A Distinctive Mark
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Oct 25, 2021
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. RESTAURANT - 15:50
Having an eye on his smartphone's screen, PETER is finishing his sliced chicken noodles in soup.
PETER (V.O.): It seems that I'll lose money in stocks today.
Peter taps his Watchlist to see.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While the prices of some stocks that I haven't bought are low, I predict the prices will drop further.
Peter taps his Investmentlist to see.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For the stocks that I've already invested, it's entertaining to see that some of them surging upwards at times.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But if more investors want to sell their stocks than to buy, my total gain will become less. I still have 10 minutes to buy low.
After amending his orders, Peter sees returning messages.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. COURT - 8:45
Entrance. Peter in a black suit appears. STAFF#1 gives directions.
STAFF#1: For lawyers, please walk this way.
PETER (V.O.): The staff can tell by outfit that I'm a lawyer.
INT. OFFICE - 9:00
Reception. STAFF#2 approaches Peter.
STAFF#2: Would you be available in the afternoon if your cases overrun?
PETER: I've a medical appointment.
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM - 10:00
Peter and STAFF#3 are interviewing CLIENTS, taking instructions.
INT. COURT ROOM - 10:30
Bar table. Peter sits with staff#3.
STAFF#3: I saw you walking to court this morning.
PETER (V.O.): But we've only known each other half an hour ago! I must be distinctive - the colour of my hair.
Nodding, Peter points at his hair. Then, the court is in session. Peter submits, but his CLIENT#1 and then CLIENT#2 can't get out from the bars.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): One suspect is an asylum seeker having no fixed abode. The other is charged for raping a young girl.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): At 9:30 today, I've already dealt with a sentencing case. The guilty client was pleased that I had persuaded the court not to impose a compensation order.
As other cases are called and dealt with, Peter looks at the wall clock.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've two more cases to be disposed of. But it's unlikely that they would be called before 1:00pm.
Session adjourned. PEOPLE are leaving. Peter overhears the chatting of those dressed in black in front of him.
SOMEONE: Watching the proceedings is instructive. I know how to defend my case in due course...
PETER (V.O.): To accommodative the demand, the court provides live-video of a court's proceedings outside the court room.
Walking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I come here to prove that I can still do what the young and bright can do, professionally and constructively.
INT. OFFICE - 13:15
Reception. Peter appears and sees Staff#2 waiting.
STAFF#2: Mr Cheung, I'll pass your cases to others to deal with in the afternoon. Many thanks!
PETER: Is that OK? Thank you very much then!
INT. CONSULTATION ROOM - 14:45
Peter is consulting with his family DOCTOR.
DOCTOR: You're taking care of yourself 100%.
PETER: I want to live long.
DOCTOR: Just live well each day.
PETER (V.O.): There's a lot of wisdom.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. RESTAURANT - 16:20
Peter is glued to his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.): The App has done the final calculations of my investment reward today. It was a negative gain. I've lost about 300 bowls of sliced chicken noodles in soup.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's my first daily loss since I've begun investing in stocks. But I've also taken the opportunity to include more companies' shares into my portfolio.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Unknown to the big bosses of businesses around me, I've become one of their shareholders.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's quite like the staff who was watching me this morning. Have I become a distinctive mark - unique, dynamic and memorable?
FADE OUT
THE END
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