Alice brings a paper crane to sick Ian at the Warren home and sits with him as he takes bitter medicine. Mrs. Warren praises Alice and asks her to stay to persuade Ian to accept a necessary surgery. Ian admits, “If only I wasn't sick,” and refuses the operation, saying he wants to live in the village forever. Tension rises when someone suddenly announces something has come up and leaves. A final plea, “Please go through with the surgery,” is shouted as the departure cuts the attempt short, leaving Ian’s choice unresolved.