FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 08:30
Kneeling on the floor, PETER is doing abdominal exercise.
PETER (V.O.): A fortnight ago, I discovered an easy way to gain stomach muscle.
Exercising.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I know it'd take months for me to notice the change.
INT. STUDY - 10:00
In the Quora App, Peter reads an answer request: How can one form the habit of a daily routine?
PETER (V.O.): Be motivated to start, and be committed to keeping it.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While it's easy for me, it may be hard for others.
Act 2
EXT. ESTATE PARK - 14:00
Dotted with plants and trees. Peter is jogging along a track.
PETER (V.O.): Before the re-opening of swimming pools and beaches, I can only have outdoor exercises here.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm careful as I might get shin splints.
Peter looks around.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I bought a flat nearby 30 years ago, this park was brand new.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Small trees have become big ones.
SEQUENCE OF PETER'S MEMORIES ON TREES (1960 - 1976)
A. 1960. Seeing a sprout from a dirt, Peter (7) transplants it inside the family garden.
B. 1962 - 1968. As the sapling has turned into a mature tree, Peter (8-14) climbs on it.
C. 1968. Peter (14) plays the guitar and sings the song "Evergreen Tree".
D. 1974. In a guitar lesson, Peter (20) teaches STUDENTS to play and sing "Sweetheart Tree".
E. 1976. Peter (22) observes that the tree's bark is falling off, there's a rot and it's leaning.
END SEQUENCE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I miss the tree I planted, the first song I played the guitar and the first song I taught others.
Peter jogs towards a mall.
INT. KITCHEN - 14:30
Peter is enjoying Char Kway Teow.
PETER (V.O.): Having done my routines, I'd reward myself.
INT. STUDY - 15:00
Smart phone in hand, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.): Let me use the simile "From Seeds to Trees" to inspire the Quoran to form a habit of daily routine.
Peter taps his Google Photos App.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've captured many tree photos.
Having compared the images, Peter selects one.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): This one is particularly good. It was taken in Tokyo in Jan 2020.
Pondering.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The winter trees look like me - some have become bony and some are still green.
Typing on screen, Peter reflects.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Seeds grow with no sound, and then they struggle to reach the light.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Not different from me. I never forget my struggle.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When the time comes, a tree will fall with loud sounds.
Act 3
INT. SITTING ROOM - 22:30
Peter and his WIFE are watching TV news.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, a Hong Kong star has fallen.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When one becomes less positive, just look at the trees.
INT. BEDROOM - 23:30
In bed, Peter is watching video clips. After an harmonica intro, we hear Cliff Richard singing: Oh Darling, will our love grow like an evergreen tree? Stay evergreen and young, as the seasons go...
PETER (Singing): They say there's a tree in the forest. A tree that will give you a sign. Come along with me, to the Sweet Heart tree. Come and carve your name next to mine...
FADE OUT
THE END
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