Back to the Basics
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 9, 2021
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY
Sitting on a sofa, PETER is typing on his phone.
PETER (V.O.): A boring 14-year old Quoran living in the country is asking me what's something fun that he can do?
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I was 14, I explored ways to find some pocket money. I did private tuition and worked as an occasional labourer.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I also listened to and sang a lot of hit songs; and I tried to figure out how to play the guitar.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life was subsistent. Basically, I did anything that I might add some value.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That was then.
Peter checks his younger son's room before leaving.
Act 2
INT. RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Peter is alone. Having had Fish-ball Noodles in Soup, Peter consumes Red Bean Soup.
PETER (V.O.): I don't mind having such basic stuff every day.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My younger son should be having a good time with his girlfriend.
INT. CHAMBERS - LATER
Documents in hand, Peter chats with the SECRETARIES.
PETER (V.O.): I've got my papers and given my instructions.
INT. COURT LIBRARY - LATER
Peter is reading a thin book.
PETER (V.O.): I've been practising in the non-refoulement field for 3 years. It's only now that I discover a book about it.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While there're lots of complicated particulars, the structure and the concept of the Unified Screening Mechanism can be very simple.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There's no harm for me go back to the basics so that I won't miss anything.
INT. HKU LAW LIBRARY - LATER
Peter is checking books on shelves.
PETER (V.O.): When I was studying law here, there're very few books on Hong Kong law.
Checking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, there're Hong Kong law books nearly in every legal field.
Checking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I couldn't find the one on non-refoulement that I've just read in the court library.
A book catches Peter's attention.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've never read this one: Pleadings Without Tears.
Checking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): No doubt, it's first published in 1990. I've graduated for 5 years already.
Then another relatively new book catches Peter's attention.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe this one is seldom borrowed.
We see the book title: Legal Thought and Philosophy.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Very few law students would read it. But this is what I love to learn.
Using a library card, Peter helps himself in borrowing the books at a smart machine.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As an alumni, I feel good to use HKU's library facilities.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - NIGHT
Restaurant. Occupying a table for two, Peter and his WIFE are having dinner.
PETER (V.O.): Our children have grown up. We go back to the basics.
Supermarket. Carrying loaded bags, Peter and his wife leave.
PETER: Although we can't travel, we've bought a lot of imported stuff.
Stationary. Passing by a section, they see expensive pens on display.
PETER: They look elegant. Are you interested in buying one?
WIFE: I'm not interested in pens. You buy.
PETER: Well, I can afford that. But the ball pens I use to earn my fees cost $1 each.
Act 3
INT. MTR - LATER
Peter isn't slow to take a vacant seat.
PETER (V.O.): I'm not young anymore.
Peter takes a look of his borrowed books.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): One way to stay on top of something is to go back to the basics to reinforce the foundation.
INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Entering Peter and his wife. Peter deposits the items they bought on a table.
PETER (V.O.): Everything in life goes back to the basics.
Peter grabs his borrowed books to the study.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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