Beneath the Surface
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Dec 15, 2023
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
EXT. DEEP WATER BAY - 16:30
Bus stop. PEOPLE waiting. Noise of passing cars. Sitting on a bench, a reflective PETER is having screen time.
PETER (V.O): Embracing wisdom is the takeaway of the day.
FLASHBACK
EXT. STREET - 10:00
Approaching a CRAFTWOMAN in a corner, Peter shows her a pair of shoes which look alright.
PETER: I want to have their outsoles replaced. How much would that cost?
The craftswoman examines the bottom parts of the shoes.
CRAFTSWOMAN: For genuine parts, $800...
PETER (V.O.): It's more expensive than a new pair...
Act 2
INT. RESTAURANT, WAN CHAI - 13:00
Two round tables of CHAMBERMATES. Peter chats with the HEAD.
PETER: Thank you for arranging the lunch party.
HEAD: It's good to get together around X'mas.
CHAMBERMATES#1 and #2 join them.
CHAMBERMATE#1 and #2: We just come to say hello...we've to return to court soon.
HEAD: Order and have something...
CHAMBERMATE#1 and #2: Whenever we've court appearances, we don't have lunch...
PETER (murmuring): So stressful for the young too...
HEAD (to Peter discreetly): Lawyering won't contribute to longevity.
PETER: I'm turning 70. I now treat myself as dead already so that I'd treasure every living moment more.
The Head looks perplexed as plates of food are put on the table.
PETER (Cont'd): Fortunately, my sons are doing well, and my wife is retiring soon.
HEAD: Travel around the world with your wife then.
PETER: Well, I believe I've done all that on my bucket list. I've no regret.
Overhearing Peter's remarks, CHAMBERMATE#3 (70s) intervenes.
CHAMBERMATE#3: But have you thanked all those who have made an impact in your life?
PETER (enlightened): Oh, my slant is primarily self-regarding ...Your other-regarding way is wise!
As chambermate#3 smiles, Peter picks up a piece of roast goose for the Head.
PETER (to Head): This is to thank you for allowing me to join your set of chambers six years ago.
Peter picks up another piece of roast goose for CHAMBERMATE#4 (70s) who sits not close to Peter.
PETER (to Chambermate#4): Allow me to thank you again for facilitating my joining chambers, or I may not have any private practice experience.
Peter then picks up another piece of roast goose for Chambermate#3.
PETER (to Chambermate#3): I've to thank you for identifying my blind spot in really living a life with no regrets!
EXT. DEEP WATER BAY - 15:45
Wearing his swimming brief and a pair of goggles, Peter swims to the outer limit of the swimming area.
PETER (V.O.): My near-sighted goggles enable me to see what is beneath the surface.
Swimming.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I want to avoid any contact with fish or humans.
We follow Peter to see what is beneath the surface.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Actually, I don't know how deep is this bay.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): My relatives in LA have warned me about the danger of swimming in deep waters.
Emerging on the surface.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I know I put my life at risk every time I swim in the sea.
Peter takes a look of the faraway shore.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): It happens when it happens.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
EXT. DEEP WATER BAY - CONTINUOUS
Peter prompts an AI bot in his smartphone to generate a drawing entitled "Beneath the Surface".
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): In stories, there're often complex and hidden aspects.
As an image of a pretty girl appears, Peter presses "Resend".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Looking beneath the surface, I won't let a thing's intrinsic quality escape me.
Repeating.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Thanking others is a powerful way to show appreciation and strengthen relationships, enabling me to live a regret-free life.
FADE OUT
THE END
Comments