Shadows of the Oak

Master Mathison, a seven year old boy is kept hidden and isolated from the outside world. It is a time of solitude, discovery, and realizations. He is carefully minded under the watchful eye of Ms. Billie, the Head Mistress of the Mackory Manor, located in the California interior. She is tasked with overseeing all aspects of the facility, especially keeping out the Unwanteds, which she refers to. One day, Jack wanders beyond the green field, down a brick path to meet a magnificent old oak tree who he befriends and calls Willie. A friendship and bond is quickly formed as the young master's understanding of the world begins to blur. Jack confides in the wise wrinkled tree for advice and assistance, as he begins to find complications in his life. Meeting a strange man, Jack is forced to question his ever changing environment with little resolve. Guided by Willie, he attempts to put the broken pieces together in an effort to regain his mental control. Each step forward finds him losing touch with reality, becoming more distant to the last remaining friend he knows. With help from a chef named Sam, Jack struggles through the days, unable to comprehend the terrors that plague his mind. Father time drives the gears forward as Willie attempts to aid the young boy in understanding. Imaginary battles, glorious victories, and heart-wrenching defeats occur with extraordinary feats of courage from the young boy. Jack slowly learns of Willie's true meaning while the tale unfolds. The old oak is much more than just a tree, after all.