rising, his face red with frustration) I'm just trying to make a better life for us! You don't understand! I'm working my tail off to give you everything you've ever wanted! Mom: (Eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling) (Sound Effect: A tense, rising argument sound effect, perhaps with overlapping voices) But you're always working! You never have time for us! You're never here! I'm tired of being alone! 

(Anya enters, her face filled with sadness. She stops at the doorway, watching her parents, her heart aching.) 

Anya: (Softly) (Sound Effect: A soft footstep sound, followed by a sigh) Dad, Mom, please... 

Dad: (Turning to Anya, his voice softening slightly) Anya, honey, you don't understand... Mom: (Interrupting, her voice sharp with pain) Don't you dare try to involve her in this! She's got enough on her plate without having to deal with our problems! 

Dad: (Frustrated, his voice cracking) We're just trying to do what's best for her! We want her to have a good life! We want her to be happy! 

Mom: (Scoffs, her voice laced with bitterness) Happy? How can she be happy when she never sees us? When she never gets a hug? When she never feels like she's part of a family? 

(Anya walks towards her parents, her eyes filled with tears. She feels trapped in the middle of their conflict, her own struggles forgotten.)

Anya: (Voice trembling, her words barely a whisper) Dad, Mom, please stop. I can't take it anymore. (Turning to Luna) Luna, can you help? 

(Luna appears beside Anya, her wings glowing with a gentle light.) 

Luna: (Sound Effect: A sudden, whimsical sound effect, like a magic wand being twirled or a quick burst of energy) Remember the magic of kindness, Anya. Show your parents that you care. Tell them how you feel. But first, a little trick! 

(Luna waves her wand, and Dad and Mom suddenly start speaking in silly voices, like cartoon characters.) 

Dad: (in a squeaky voice) (Sound Effect: Squeaky cartoon sound effect) Oh, dear me, it seems we've been a bit grumpy! 

Mom (in a high-pitched voice): (Sound Effect: High-pitched cartoon sound effect) Yes, we've been acting like silly geese! 

(Anya bursts out laughing, a wave of relief washing over her. The tension in the room begins to dissipate.) 

Anya: (To her parents, her voice regaining strength) See? You're being silly! We need to talk, not fight. 

(Dad and Mom look at Anya, their anger fading, replaced by a sense of shame.) 

Dad: (His voice softer now) You're right, Anya. We're sorry. We love you too. 

Mom: (Her voice filled with regret) We'll try to work things out. 

(Anya takes a deep breath, her heart still heavy, but a glimmer of hope flickering within her.) 

Anya: (Looking at her parents, her voice filled with a newfound courage) I love you both too. But I need you to know... I'm struggling too. School is hard, and I feel lost sometimes. I feel like everyone expects me to be perfect, but I'm not. I'm scared of failing, and I feel like I'm drowning in homework and pressure. I miss the days when we used to have dinner together as a family, when you'd ask me about my day, and I felt like I belonged. 

(Anya's parents look at her, their faces filled with understanding and remorse.) 

Dad: (Reaching out to Anya, his voice filled with affection) We're here for you, honey. Always. We've been so focused on work we haven't realized how much you've been struggling. 

Mom: (Hugging Anya tightly) (Sound Effect: A gentle, comforting sound like a heartbeat or a tear falling) We love you so much. We'll make more time for you. We'll listen to you. We'll be there for you

. (Music: "The Wishful Willow Tree" theme transitions to a more hopeful and uplifting melody, with a hint of warmth and optimism.) 

(The scene fades as Anya is enveloped in her parents' embrace, a sense of warmth and connection filling the room. The magic of kindness has begun to heal their broken family.) 

( CLOSING OF CURTAIN)

SCENE 3 

(While in the classroom, cloe, rex and their friends bullies anya)

(The scene shifts back to the school courtyard. Anya is talking to her Best Friend.) 

Best Friend (RUBBY ANN): You're so smart, Anya. Don't let those bullies get to you. 

Anya: (Voice cracking) (Sound Effect: Gentle rustling leaves, soft wind chimes, and a peaceful, hopeful melody) It's hard. I feel like I'm failing at everything. My parents are fighting all the time, and my grades are slipping. I just want to disappear. 

Best Friend: (Concerned) Anya, that's not true. You're amazing. You're a great friend, and you're really talented. 

Anya: (Shaking her head) No, I'm not. I'm a mess. I can't even keep up with my homework, and my parents... they're so lost. I feel like I'm the only one holding everything together, and I'm breaking. 

Best Friend: (Putting a hand on Anya's shoulder) (Teary eyed) anya. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. We all go through tough times. But you're not alone. I'm here for you. Like how you've been always there for me, uplifting me when I’m at my lowest, I want you to know that i am grateful. (Faced anya while smiling).

(Anya puts her hand on her face and cries out of frustration)

Anya: (Looking up at the willow tree)(Tears cascading down her face and voice trembling) But I wish I could just escape all of this! I wish I could be somewhere else, someone else. I am tired of this life!

(Anya kneels while crying)

(The scene fades as Best friend hugs anya tightly)

(Closing of Curtain)

SCENE 4 

(The willow tree rustles its leaves, a soft, gentle sound.) 

Willow (Voice) Biboy: (Sound Effect: Gentle rustling leaves, soft wind chimes, and a peaceful, hopeful melody) Anya, my dear, you are not alone. There will always be someone out there whom you can lean on. The world can be a harsh place, but there is magic in kindness, in hope, and in believing in yourself. 

(Anya looks up at the willow tree, her eyes filled with tears.) 

Anya: (Voice trembling) But how? How can I be kind when I'm so lost myself? How can I be brave when I feel so small? How can I believe in myself when everything feels so hopeless? 

Luna: (Hopefull) Be optimistic anya, dont focus on the negative side, everything has a purpose and all these hard times you are going through will pass by, just go with the flow and believe that you will overcome this because i know you can.

SCENE 5 

(SCHOOL HALLWAY) 

(Chloe is surrounded by her friends,teasing anya) 

Chloe(GWEN):(laughing) did you see anyas presentation? She was so nervous, she almost forgot her own name! 

(Anya walks past, her face flushed with embarrassment. She stops and turns to face Chloe.) 

Anya: (Voice firm, but trembling slightly) Chloe, why do you always have to be so mean? 

(Chloe turns to Anya, her face a mask of surprised amusement.) 

Chloe: (Snorting) What, are you trying to tell me how to act? You're just jealous because I'm popular and you're not. 

(Anya takes a deep breath, her eyes flashing with a newfound determination.) 

Anya: (Voice steady) I'm not jealous. I just don't understand why you have to put others down to make yourself feel better. It's not cool. It's not kind. And it's definitely not magical. 

(Chloe stares at Anya, momentarily taken aback by her courage. She opens her mouth to retort, but Anya cuts her off.) 

Anya: (Smiling, but her eyes are serious) You know, Luna told me that there's magic in kindness. Maybe you should try it sometime. It might surprise you. 

(Anya turns and walks away, leaving Chloe speechless. The scene fades as Chloe stares after Anya, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.) 

SCENE 6 

(School Courtyard)

**(Music: "The Wishful Willow Tree" theme shifts to a more hopeful and uplifting melody, with a hint of warmth and optimism.)   

(Rex, the school bully, enters the courtyard and pushes Ethan to the ground. He towers over Ethan, his face contorted with a cruel grin.) 

Rex (FRITZ): (Sound Effect: Heavy footsteps, a thud, and a menacing laugh) What's wrong, little guy? Scared of a little fun? 

(Ethan whimpers and tries to get up. Rex grabs Ethan's backpack and throws it across the courtyard.) 

Rex: (Snorting) You're such a loser! No one likes you! 

(Ethan shrinks back, his eyes filled with fear. Anya watches the scene unfold, her heart filled with anger.) 

(Anya stands up and walks towards Rex. Her voice is firm, her eyes blazing with defiance.) 

Anya: (Sound Effect: A strong, determined sound effect like a heartbeat accelerating or a powerful chord) Leave him alone, Rex. That's not cool. 

(Rex laughs and turns to face Anya. He steps closer, his face inches from hers.) 

Rex: What are you going to do about it, little miss perfect? 

(Anya stands tall, her voice firm.) 

Anya: I'm going to tell the Principal what you're doing. And I'm going to make sure you get in trouble for bullying. 

(Rex looks at Anya, surprised by her courage. He hesitates for a moment, then shrugs and walks away, muttering under his breath.) 

Rex: (Muttering) Fine. Whatever. 

(Ethan looks at Anya, his eyes filled with gratitude.) 

Ethan: Thanks, Anya. I hope someday I will be strong enough to fight for myself and stand for what is right. 

(Anya smiles at Ethan.) 

(Ethan grab his backpack and they both walks out of the courtyard).

(Closing of Curtain)

SCENE 7 

(The scene shifts to Anya's classroom. Anya is struggling with a difficult assignment.)

 FAITH-TEACHER: Hello Anya my dear i know that you already know that your grades are failing right? 

(Anya stops what she’s doing and look up to listen to her teacher) 

(Her teacher sits beside her and puts her hand on her shoulder)

Teacher: Anya, you're a smart girl. I know that you are going through something right now that affects your performance at school but you have to be strong and you have no choice. I know you can do this. 

(The teacher stands up and walks out of the classroom) 

Anya: (Sound Effect: A sound of frustrated sighs or a pen scratching on paper) I don't know, Teacher. I feel so lost. 

(Her teacher sighs while standing up and walks out of the classroom) 

(Luna appears beside Anya, her wings glowing.) 

Luna: (Sound Effect: A soft, magical chime or a sound of a book opening) Remember the magic of believing in your dreams, Anya. Don't give up. Keep trying. But first, a little inspiration! 

(Luna waves her wand, and a small, shimmering book appears on Anya's desk. It glows with a soft, warm light.) 

Anya: (Picking up the book) What is this? 

Luna: It's a book of inspiration. It will help you find the answers you need. 

(Anya opens the book and begins to read. She starts to understand the assignment, her confidence growing.) 

(Closing of Curtain)

SCENE 8 

(The scene shifts to the school courtyard. Anya is talking to the Principal.) 

Principal: (Sound Effect: A deep, authoritative voice) Anya, I’ve heard that your grades have been sleeping and you know that it is not allowed in the first section. You are in the star section and you must be the best! You need to focus on your studies. I don’t care whatever your reason is! 

Anya: (Sound Effect: A sigh or a sound of someone clenching their fists) I'm trying, Principal, but it's hard. I feel like I'm drowning in homework and pressure. 

(The principal raise her eyebrows and then walks (Luna appears beside Anya, her wings glowing.) 

Luna: (Sound Effect: A sound of a wand being twirled or a whimsical chime) Remember the magic of balance, Anya. Find time for your studies, but also for your passions. But first, a little time-management trick! 

(Luna waves her wand, and Anya's backpack suddenly shrinks to the size of a small purse. It's filled with colorful, glowing objects.) 

Anya: (Looking at the backpack) Wow, how did that happen? 

Luna: (Smiling) A little magic to help you organize your time. Now, go show them what you can do! 

(Closing of Curtain)

SCENE 9 

Graduation

 Anya: (Voice clear and confident) (Sound Effect: A sound of applause or a microphone amplifying Anya's voice) I've learned that even when things are tough, we can find the magic within ourselves to overcome our challenges. We just need to believe in ourselves, be kind to others, and never give up on our dreams. 

(The audience applauds, and Anya smiles, her heart filled with pride.) 

(Closing of Curtain)

(School gymnasium) (Graduation day. Anya is recieving awards with her parents)

(Everyone is applauding)

SCENE 10 

(The scene shifts back to the school courtyard. Anya is sitting beneath the willow tree, her face filled with hope.) 

*(Music: "The Wishful Willow Tree" theme shifts to a more triumphant and hopeful melody, with a sense of accomplishment) 

Willow (voice): Anya i am proud of what you have become... i know from that day we first met that you will make everyone arround you proud! Congratulations my dear!

(Willow gently sways)

Luna: (cheeerful) Congratulations Anya i knew it! OMG im so proud of you... look at those awards!

( They both hugged while jumping out of happiness)

Anya: Hello Willow...Luna. I know that this might be the last time that i get to talk to you because i am now, moving forward to the next chapter of my education. But before i leave this school i want to thankyou for all your help, for being with me during the lowest point of my life. Luna, thank you for shining your light during my darkest time. Your light have been my anchor, i am grateful for that. I had learned the magic of kindness, courage, and believing in myself. I had found the strength to overcome those challenges, to be a better person, and to reach for the stars. 

(The play ends with Anya smiling at the willow tree, her heart filled with hope and gratitude. The moonlight bathes the courtyard in a warm, gentle glow.) 

(Closing of Curtain)

The End