In The Shade of Trees

Shanti, a ten year-old girl attends a small, countryside elementary school on a small island of little consequence. Or at least that is the message her teacher sends to his students. She seems to live the life of a typical child - school, games, friends and recess. However, she hides a secret that she wishes she could scream at the top of her voice. It keeps her in continuous fear of disappearing, and she is continually astonished that no one can see what is wrong with her world. The tall, huge Samaan tree that stands at the center of her playground is the safest place she knows and she often finds peace hiding in its trunk. Will she find the strength to finally make herself heard, whatever the consequences to her world?