Script

Help me! Please, help me! I'm caught.

Who...who are you?

I'm Penny. Please, do you think you can untangle me?

(Self-conscious)
I'll, I'll try.

(UGLY bashfully tries to find an end to the fishing line. He is still mesmerized.)

Wh...what are you?

(Surprised at the question)
A Swan. Ooh, mind you don't hurt yourself on that hook. No point in us both getting damaged.

(Entranced)
A Swan.

Typical me,my first migration and what happens...?

Your first what?

Migration. The cold weather is setting in and we are leaving today for the warm lands.

Leaving?

You're a funny one, all these questions.

Sorry.

What's your name?

Everyone calls me Ugly.

Oh, don't listen to them, it's a stage we all go through. You should hear some of the things they called me before the moult.

How could anyone call you names?

Well...like I say it's just a stage we all have to go through.

(Bashfully resuming his task.)
Excuse me&
(He circles her waist.)
...Could you lift your wing up?

My Mother always warned me to avoid the fishing line the People leave behind.

(Suddenly enthusiastic)
So did mine. She used to tell me when we were out swimming.
(Completing his task.)
There...just one more loop around your leg.

(Hugging UGLY.)
Oh thank you. I thought I was going to be left behind and this is no place to spend the Winter alone.