Healthy or Unhealthy
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 10:30
PETER strolls through his Facebook feed, pausing at a clip of a comedian catches his eye.
PETER (V.O.): He looks serious. What topic would he delve into?
We hear: In life, there're two things to worry about: Whether you're healthy or unhealthy?
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's true.
We continue to hear: If you're healthy, there's nothing to worry about. But if you're unhealthy, there're two things to worry about: whether you'd get better or worse.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's natural
We continue to hear: If you'd get better, there's nothing to worry about, but if you'd get worse, there're two things to worry about: whether you'd go to heaven or to hell...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Ha ha, the comedian is playing on the two things to worry about.
We continue to hear: If you'd go to heaven, there's nothing to worry about...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He's smart, using humour to explore what truly matters.
Act 2
EXT. SILVERSTRAND BAY- 11:30
Sunny. As Peter arrives, he notices a WOMAN at the beach gazing at the horizon.
PETER (V.O.): The view is captivating, and a swim in the water should make one healthy.
In his swimming briefs and goggles, Peter glides effortlessly toward the floating platforms, cutting through the water with methodical strokes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I swim every day as if it's a sacred ritual.
Swimming.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I know if I don't priortize my health, I'll inevitably have to make time for illness.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Attitude is what I can control.
INT. STUDY - 15:00
Scattered papers. Peter is decluttering.
PETER (V.O.): These papers evidence all that I've done as a barrister.
Tearing the papers into shreds, Peter tosses them into garbage bags.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The comedian's insight has inspired me to act without further hesitation.
Gazing at the shreds.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I feel that decluttering the papers is like freeing my mind.
Peter turns on the TV to watch a documentary about the making of the Beatles' album: "Rubber Soul".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I just keep what adds value or joy, and release the rest without guilt.
We hear on TV about the creation of the song "We Can Work It Out".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Did they have to worry about finances or relationships?
INT. RESTAURANT, HKMA CLUBHOUSE - 19:45
Cosy. Peter's SON and DAUGHTER-IN-LAW are hosting a birthday dinner for both Peter and his WIFE.
SON: What's the one insight from 71 years?
PETER: The key insight is that my only concern should be whether I'm healthy or unhealthy.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): Yesterday, I visited my doctor, and my health data readings were excellent.
Pausing.
PETER: (Cont'd): Since other concerns are secondary, I've focused significantly on decluttering.
SON & DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Excellent!
They raise their glasses and toast: Cheers!
PETER (to son): I should add that when I was your age, I focused entirely on my career.
Later, a basket of buns with lotus seed paste is placed on the table.
PETER (Cont'd): I love these buns...
Peter's daughter-in-law looks both delighted and curious.
PETER (Cont'd): Each time I enjoy one, it reminds me of my secondary school days as a part-time waiter in a restaurant in Lau Fau Shan.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): In my day, hard work created opportunities, but now it seems that even working smart leads to nowhere.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 22:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "Healthy or Unhealthy..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): I'm reasonably healthy and have nothing to worry about. If I'm unhealthy, I won't be worrying long.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Health enables - or negates - all other pursuits such as power and glory. Success without presence is void.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Healthy or unhealthy has become the mantra for auditing my life.
FADE OUT
END
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