FADE IN:
.
EXT. BUS STOP - DAY
PETER sees sun rays through clouds and takes a photo.
PETER (V.O.)
I don't know why. But I've
the urge to take this photo.
INT. - STUDY - NIGHT
Finishing a call, Peter looks at the wall clock which registers 20:45.
PETER (V.O.)
It's this late, having finished
my work today. I must still
go swimming!
INT. SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT
Just a few souls. Having done his push-ups, Peter swims frog stroke, free style, back stroke and butterfly style.
A beat.
We hear an announcement. The pool clock registers 21.55.
PETER (V.O.)
Good, I've exceeded my
average 40 laps tonight.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The table clocks displays 22:30. Peter begins to dine with his WIFE.
WIFE
Why can't you be flexible?
Skip your swimming for a
day!
PETER
No. I try to add years to my
life.
INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Peter sits next to his wife as she is checking a phone notification.
WIFE
Oh, Michael Wilkinson has
passed away...
PETER
Oh, he hasn't been well...
FLASHBACK (AUTUMN, 1984)
INT. LECTURE ROOM - DAY
Sitting among a GROUP of students, Peter observes MICHAEL WILKINSON (late 30s) introducing himself at the podium.
MICHAEL
I was formerly a crown
prosecutor in Uganda...
PETER (V.O.)
Lecturing in Hong Kong
should derive more
pleasure in the job.
MICHAEL
I've written a short novel
in French...
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd)
In French? Your French
must be very good.
FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK (1975)
INT - LECTURE ROOM - NIGHT
A TEACHER (30s) speaks French to a group of mature STUDENTS including Peter (21). They repeat the teacher's spoken words and short sentences. Later, they sing together: "Sur le pont d'Avignon, on ye danse, on ye danse, Sur le pont, d'Avignon, on ye danse, tous en rond..."
PETER (V.O.)
French sounds nice, but
it isn't easy to pick up.
END FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
INT. LECTURE THEATER - DAY (1985)
Micheal lectures in CLASS. He poses a question and looks around for volunteers to respond. Most heads are down and he is pleased to see Peter raising his hand.
EXT. PRISON - DAY (1985)
Michael sits along side a GROUP of students including Peter. When an OFFICER (20s) appears, Michael rises and engages the officer smilingly.
PETER (V.O.)
He's a humble person.
The officer's rank can't
be high.
INT. HKU - DAY (2015)
Walking behind Michael, Peter moves forward to engage him.
PETER
Hi Professor, I'm Peter.
Michael looks at Peter, trying to remember who he is.
INT. HKU LAW LIBRARY - (2019)
Bookshelves. Stacks of thick books. Peter sees many by Michael Wilkinson.
RETURN TO PRESENT
WIFE
Many Hong Kong
lawyers have been
taught by him.
PETER (V.0.)
(Nodding)
You, in the early 2000s
and my son in the early
2010s.
WIFE
His last lecture was on
Jan 28, 2019...
PETER
He taught until the end.
WIFE
He enjoyed his work
though.
INT. SLEEPING ROOM - DAY
Waking up, Peter grabs his phone and checks messages.
PETER (V.O.)
Our class chat group
has finally got the news.
They all say "RIP" and
some say he's free.
Can't one rest in peace
and be free before one
ceases to exist in this
world?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)
I'm philosophical again.
I know they're touched
and sympathetic. It's an
emotionally difficult
situation and it's the
the sentiment that
counts.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Working on his computer, Peter types.
PETER (V.O.)
In remembering him,
I'll publish a blog post
featuring him in my
"Memories" website.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
He's a legal educationist.
His works are his legacy.
He derived pleasure in
the job and achieved
perfection his work!
Pausing.
PETER (V,O.) (Cont'd)
I taught law part-time
just for a couple of years.
Many of my works as a
civil servant have been
transformed into
legislative provisions in
the laws of Hong Kong.
Pausing.
Since I learned self-
publishing, I've been
publishing my stuff as
a discipline, believing
that knowledge transfer
aside, it would also
add life to my years!
FADE OUT. The End