Embracing Idleness?
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 14, 2021
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
EXT. ROADS - 10:30
Stopping his car in front of traffic lights, PETER pushes and holds a switch. The car's sunroof opens expressly.
PETER (V.O.): Great! I tried the same yesterday. It was stuck. Now, the result is different!
Fresh air enters the car's passenger compartment.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): The last time the sunroof was open should be over 10 years ago.
Peter checks the mileage on the dashboard.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I bought the car in 2002. Its mileage now is just around 35,000 km.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I left the car idle most of the time. It had a delayed ignition problem and malfunctioned electronic switches. For the past couple of months, I've made it diligent.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I need to wait this morning and it's timely that it's working again!
Act 2
EXT. ROADSIDE - 10:45-12:00
With all the car windows open, Peter waits.
PETER (V.O.): Let me see what interesting questions Quorans would pose to me...
Tapping his phone notifications, Peter reads.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Should idleness be embraced rather than rejected?
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Idleness is about one having the ability to carry out some activities one is obliged to do, but one is disinclined to do so because of the effort involved.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If idleness is embraced, fewer people would create and deliver value to the world at the right time, making the world less sustainable.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Failing to exercise due diligence and to act timely have already become the root of many governance problems and disgrace.
Peter then types on his phone.
INT. KITCHEN - 14:30
Listening to music, Peter is enjoying Fish Ball Noodles in Soup and then Red Bean Sweet Soup.
PETER (V.O.): Unlike yesterday, I'm not in a hurry this afternoon.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But my plan is to work on the new assignment shortly.
INT. STUDY - 15:00
Sitting on a sofa, Peter researches with his smart phone for awhile and then stops.
PETER (V.O.): I don't know why I feel so sleepy now. I'm disinclined to do anything.
Lying on the sofa, Peter dozes off.
PETER'S DREAMY SEQUENCES
A. Momentarily, Peter sees lamp lights.
B. Momentarily, Peter hears the TV, breaking stories.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Waking up, Peter checks the time.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, it's half past five in the afternoon already!
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Was I just too tired? I've never been that idle.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Diligence is the mother of all good fortune.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 18:00-19:30
Peter grabs his devices, papers and files.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I had better begin what I set out to do.
Peter works and works.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I've gained insight in my new assignment.
INT. SWIMMING POOL - 19:45 - 21:15
Peter swims leisurely.
PETER (V.O.): While I've left my cars idle for years, I've rejected idleness of my mind and body.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yesterday, I felt exhausted while swimming. Today, I feel refreshing.
EXT. ROADS - 21:30
Crossing a traffic light junction, Peter walks towards an estate.
PETER (V.O.): Upon reflection, embracing idleness is OK, if it's just for awhile.
Peter smiles.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Comments