Clay Figures' Fiery Farewell

Stop-motion clay animation with handcrafted tactile materials and real fabric, set under warm afternoon park lighting. Wide shot: a clay figure with a matchbox head and a clay figure with a lit candle head sit together on a real tiny park bench, mid-conversation. The candle flame flickers gently, the matchbox drawer is slightly open, and they appear close and relaxed. [cut] A distant rumble. Both heads turn. [cut] Close-up: a clay figure with a fire extinguisher head rolls in on a real tiny motorcycle, pressure gauge redlined, nozzle tilted back, and one hand loose on the handlebar. He stops and says nothing. [cut] Close-up of the candle head: the flame doubles in size instantly and wax drips straight down. [cut] Wide shot: the candle stands up, smooths her skirt, and gets on the back of the motorcycle without looking back. The motorcycle pulls away. [cut] Close-up of the matchbox head: alone on the bench, the little drawer slides open and all the matches slowly fall out one by one onto the ground.