Every Single Year
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jun 27, 2023
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. DINING ROOM - 08:30
PETER and KAJI, the family pet, are sharing one seat.
PETER (V.O.): For the past year, we've been sitting like that at breakfast time.
As the MAID puts bread on the table, the pet looks enthusiastic.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Instead of urging me to come out from the bedroom for the bread, she knows waiting at the dining table is better.
Having taken some bread himself, Peter shares a slice with Kaji.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): And if I don't give it to her, she'd help herself to it now.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): She was born today, seven years ago. She's been with us since she was 6 months old.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Every single year, I'm aware of her difference.
Act 2
INT. SITTING ROOM - 11:30
As Peter sits in the sofa with a banana in his hand, Kaji is quick to join him.
PETER (V.O.): She knows the banana is safe for her to eat,
Unpeeling the banana, Peter cuts a bite-sized piece in his hand. Kaji grabs and swallows it without a sound.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): She used to watching me eating, now she focuses on what's in my hand.
Peter puts more bite-sized pieces in his hand for Kaji.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe she used to wonder if banana peels are edible.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, she knows that they're meant for my skin care.
Peter uses the banana peels to clean his face.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): She doesn't know bananas are nature's botox. Bananas contain ingredients that help eliminate age spots and wrinkles.
Smiling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When she licks my face out of love, she knows how tasty it is.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Way back when, the dogs in my family home were guard dogs.
MONTAGE OF PETER'S FAMILY GUARD DOGS IN THE 1960S
A. Home. "Choi Nui", a black dog with distinctive yellow markings above its eyes, is feeding her puppies.
B. Away from home. "Little Bear", a black dog with a bear-like appearance, is on a frolic of his own.
C. Home/Away from home. "Ruby" a German Shephard is being chained when GUESTS come. Unchained, she wants to sneak out.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): "Choi Nui" was calm and reserved. She was a good mother. She lived to old age.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): "Little Bear" was independent and loyal. On tomb-sweeping days, it led the family. Suddenly, he disappeared.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): "Ruby" was ready to bite strangers and wasn't affectionate with the family. One day, she escaped, ate dirty raw stuff and died days later.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Living in NT, we raised many dogs from 1960s to 2010s. But I can't forget how "Choi Nui". "Little Bear" and "Ruby" made me feel.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Another unforgettable experience was one when I walked the streets of London.
FLASHBACK
EXT. STREETS OF LONDON - NIGHT (2013)
Wet sidewalk. Peter (59) walks past a weary homeless MAN and his loyal dog.
PETER (V.O.): No matter how little money and how few possession one has, having a dog makes one rich.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): But, I've to admit that I feel worse for the homeless man's dog than I do for the homeless man.
END FLASHBACK
Act 3
INT. DINING ROOM - 22:00
Kaji is sitting next to Peter's WIFE, opposite to Peter.
PETER (V.O.): A lot can happen every single year in one's life.
Peter looks into Kaji's eyes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I see a loving living being.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I learn a lot from her about unconditional love. She fills an emptiness we didn't even know we had.
Later, Peter and his wife present a birthday cake to Kaji. Peter's wife blows out the candle...
FADE OUT
THE END
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