COVID Is In the Air
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Mar 4, 2022
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. MALL#1 - 11:15
Boutique optical shop. Sitting opposite to a young OPTICIAN with optical instruments between them, PETER is having an eye testing.
PETER (V.O.): The optician's job can be a hazardous one during the pandemic.
Peter recites numerals with some hesitation.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I had a pair of glasses made in 2018 and I've never used it.
Peter answers the optician's questions.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Days ago, I frequented the mall to buy some phone accessories. Then, the optical shopkeeper welcomed me to visit his shop.
The optician is busy in changing spectacle lens and in jotting notes.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): As I had never used my Elderly Health Care Vouchers, I thought I might use some to help boost the economy.
Peter signs a document.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I'm wearing double face masks and my recent COVID-19 test was negative.
Act 2
INT. MALL#1 - 11: 45
Leaving the optical shop, Peter had eye-contact with a PASSER-BY.
PETER: Hi! Maurice!
MAURICE: Oh! Peter!
PETER: Many thanks for your recent facilitation!
MAURICE: I can't actually help...
PETER: But your facilitation has brought hope...
They continues their warm exchanges for awhile before parting.
PETER (V.O.): It's really great I can meet up with a good friend in person. We haven't met since the start of the pandemic.
INT. HOME - 13:00
Peter chats with his WIFE.
PETER: I've just got a brief to appear in court next Tuesday. And I need to study the files in the Prosecutor's Office.
WIFE: Well, many court-related personnel have got COVID...
PETER: I even plan to have lunch in my favourite restaurant near the court house...
WIFE: Just take care.
INT. MALL#2 - 14:00
Having recorded his visit via his smartphone, Peter enters.
PETER (V.O.): I come to give some support.
Walking past some closed shops, Peter stops at one.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): This is it.
Sighing. Peter then goes to one that is still open. He sits just next to an opened door.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Good ventilation might minimize the infection risk.
Having done his order, Peter checks a What'sApp message.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Oh, there's an unconfirmed report that courts will close from next Monday onwards.
INT. PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - 15:00
Peter is studying some files.
PETER (V.O.): Since I'm in the vicinity, I might as well come in to check it out.
Later, an OFFICER comes to chat with Peter.
OFFICER: Subject to confirmation, it's unlikely that the court would be in session from next week.
PETER: Yes, I've also heard about the possible 5-week adjournment.
EXT. ROADS - 16:00
Walking past a tree, Peter stops to watch the leaves. Then, he captures a photo.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): The image is full of light and colour. I don't need better lens.
Wondering.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Would nature know COVID is in the air?
Act 3
EXT. MOBILE STALL - 17:00
Peter buys some papayas from a HAWKER.
PETER (V.O.): I help boost the economy, anytime.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Life is full of pain and suffering, twists and turns.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Instead of stepping up to deal with it, our staying home is the best policy.
FADE OUT
THE END
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