Cold Water, Warm Hearts
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 11:30
Cluttered. Smartphone in hand, PETER repeats some Portuguese aloud.
PETER (V.O): Of all the European languages I'm learning, I find Portuguese to be most challenging.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): On the way back to my NT home later, I plan to swim in the Yuen Long Public Swimming Pool. Is it open today?
Peter surfs the web.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, no, it's closed today for routine cleansing.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Should I swim in the Golden Bay? It's pretty cold today.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I don't need to catch a cold before flying out to Hokkaido.
Act 2
EXT. GOLDEN BAY - 14:00
Cloudy. Wearing a wetsuit and goggles, Peter stands on the shore, gazing at the waves.
PETER (V.O): I believe I can handle the cold water, at least for a little while.
Peter wades into the bay water.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Wow, it's very cold, I shouldn't stay too long...
Cutting through the waves.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): All I want is to enhance my well-being, not experience hypothermia.
Later at the changing room. Peter appears, shivering a little.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I can't shake off the cold.
Peter checks his smartphone and sees a WhatsApp message from Ah Chung: Just got out of surgery; gained weight...
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): What are the reasons? Let me ask DeepSeek.
Peter taps DeepSeek on screen, types his prompt and reads the fast response.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Weight gain can be common after surgery ...medication side effects...reduced activity...dietary changes...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's a crucial part of the recovery process. I send supportive messages.
Soon, Peter gets a thank-you emoji.
EXT. PETER'S NT HOME - 15:00
Car park. As Peter tries to start his SMART car, he hears a series of click-click sounds, but the engine stays silent.
PETER (V.O): What's wrong? My attempts will soon drain the battery...Should I tow it to the repair shop?
Peter tries again, but the result is the same.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Let me give it one last try...
Then, the car starts with a loud cough, Peter looks relieved.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm hungry. Let me drive it to the mall.
EXT/INT. MALL - LATER
Car park. With some hesitation, Peter turns off the car engine.
PETER (V.O): I don't know if I can re-start it after my afternoon tea break.
Chain restaurant. Eating junk food, Peter checks an incoming mail with an attachment.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's an update of the Chairman's notes for tomorrow's Committee meeting at HKUST.
Reading.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): For my consideration and comments? The update is perfectly satisfactory.
Peter types his reply: At AOB, I'd add my thanks to Committee Members' and the Secretariat's relentless support.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I really appreciate it.
Soon, Peter gets a Thank-you response.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I believe I've warmed the hearts of the Secretariat.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Anyway, all good things must come to an end, or they wouldn't be considered good.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 21:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "Cold Water, Warm Hearts..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): There's tension between discomfort and emotional warmth.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Cold weather is no match for a warm heart. Likewise, with a well-warmed engine, I restarted my SMART car smoothly and without a hitch.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Even in uncomfortable or challenging situations, positive emotions and supporting connections can thrive.
FADE OUT
THE END
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