INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

                                   GIRL (V.O.)
                         My health was never particularly
                         good, come to think of it ...



               EXT. SCHOOLYARD

               There are children running around, playing on the playground
               equipment.

                                   GIRL (CONT'D)
                         But I was able to attend primary
                         school like anyone else - in the
                         summer I'd play until I was burned
                         through and through ...



               INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM

               A GIRL, twelve years of age or so, sits at a desk by the
               window, looking out.

                                   GIRL (CONT'D)
                         It was June, just after I had
                         entered middle school. It was just
                         before the midterm tests. 



               EXT. SCHOOLYARD 

               We see here the GIRL, behind a window, looking longingly
               outwards. 

                                   GIRL (CONT'D)
                         It was the day after I ordered a
                         swimsuit for the summer. That was
                         the first day I'd been admitted to
                         the hospital.



               CLOUDS AND RAIN

               Looking UPWARDS at the falling rain.

                                   GIRL (CONT'D)
                         It was a cold, unpleasant, drizzly
                         day.



               INT. HOSPITAL BED

               The same GIRL is lying on top of a HOSPITAL BED clad only in
               her pyjamas.