Golden Reflections
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- May 14, 2024
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
An iPad Mini by his side, PETER touches the red "leave" icon.
PETER (V.O): The Zoom meeting isn't productive. Lost time isn't found again.
Having turned on the background soft rock music, Peter picks up his other handheld devices.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Let me make good use of my precious time.
Peter taps the Duolingo App and practises foreign languages.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I think I can now tell some differences between Portuguese and Spanish, Italian and French.
Then, we hear the intro of the Japanese song: "Oe o Muite, Aruko..."
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Now, I know some characters of the Japanese Hiragana...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): In 2024, I visited Okinawa in Jan, Tokyo, Niigata & Nikko in April, and I'm going to Osaka in June...
Act 2
INT. RESTAUTRANT - 15:00
Peter savours Prawn Dumplings and Noodles in Fish Soup.
PETER (V.O): I try to eat healthy, and I'll go swimming in the sea afterwards
Checking a WhatsApp, Peter smiles.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Stanley likes to send me birthday greeting a day beforehand.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I've been doing voluntary work for HKUST, and Stanley was my former Council colleague.
Peter types on screen:...I'm turning 70...
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Yesterday, I got birthday greeting from my dear friend Dora...She always adds joy to people.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Dora and I first met years ago in Chevening Scholarship function. We're there to share insights with the audience.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Usually, I don't care about my birthday anniversaries. But my imminent 70th one reminds me about what happened 10 years ago.
FLASHBACK
EXT. HONGKONG DISNEYLAND - NIGHT (May 14, 2014)
Peter gets off from a chauffeur-driven white saloon car with the registration no. "AM71".
PETER (V.O): I'm INTA's invited guest. The Grand Finale of INTA's Annual Meeting in Hong Kong is here.
Checking information in hand, Peter enters the theme park.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Unlike previous days, I don't have a particular role to play tonight...
Sighing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm turning 60 in a few hours and am retiring.
Queuing up at a buffet under a drizzle, Peter covers the WOMAN behind him with his umbrella.
PETER: I'm Peter. You work in IP?
WOMAN: No, my boss got an invitation and couldn't come...I know nobody here...
PETER: Let me keep you company then...
After dinner, they explore the enchanting world, take photos for each other and together, and enjoy the fireworks.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Years ago, I tried to reconnect with her, but she had left her position.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): How is she doing now, 10 years on?
Pondering.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I hope she's happy and well. Life has a way of taking people on different paths.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Over 10 years ago, a civil servant friend suggested to me that our "Golden Years" were from age 60 to 70 as we could still move about.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Taking it to heart, I've been travelling monthly since I turned 60, except for some pandemic months.
Act 3
INT. STUDIO - 21:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Golden Reflections" to a draft.
PETER (V.O): "Golden" connotes value, richness and significance. It aligns with my concept of the late stage of my life.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): "Reflections" suggests introspection, contemplation and looking back on the past. I delve into my memories and personal endeavors.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): During the "Golden Years" of my life, I still 've unexpected connections and cherished moments that make me feel appreciated and loved.
FADE OUT
THE END
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