Uncle Slash

FADE IN:

EXT. PARK - DAY

Crossing a park, Peter engages in thoughts.

PETER

(Voice Over)

Today is Nov 1. The Oct events let

my think deep about my role and

goal. I'm 64 going on 65.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Luxurious. Japanese food put on the table. Peter talks to a GENTLEMAN sitting next to him.

PETER

Let's wrap up about the short-term

business projects. Send me a draft

in a week or two.

GENTLEMAN

(Nodding)

The volunteering work that I'm also

doing has taken some time from me.

INT. MUSIC STORE - DAY

Peter is surrounded by guitars. Having got a phone alert, he thinks for awhile and begins to type. We see on the screen - "(1) Title of my speech: 'Make the Greater Bay Area the International Intellectual Property Trading Centre' (2) Invitation: Send it to my chambers c/o Peter K F Cheung Barrister."

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

Peter is having screen time.

PETER

(Voice Over)

You can't go to tea because you're an

"Uncle Slash"? What does that mean?

Peter surfs the web.

PETER

(Voice Over) (Continued)

It means: one person/multiple careers.

I was like that before I joined civil

service and have been so after

retirement.

FLASHBACK

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY (1973)

Basic but crowded with attentive STUDENTS. A young Peter (19-20) pointed at chalk-written words on the blackboard.

PETER

Try to distinguish the difference

between these two words. Class

dismissed.

All STUDENTS rise.

STUDENTS

Good-bye Sir.

INT. RESTAURANT - SUNDAY (1974)

Crowded. Peter, in waiter uniform, waits. Two young CUSTOMERS who look as though they know Peter well approach him smilingly.

CUSTOMERS

Sir! Sir! Can you find seats for us?

Peter, a bit embarrassed, accedes to their request.

INT. HALL - DAY (Oct 30, 2018)

A FinTech Conference. Peter sits near the front role. A silvery-haired WOMAN later joins him.

Attentively, Peter follows the proceedings. Some speakers on stage exchange eye contacts with him.

Break.

WOMAN

Can you write a song for me free

of charge?

PETER

No. I need around 32 hours to write

one that I feel like. Writing a song as

a job is no fun.

WOMAN

Are you joining the Nov seminar?

PETER

No. My opportunity cost is too high.

WOMAN

You can live comfortably with your

pension. You don't have to work at

all!

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY (Oct 31, 2018)

Peter enjoys his coffee as others engage in endless conversations. Meeting adjourned. The CHAIR shakes hands with Peter.

CHAIR

(Curious)

You're very quiet today.

Peter smiles and leaves.

PETER

(Voice Over)

As a volunteer, I don't speak for the

sake of speaking, or the overrun

meeting would drag on. I help

transact the meeting's business.

INT. CHAMBERS - DAY (Oct 31, 2018)

Having read some papers, Peter checks his phone.

PETER

(Voice Over)

Which option is better? What's the

context? Let me deliver value as a

volunteer again!

Peter types. Then we hear mail sending and receiving sounds. Peter checks and looks pleased.

BACK TO PRESENT

INT. BUS - DAY

New and roomy. Peter meditates.

PETER

(Voice Over)

I was a Slash chap, and am now

an Uncle Slash.

Interrupted by alerts, Peter checks his phone. We see some photos and a message: "In Tokyo now."

PETER

(Voice Over)

Yes, looking forward to my Nov

travel too!

FADE OUT.

#UncleSlash