Clay Pot Rice
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jan 12, 2021
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - MORNING
PETER is unpacking a parcel.
PETER (V.O.): I received this from the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration.
Having seen two publications and a note, Peter takes a photo of them.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The sender must be interested to know if they're in my hands.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): From the terrace of my NT home, I can see the Shenzhen's skyscrapers. But since late 2019, I haven't gone to the Mainland.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The pandemic distances societies but makes family members closer.
On WeChat, Peter sends the photo and types a message.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me go and buy takeaway lunchboxes for me and my younger son.
Act 2
INT. MALL - LATER
At a fast food restaurant, Peter is checking the menu on display.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, all the clay pot rice sets are sold out. What time is it?
Peter checks its phone clock.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's just 1:15pm.
Peter goes a floor up to another fast food restaurant.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Ok, there's no paradox of choices - just one clay pot rice choice is available.
Peter does his orders at the Cashier.
PETER (to CASHIER): Two clay pot rice to takeaway, with the pots.
CASHIER: $110 please.
Peter taps the Octopus device with his mini-green card.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Something is obviously missing to have clay pot rice in a foam box.
At the takeaway section, Peter is presented with two nicely-folded carton boxes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): These parcels are literally warm.
Having taken a photo of his takeaways, Peter leaves the restaurant happily.
INT. DINING ROOM - LATER
As Peter puts food on the table, Peter's younger SON unpacks it. Kaji, the family pet, is already sitting in a chair and wants to sniff it. SON deters her swiftly.
SON: Oh no! The clay pot may burn your nose!
As Peter is enjoying lunch with his son, he discovers something from his phone.
PETER: An important mail has gone to my mail junk box...What date is today?
SON: 12th.
PETER: Good. I've a Zoom meeting at 2.30pm today.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.): Originally, I planned to find a repair stall to fix some electronics after lunch. That can wait.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If I didn't go back to my NT home yesterday and left it till today, I might have missed the Zoom meeting or would feel bad that I couldn't go.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, act timely relentlessly.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
As Peter enters, his WIFE is about to leave.
PETER: Where are you going?
WIFE: My Mom is now in the A&E.
PETER: What's wrong?
WIFE: Might be a mild stroke.
PETER: Let me drive you there.
EXT. ROADS - NIGHT
Driving his wife, Peter follows the hospital sign.
PETER: At the A&E, you can see your Mom, right?
WIFE: The arrangement is one for one. Only one person can accompany the patient.
Pausing.
WIFE: It appears that no visit is permitted in the ward.
His wife gets off at the A&E of a hospital.
Act 3
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Peter is talking to his SON while having hot pot alone.
PETER: Do you think grandma is okay?
SON: She can still talk...
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
Music in the background.
PETER (V.O.): Since last January, seeing each other or having a meal together can be difficult.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But this is life. If we want rainbow, we've to put up with the rain.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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