Whispers of the Dream Whale

INT. YONGHO’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Yongho, sitting on the bed, looks up at his mother with twinkling eyes. His mother gently strokes his head and speaks softly.

Mother Yongho, it’s time to sleep.

Yongho (Widening his eyes) I’m not sleepy. The moon isn’t sleeping either.

Mother The moon sleeps during the day, that’s why.

Yongho So, because I played during the day, I have to sleep at night?

Mother That’s right.

Yongho lies down in bed. His mother continues to stroke his head and the story.

Yongho (Tapping the side of the bed) Lie down here with me, Mom.

Mother If you sleep with Mom, you can’t ride the dream whale.

Yongho Dream whale?

Mother Yes, when Yongho falls asleep, the whale will take you to the sea of dreams.

Yongho But why can’t I ride the dream whale if I sleep with you?

Mother The dream whale only takes children to the sea of dreams.

Yongho Then, do I have to go to the sea of dreams alone?

Mother No, you’ll go with your friends that you like. And the friend you fought with today will go too.

Yongho’s eyes sparkle.

Yongho Today, Seoyeon pushed me. So I pushed her back.

Mother Seoyeon will go to the sea of dreams too. There, the dream whale will give you a whale fountain to ride. You must hold hands when that happens.

Yongho (Holding his mother’s hand tightly) I want to ride the whale fountain for a long time…

Mother If Yongho and Seoyeon hold hands, the bad feelings will melt away gently, and beautiful feelings will bubble up. Then the dream whale will let you ride the whale fountain for a long time.

Yongho becomes worried he might not be able to return home.

Yongho Mom, when will the dream whale bring me back home?

Mother The dream whale will bring you back at dawn. The dream whale needs to sleep in the morning too.

Yongho nods his head and entrusts his body to the bed.

Yongho Mom, I’ll sleep by myself.

Mother Good. Make sure to meet the dream whale tonight.

The mother turns off the light and leaves the room. Yongho yawns, waiting for the dream whale, and closes his eyes.

FADE OUT.

dream whale