Scene 12

The Snow Queen blows and the Gardener with a white sheet whisks them away as though through a storm. She steps down stage and speaks as the Gardener assists her to change to the Grandmother in front of the audience.

SNOW QUEEN/GRANDMOTHER

And then they were gone. And Gerda and Kai were on their way home. The Snow Queen, and her Palace of Ice at the top of the world were instantly far behind them. And so was the Fisher Woman and the reindeer Bae and the Robber Girl, Belinda. And Belinda's Ma and the Old Woman with the symphony of flowers. And the sleeping doves and the fine fish Gerda gave to the Snow Queen. And the Snow Queen's giant sleigh. And the pieces of the puzzle that told Kai it was time to leave the Snow Queen Now. Everything, everything was flying by very fast. And so was their childhood. For when their journey was over, and they were safely back home ...Gerda and Kai were grown up.

GERDA

Grandmother!

(Gerda and Kai enter)

GRANDMOTHER

Here in the rose garden.

KAI

She's home. I smell cookies.

GRANDMOTHER

Well that shows there's nothing wrong with your nose, because I've got cookies baking. Can you get the jar off the top shelf for me?

KAI

For an extra cookie.

GERDA

Aren't you a little old for extra cookies?

KAI

I'll never get too old for extra cookies.

GRANDMOTHER

I declare, it seems like you two just grew up overnight.