“The Small Key”

Written by: Paz Lotarena

Klient Cervantes
Patrick Beluso
Harrah Balagon
Chrislyn Sinadjan
Jash Gabriel Azaña
Angelou Dela Peña
Angel Tolosa
Angel Althea Alicante
Karl Santiago
Steffani Maben Laurio
Gibie Tumbagahan

(11B- St. Thomas- Group 3)

Ms. Chelsea Ducay Baclayo

st
21 Century Literature From the Philippines
and the World

ACT I
Introduction scene: (DONE)

Pan Shot of the scenery (the sea, seaside

Pan Shot of a car running with Soledad (a girl going on a vacation in the countryside after a
heartbreak) looking outside the car.
EXT. IN FRONT OF TIA MARIA’S HOUSE- DAY

The car stops in an old house and Soledad steps out of the car.
Her Tia Maria welcomes her.

Soledad: Good morning, Tia!

Tia Maria: Choleng! How are you?!
Soledad: I’m fine, Tia.
Tia Maria: You've grown so much! Well so much for that. Let's go inside first! let me carry
those.
Soledad handed some of her luggage.

While going to the house

Tia Mari: How's your trip?
Soledad: It's good Tia, I've enjoyed the scenery all the way here.
Tia Maria: That's good to hear! I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay, there's so much more to see
here! Just tell me if you want to go out.
Soledad: Yes Tia.
Tia Maria: Also I’ve already prepared your bedroom, if you need anything else I'm just in the
next room.
Soledad nodded and smiled.

CUT TO
EXT. On the Seashore (tommorow afternoon; Location-Boulevard BESIDE MARITES
BEACH)

Pedro sees a familiar girl beside Tia maria.

Pedro: Who’s that girl beside Tia Maria?
Diego: Oh, that’s Tia Maria’s niece, she’s from Manila and is having a vacation here. Why did
you ask?
Pedro: nothing she just looks familiar

Camera switches to Soledad and Tia maria

Tia Maria: you should stroll here often Soledad, the sunset is good to see
Soledad: yes tia (smiles)
Helga & Feliz: Choleenggggg!!!
Tia Maria: oh there’s your childhood friends
Soledad: Helga! Feliz!
Feliz: Choleng , it's been so long! How have you been?
Helga: Wow, you’ve grown so much!
Soledad: I’m doing fine, I'm just taking a little break from the stress of Manila. How about you
two?
Helga: Well, there’s so much we should tell you.
CHOLENG’S SCARF WAS BLOWN BY THE WIND

HELGA & FELIZ: OHH NOOO!!

(DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN SCARF EME SCENE)

Pedro got the scarf then goes to soledad to return it

Pedro: here’s your scarf

Soledad: thank you
Tia maria: thank you pedro! By the way this is my niece soledad, Soledad this is Mr. Pedro, The
owner of some fish boats here
Soledad: nice to meet you mr pedro
Pedro: You too ms. soledad, we'll keep going now tia maria our mates were waiting in the
market
Tia Maria: You should, and oh by the way, don’t forget to deliver some goods to my house
tomorrow!
Pedro: yes tia!

CUT TO: (DONE)

Weeks later,
EXT. ON THE SEASHORE, NEAR TIA MARIA’S HOUSE- SUNSET

Soledad is sitting on the shore near the bedrock, staring at the sunset.

Pedro: It’s going to be late, what are you still doing here?
Soledad, startled, looks behind her to see Pedro with his usual polo and pants and his boots.

Soledad: Mr. Pedro! How long have you been there?!

Pedro sits near Soledad.

Pedro: Just for a while, why are you here?

Soledad: That should be my question.
Pedro: I just delivered the goods your tia ordered, and it just happened that I saw you here
sitting.
Soledad: hmm
Soledad returned to staring at the sunrise.
Pedro, do you love watching sunsets?
Soledad: Yeah, it puts me at ease.
Pedro: Why is there a problem bugging you?
Soledad: nothing

Silence

Pedro: Well, it shows in your eyes, you know?

Soledad: what?
Pedro: I know people who go on vacation to the countryside have trouble carrying with them.

Silence

Soledad: You’re right, I got here to be healed from my past. My hearts have been full of agony
and misery since our splitting up, the pain still lingers on my chest like it was just yesterday.
Pedro:I see, I’m sorry to hear that. If you don't mind, I can be your company for the meantime,
I’ll tour you around here more! Maybe that can lessen your heartaches and loneliness .

Soledad smiles

Soledad: Thank you Mr. Pedro but you don't have to do that,
Pedro: No, I insist, let me show you around the town this week. Surely, the scenery will soothe
the pain you have been mending all the time.
Soledad: But- how about your work? I'm pretty sure you're busy this time around
Pedro: You don't have to worry about that.

Pedro smiles, and stands up

Pedro: I’ll ask permission to Tia Maria to take you out, I'll meet you here at 8 o'clock tomorrow
Soledad, sighed, defeated

Soledad: Thank you Mr. Pedro, I'll see you tomorrow then.
Soledad stands up
Soledad: I'll go now

Pedro nodded and smiled

Pedro watches soledad walk away
The two walk away with a smile plastered on their face.

CUT TO: Not filmed

The next day,
EXT. PARK: MORNING/AFTERNOON
A montage showing their little escapade is shown.
Afternoon came, and Pedro and Soledad were watching the sunset.
Soledad: Thank you, Mr. Pedro, for taking your time out to tour me around here; I really
enjoyed it.
Pedro: I’m glad you did (smiles). And stop with the formalities. I hope that from this day on, we
can become good acquaintances.
Soledad smiles
A silence passed.
Soledad: You’re really right about what you said yesterday—that walking around here in town
and enjoying the scenery clears your soul and mind.
Pedro: Well, that’s what I usually do after long hours of stressful work, I stroll around the town
Soledad: That looks so fun. The countryside really gives us the peacefulness we need after an
exhausting day.
Pedro: You can come along with me every time you like; I’ll pick you up. Just tell me.
Soledad: I’m so grateful that I met someone as kind as you. I think my vacation will be
worthwhile.

Scene Fades Out-August by Taylor Swift started playing

A montage of Pedro and Soledad’s countless escapades that lead to them going out on a date
plays
Beach date scene, park date scene, field date scene, date on the hills
WEEKS PASSED, AND THE TWO DEVELOPED FEELINGS FOR EACH OTHER,
THE DAY COMES WHERE PEDRO CONFESSES HIS LOVE TO SOLEDAD

CUT TO:
UNKNOWN SETTING: TWO SHOT AND CLOSE-UP SHOT OF THE CONFESSION
Pedro and Soledad are sitting together; the atmosphere is serene and
The glow of the sun setting illuminates Soledad’s face more.

Pedro: Soledad, I know that you've been through a lot lately and that your heart bears the scars
of a love lost. But let me assure you, my love for you only grows stronger with each passing
moment. Your resilience and your strength captivate me in ways I never thought possible.
Soledad: (Flustered) Pedro, I never imagined I could feel this way again after everything I've
been through. But with you, it's different. With you, I feel like I can finally breathe again.
Pedro: Soledad, I want to be the one who brings a smile to your face every day, the one who
holds your hand through life's ups and downs, the one who loves you unconditionally for all
eternity. Soledad, will you do me the honor of being my partner, my confidante, and the love of
my life?

Jump Scene (Transitions to Their Wedding Day) "Daylight” plays by Taylor Swift
Soledad: I do. I love you, Pedro (muttered under her breath).
Pedro: And I always love you too.
The wedding ended with applause and adoration for the newlywed couple.

ACT II

CUT TO: Tomorrow lunch

INT. HOUSE- DAY
Soledad stood on the porch, gazing through the expanse of land in front of their house.
Pedro saw his wife and immediately went to her, sliding his arm past her shoulder.

Pedro: The food is ready, let’s not make the food wait.
Soledad turned to look at Pedro; she found his arm, gently squeezed it, and smiled.
Soledad: Let’s eat then.

The couple goes to the dining room to eat.

Soledad: Where are the shirts I ironed yesterday?

Pedro: In my trunk, I think.
Soledad: Some of them need darning.
Soledad looked at Pedro’s empty plate.
Soledad: Do you want some more rice?
Pedro: No, I am in a hurry to get back. I’m sure Karlos and diego are waiting

Pedro pushed the chair back and stood up. Soledad started cleaning up the dishes.

Pedro pulled a string that held together a big, shiny key and another small, rusty-looking one
from the pocket of his coat.

He untied the knot, detaching the big key, and dropped the small one back into his pocket.

Soledad watched him fixedly as he did this.

The smile left her face, and a strange look came into her eyes as she took the big key from him
without saying a word.

Together, they left the dining room.

Out of the porch, Pedro put an arm around Soledad and faced her.

Pedro: You look pale and tired (he remarked softly). What have you been doing all morning?
Soledad: Nothing, but the heat gives me a headache.
Pedro: Then lie down and try to sleep while I am gone.
For a moment, they looked deep into each other's eyes.

Pedro: It is really warm; I think I will take off my coat.

He removed the garment and handed it to her.
Pedro: Choleng, I shall pass by Tia Maria's house and tell her to come. I may not return before
dark.
Soledad nodded. Her eyes followed her husband down the road.

She looked at the coat he had handed her. Mechanically, she began to fold the garment, but
then the small key fell, creating a dull metallic sound.
Soledad picked up the key and stared at it.
Soledad: What is this key for?
Soledad shakes her head
Soledad: I should not think things like these and doubt pedro

CUT TO: (DONE)

Soledad goes to their bedroom to put the coat and the key on top of a drawer.
To drown her thoughts, she started folding the newly washed garments, then brought them to
the cabinet.
While arranging their clothes, Soledad caught a glimpse of a small trunk under the pile of
clothes.
Soledad picked up the trunk and examined it.
Then it dawned on her that the key she found might be the key to this small trunk.
She mindlessly picked up the key on top of the drawer, then tried to unlock the small trunk using
it.
The trunk clinked; it was unlocked.
There it shows clothes that seem to belong to a lady.
Soledad picked it up.

Soledad: Huh? Why does Pedro keep things like this? And why would Pedro hide the clothes of
a woman? Who does this belong to?
Underneath the clothes was an old picture frame with its back facing the front and a love letter
written on it.
Soledad read it out loud.
Soledad: Felicia? I never heard of her.

There it wrote
“Dear Felicia,

This day was the happiest day of my life. I wish this moment would last like the
love I’ll give you forever. I couldn’t wish for anything better than you. You’re the
only girl with whom I wish to spend my life together. You capture me with your
beauty and smile. Thank you for always being there.
 Always and forever,
Pedro Buhay”

Soledad's voice broke after reading the letter.

To satisfy her curiosity, she flipped over the picture frame.
Soledad gasps, then drops the picture frame.
A wedding picture of seemingly a young Pedro and a girl who has a very similar face to
Soledad was on the frame
Tears started running down Soledad’s eyes.

Soledad: What’s the meaning of this? Pedro had a wife? and to think that she has the same face
as me.
Soledad’s chest started to hurt, she clenched her fist and started pounding it.
With tears flowing in her eyes, she breathed
Soledad: My god! Why does Pedro keep this to me as a secret? How dare he say he loves me
when he clearly means it to someone else?

Soledad, out of breath, stood up beside the window, gasping for fresh air.
Soledad calmed down, then she wiped her tears and breathed deeply.

Soledad: Where’s Tia Maria? I need to talk to her (she muttered under her breath).
CUT TO: (DONE)

Pedro runs down to Soledad’s bedroom

He then on the side of the bed

Pedro: Soledad, how are you?

Soledad grunts

Pedro leans down and touches soledad’s forehead

Pedro: Soledad, you're burning! I must call the doctor, Santos, to treat you
Pedro: Tia, I’ll go to town and bring Doctor Santos; please stay for a while and take care,
Soledad.
Tia Maria: I will.

Before Pedro can rush out of the bedroom, Soledad calls him
Soledad: Don't, Indo. I’ll be alright tomorrow.
Pedro reaches out for Soledad’s hands and squeezes them.
Pedro: I’ll be quick, I promise.

CUT TO:
Dr. Santos is checking Soledad, then turns to Pedro.
Dr. Santos: She’s fine; it’s just a fever, maybe due to the heat. She just needs to rest and take
her medicine, and she’ll be fine. There's no need to worry.
Pedro: Thank you, Dr. Santos.
Dr. Santos nods and smiles.
Dr. Santos: I’ll take my leave now.
Tia Maria: I’ll accompany you to the gate, Dr. Santos.
Dr. Santos and Tia Maria leave.

Pedro sits down beside Soledad. He reaches out for his hand and clears out a strand of hair
that covers Soledad’s face.
Pedro: Please rest my soledad, it hurts me to see you in this state.
CUT TO:
A shot of sunlight shines on the fields outside Pedro and Soledad’s house.
Sunrays shining on Pedro’s face woke him up. He got up quietly and turned to look at Soldad.
Soledad is peacefully asleep and is breathing evenly.
Pedro smiles at the sight in front of him.
Pedro goes to the kitchen and makes himself a coffee.
He goes to their backyard and sips the coffee.
A remnant of smudge soil built in the backyard caught Pedro’s eye.
He shakes her head and sighs.

Pedro: I told her to rest yesterday; instead, she still swept the backyard, coupled with the heat,
which must have given her a headache and fever.
The morning breeze passed and stirred the ashes, uncovering a piece of white cloth.
A puzzled expression came into his eyes. He furrows his eyes and examines them clearly;
burned clothes are clearly evident.

Pedro ran to their bedroom and looked through the cabinet to confirm his thoughts.
He saw the small trunk underneath the clothes. He opened it, and it was empty.
He looked at his wife, who was peacefully sleeping, and guilt passed through him.

CUT TO:
Soledad wakes up and sees Pedro on the porch, staring at the scenery.
Soledad: Indo…
Pedro turns his head to soledad.

Pedro: Choleng, you’re awake. Are you feeling well?

soledad nods

Pedro: I’ve prepared our breakfast; let’s go eat.

Soledad: No, I want to talk to you first.

Pedro: Choleng, you’ve just recovered from your illness. I don’t want anything bad to happen to
you again. Whatever you want to talk about, we can do it later. Your health is more important.
Soledad: This is more important to me; it’s been running around in my head since yesterday,
and I don’t know what to do if I keep it to myself.

Pedro sighs
Pedro: What is it, then?

Soledad takes a deep breath.

Soledad: Why did you keep it a secret?

Pedro: Choleng, what are you talking about?
Soledad: I know you know what I’m talking about! Please, Pedro, tell it to me now.

Pedro: I’ll tell you when it’s the right time, Choleng. For now, you need to take rest; I don’t
want you to get sick again.
Soledad: What do you mean when it's the right time? Now is the right time. Do you have any
idea how the thought of my husband having a first wife that looks exactly like me keeps me
insane?!
Pedro: Choleng, it’s not what you thought…

Pedro grabs Soledad's hands, but she withdrew it.

Soledad: What is it, then?! I give you my whole being; I tell you my sorrows and my pains, and
you can’t tell me something as significant as this?
Pedro: Because I was afraid, you’re fragile at that time. You just came out of a breakup, and I
was scared that I would break you more if I told you about it.
Pedro: Choleng, I didn’t tell you because it’s not important to me now. I've long forgotten about
my past, and it doesn't matter now.
Soledad: Be honest with me; did you like me because you reminded me of your ex-wife?
Pedro: At first, yes, but...
Soledad: But what?
Pedro: But after I know you more, I know in my heart and in my mind that you two are very
different from each other. You ignited a flame within me that I had never felt before from
anyone else.
Soledad: Then why did you still keep it a secret even after we’re married?! Is it because for you,
I'm just your wife’s replacement? Be honest with me, did you marry me just because you want
to use me for your fantasies with your wife? !

Pedro: What? Choleng, that’s absurd.

Soledad: Then why didn't you tell me earlier?!

Pedro: Because she's in the past, and you're my present and my future.
Soledad: How can I trust you now, Pedro? How do I know you're not hiding anything else from
me? (Her voice was laced with doubt and insecurity.)

Pedro reached out, his hand moving to gently cup Soledad's cheek, his touch tender and
reassuring.

Pedro: Choleng, please. I love you, and I'll do whatever it takes to make things right. Just give
me a chance to prove it to you. (He pleaded.)

Soledad: I came here to ease my pain and search for peace. I thought I found it with you; I gave
up my life in Manila just to be with you, but in the end, you gave me the same pain, and I feel
like it’s worse. I don’t know any more, Indo, and right now I am questioning myself about
whether I married the right man.

Pedro: Soledad…

With a heavy heart, she stepped back, her resolve firming as she faced Pedro with a determined
expression.

Soledad: I need some time to think, Pedro. I need to figure things out for myself.
She declared, her voice tinged with sadness as she turned away,

ACT III
CUT TO:
Pedro: Tia, I need to talk to Soledad, please. It’s been weeks and
Tia Maria: Pedro, please respect my niece’s decision. What you’ve done is hard for her to
accept.
Pedro: I know it's my mistake, but Tia, this is also hard for me. I want to fully explain my side
to her, and I also want to say my forgiveness.
Tia Maria: Then, in the first place, you should’ve not kept that a secret, and if you really love
soledad, you should've thought about her first.

Pedro: I know, and I'm really sorry about that. I was just thinking about my future with Soledad
at that time. I was really into her, and the thoughts of her

Tia Maria shakes her head.

Tia Maria: Then you should've told her about it earlier; now your marriage is scarred for life.
Pedro: I know, and it's all my fault, I kept my late wife’s things. Now I realize that it was such a
big slap and a huge disrespect to her. All I can do now is make her feel secure that she’s the
only one I’ll always love.

Pedro: Please give this to her, if she asks about me please tell her i’ll wait for her

Tia maria; I will, just please give her time to think until she clears her mind

Tia maria walks away

CUT TO:
Soledad on the shore
She sighs
A letter was on her hand
She decided to open and read it

(While reading the letter, a flashback is shown from the perspective of Pedro.)

Voice over: To my Greatest Love, Soledad……

After reading it

Soledad cried after reading this, she stands up and Sees pedro at the end of the shore

Soledad: Pedro!

Pedro smiled, and saw soledad running towards him while tears rolls down her face
Pedro jogs towards soledad and met her with a hug
Soledad hug him tightly, with Tears still gushing down from her eyes

Soledad: I am sorry, I doubted you. I let my thoughts and emotions get the best of me

Pedro: No, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness, I have pained you in a way I
couldn't heal , and I deeply regret it. But I'm committed to making things right, to rebuilding
what we had, stronger than before.

Soledad: It won't be easy, Pedro. Rebuilding trust takes time, patience, and effort.

Pedro: I know. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Because losing you... it's not something
I can bear to think about.
Soledad: I love you, Pedro. But love alone isn't enough. We need honesty, communication, and
a strong trust with each other
Pedro: You're right, Soledad. And I promise to be open with you, to share my thoughts and
feelings, even when it's difficult.
Soledad: The wound that you’ve caused me is still here, but I’ll try to let go of the past, to
forgive and move forward.
Pedro: I love you soledad, remember that in every lifetime I’ll always choose you.
(While reading the letter, a flashback is shown from the perspective of Pedro.)
Voice over

To my Greatest Love, Soledad,

As I write this letter I feel the weight of the truth that has been hidden in my heart for a long
time. It cast a scar on our love, and now it's time for me to reveal it. With each word I put down
on paper I hope to mend the cracks in our relationship and share the truth that I have kept
secret for so long.

I've been carrying a burden that has weighed on my soul. I've been afraid to tell you the truth
fearing what might happen if I revealed a part of my past that I've tried to forget. As doubts
linger between us I realize that honesty is essential for true love to thrive.

Soledad, my love, I admit that years Before, I was bound to another person, I married her and
our past was marked by both happiness and sadness. Her name was Felicia, and our parents
arranged our marriage. I was young then and had no choice but to obey my parents' wishes.
Although our union was arranged, I found comfort and happiness in Felicia's embrace, her
love serving as a light during my dark night.. Together, we built a life filled with joy and
dreams, our hearts intertwined and our bond became unbreakable..

However, fate had different plans. Her once strong and resilient heart faltered under the weight
of sickness, until one fateful day, I found her lying on the floor with fist clenched into his heart
and her breathing uneven. I tried to take her to the hospital, but it’s too late. Felicia died in my
arms, and the once burning passion of our young love was then extinguished by a cruel illness
that ended our story. After Felicia's passing, I found myself lost in sorrow, my heart shattered
into a million pieces. And just like you, seeking solace, I ran away to the countryside, hoping to
heal the wounds of a broken heart.

And there, you stood on a fine day, under the bright lights, among the swaying of the fields and
the gentle rustle of leaves, you’ve captured my soul, and bewitched my mind- you’ve been a ray
of hope amidst the chaos of my mind.

I must admit that from the moment our eyes met, I couldn't help but notice the striking
resemblance between you and my late wife, Felicia. Your presence awakened long-forgotten
memories, eliciting a whirlwind of emotions that left me breathless and uncertain. In our early
moments, I struggled to fight with the echoes of the past, trying to reconcile the love I once
knew with the growing affection that bloomed within my heart for you.

But as time passed, I realized that you were more than just a reminder of a lost love. With each
day that went by, your laughter became the song that danced through the depths of my soul,
your smile the guiding light that illuminated the path to redemption and renewal. In you, I
discovered not only echoes of the past, but also the promise of a future filled with the warmth of
your unwavering love. And in your eyes, I saw the promise of a new beginning, a chance to heal
the wounds of the past and embrace the joys of tomorrow

You’ve become the gentle breeze that lovingly caresses my tired soul, a melody that brings
peace to my troubled mind. In your warm embrace, I have discovered redemption, and in your
unconditional love, I have found the true meaning of grace.

The old trunk that sits in the corner of our home is a testament to a love that has faded with
time, its contents serving as mere remnants of a closed chapter. The items inside that trunk are
not reminders of lingering affection, but rather symbols of respect and admiration for a chapter
that has come to an end. They speak of a love that once burned brightly but has now been
extinguished by the passing of days. And though the memories they hold may evoke bittersweet
emotions, they are only whispers of a time gone by, hidden in the corners of my memories.

I have kept this truth hidden from you, not out of deception or ill-intentions, but out of a deep
desire to shield you from the pain of my past. For when I look into your eyes, I see the promise
of a future filled with boundless love and unwavering devotion, a future free from the shadows
of yesterday.

Soledad, I know that this small trunk and the key reminds you of my dishonesty , but with a new
chapter of my life I want this as a symbol of trust and vulnerability. It may unlock the door to
my past, but in doing so, it also seals the chapter closed, a chapter that no longer holds any
power over the love we share. For in you, I have found comfort, redemption, and a love
greater than any I have known.
.
With trembling hands and an open heart, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, for any pain I may
have caused and for the truths I have kept hidden. Though this situation leaves a huge scar on
our marriage I hope I can still mend it through my devotion for you. With every fiber of my
being, I pledge that I'll love you with every second of my life and that in every lifetime we live in
I'll always choose you and only you. If your heart calls out to me again, please know that I am
always willing to welcome you back into my life. Together, please let us create a future filled
with bliss, dreams,and unwavering commitment, for in your loving embrace, I have found my
home.

Yours, now and forever,

Pedro
Instrumental song- plays

Scenes to film:
Pamamanhikan- sofa sala scene 2 parents
Ex wife naglilinis, then heart attack
Another date with ex wife
Another wedding scene
Burial- jash put flowers
Jash with sunglasses on the shore
~the end~