The Saddest Story Told in Stop-Motion Clay Animation

Stop-motion clay animation, handcrafted tactile materials, real fabric, 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 — candle flame flickering gently, matchbox drawer slightly open, easy and close. [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, one hand loose on the handlebar. He stops. Says nothing. [cut] Close-up of the candle head — the flame doubles in size instantly. The wax drips straight down. [cut] Wide shot — the candle stands up. Smooths her skirt. 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. Then slowly, all the matches fall out one by one onto the ground.