56. Crescendo - Leslie (Inspired by Eric)

• FADE IN:


• INT. GRAND CONCERT HALL - NIGHT


• LILY sits at a massive concert grand piano and looks over the assembled audience.


• The stage lights are blinding, and she can only see the first few packed rows, the rest of the house stretching towards infinity it seems..


• She is in a flowing, dark concert dress that hangs loosely from her bony frame. She sits hunched over the keys, her skeletal head shaking slowly, wisps of hair hanging from her scalp.


• She lifts her hands from her lap; her thin fingers making the journey to the polished keys. Her wrists are so thin, they seem as if the lightest pressure would snap them.


• Her index fingers press against the cool, hard surface of the keys, soft notes ringing from the piano.


• The audience sighs in anticipation, and Lily inhales, seeming to gain strength. Her fingers move faster across the keys, the piano's voice building.


• The audience watches, enraptured, and she feels their adoration. Her cheeks seem fuller, her fingers stronger and she coaxes the piano towards climax.


• She moves, now swaying with the music, and the piano sings ever louder.


• The audience sighs audibly, and she gains strength, sitting straight, and she inhales deeply. Her wrists no longer seem fragile.


• Her fingers fly across the keys chords dancing within chords, and the audience sways with her.


• They appear to be losing mass, cheeks thinning, evening gowns and tuxedos fitting loosely.


• Lily's dress no longer hangs from her body, but fits beautifully, the material enhancing every curve.


• The piano thunders now, galloping towards the apex of the crescendo.


• The audience sways, hypnotized, skeletal.


• Lily inhales deeply as the music grows faster.


• The audience members shrivel and as the song explodes in a roaring fortissimo, they begin to explode into dust.


• Lily is lost in a frenzy of music, beautiful beyond human words.


• As the dust settles, she brings the piano down, slowing the piece, the instruments resonating voice whispering again, leaving nothing but infinite dust motes floating in the stage lights.


• FADE TO BLACK.