A Sudden Urgency
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 07:45
The sun streams through the window, casting a warm glow. Suddenly, a loud bark echoes through the room. PETER wakes up in bed.
PETER: Alright, I get it. Breakfast is ready.
Peter glances at KAJI, the family pet.
PETER (V.O.): You're such a good breakfast alarm.
Peter gets out of bed.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My wife takes her eating experiences very seriously.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While travelling in Japan weeks ago, we indulged in an abundance of sashimi, especially sea urchins on Rebun Island and in Wakkanai.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): We also savoured a generous amount of Wagu yakiniku and enjoyed several delicious crab meals.
Act 2
INT. BEDROOM - 12:30
Afternoon light filters through the thick curtains. Peter sits up in bed, engaged in learning German and then Portuguese through the Duolingo app on his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.): I went swimming in Clear Water Bay before completing my routine of learning foreign languages.
After completing his routine, Peter leans back, a satisfied smile on his face. He sets his smartphone down beside him.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): See if I can have a nap.
Suddenly, Peter bolts upright, a wave of discomfort washing over him.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What's wrong with me?
Peter shifts restlessly, clutching his stomach.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe I'm in fairly good health.
INT. BATHROOM - 14:30
Peter sits on the toilet. His face is a mask of confusion and discomfort.
PETER (V.O.): The initial relief is normal.
As he touches his stomach, Peter hears his wife talking to him from the outside.
WIFE: When shall we set off?
PETER: I feel a series of vicious twists in my gut.
WIFE: What have you eaten?
PETER: Baked escargots and baked scallops in my favourite restaurant about an hour and a half ago.
Peter breathes deeply and then sound from the toilet changes.
PETER (V.O.): OMG, it's become a sudden, violent watery rush.
Peter's eyes widen, and he stays there.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've become the prisoner of my own body.
Later, Peter checks the time on his smartphone: 15:15.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The cramps are subsiding and the urgent pressure has vanished.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me wait for another 15 minutes.
Waiting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Nothing.
Peter stands up, slowly.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I feel...fine. The pain is completely gone.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Peter speaks to his wife.
PETER: We can go now. The storm has passed as quickly as it arrived.
WIFE: But time is tight. Our pet's hairdressing appointment is scheduled at 5pm and you want to return to your chambers to pick up something.
PETER: We need to make the most of our time.
EXT. ROADS - LATER
Peter navigates through traffic jams with his wife and Kaji in the car
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:30
Peter uploads a photo showcasing the Clear Water Bay's Second Beach to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): A sudden urgency is nature's most effective - and least polite - interruption.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): A sudden urgency passes. The lesson it leaves behind - on humility, on the fragility of plans, or the raw power of nature - often remains.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can't stop the sudden urgencies of life, but I can choose whether to let them become crises or merely interruptions.
FADE OUT
END
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