A NEIGHBOR approaches.

NEIGHBOR

Can I help you?

MINHEE

How kind of you. But please don’t trouble yourself.

NEIGHBOR

Forgive me, I couldn’t help but overhear: you’re looking for your son, is that right?

A Tree listens to their conversation. (It is as if

it has grown a set of ears.)

MINHEE

Forgive me, I’ve been too loud. I didn’t realize… I thought I was…

NEIGHBOR

Alone? No, don’t worry, none of us are ever alone.

An additional Tree listens in.

MINHEE

Oh yes…. Yes, of course. Nonetheless, please forgive me for trespassing on the collective peace and quiet. I’m terribly embarrassed to have made a fuss.

NEIGHBOR

No fuss at all. Please forgive me for taking liberties and intruding. I like to be helpful and offer a willing ear—especially to diligent, obedient citizens like yourself. Please, let me help you.

MINHEE

You’re very kind, but please: don’t trouble yourself. You must be very busy. Please don’t let me interrupt you. Forgive the trespass on your time.

NEIGHBOR

I haven’t made you feel comfortable—

Here and there, more Trees tune into the

conversation.

MINHEE

No, please: it’s my fault. Forgive me. Your exceptional kindness has overwhelmed me.

NEIGHBOR

I’m sorry if you’ve felt pressure, nobody likes to feel pressure, and if now you’re feeling uncomfortable—I sense your discomfort—I want to reach out before a wall builds between us—

The Forest is an audience, listening to

MINHEE and the NEIGHBOR.

MINHEE

Please don’t worry. Of course, your solicitous attention is genuine and without design. Only the false hearts among us would question such persistent altruism.