It's 2023
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jan 1, 2023
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. HOTEL ROOM - 00:45
In bed, PETER checks Happy New Year greetings on phone screen.
PETER (V.O.): Now is 2023, let me also send my very good wishes.
Searching YouTube, Peter finds his song "Very Good Wishes".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Years ago, I dreamt of the melodic verses and managed to record them after waking up. I added the chorus.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As to the lyrics "adding years to life" and "adding life to years", I got the inspiration from Dr Lam.
Tapping the "arrow" button, Peter listens to his song.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, I like the beat machine sounds more, as they sound like a clock ticking.
Act 2
INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We hear Peter singing: In the new year, I wish you healthy, adding years to life. In the new year, I wish you merry, adding life to years.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Dr Lam has been monitoring my health since I turned 60, offering me a hand to add years to my life and life to my years.
MONTAGE OF PETER'S ROUTINES
A. Bedroom. Peter does morning exercises.
B. Park. Peter jogs.
C. Swimming pool/bay. Peter swims.
D. Study/studio. Peter works on files or creates works.
E. HKUST. Doing voluntary work, Peter engages COLLEAGUES.
F. Home/restaurant. Peter engages his FAMILY and FRIENDS.
G. Bedroom. Peter writes diaries.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I accept Dr Lam's help wholeheartedly. I enjoy consulting him. He's a very good doctor.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Although "years to life" and "life to years" don't rhyme, I hope those listening would reflect on the meanings.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And I use "merry" primarily because a friend of mine is called "Merry". "Merry" is a behavour descriptor, while "happy" is an inner condition.
We hear Peter singing: Enjoy the days and the weeks; enjoy the months and the years.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The way to be grateful for every moment we have is to enjoy it by having an adaptive mindset.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While the lyrics don't rhyme, they reflect the sequence of operational time. There's neither replaying nor rewinding.
We hear Peter singing: Feel like you're just at 17, be young and fresh as the year.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): One day in 1971, I was 17. I planned for some years later. And then some years came and gone. And now it's 2023.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): How to do it again? Be young and fresh as the new year. I find inspiration when I see morning dew.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life is like dancing on the edges of time as the morning dew on the tip of a leaf.
As Peter looks around, we hear him singing: My very good wishes to you.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, my wishes are more than casual ones. They're my very good ones from heart.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While words won't make wishes come true, I believe all have the potential and quality to turn them into reality.
Looking very tired, Peter tries to sleep.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - 09:30
Having screen time, Peter sends more of his "Very best wishes" to reciprocate other's New Year greetings.
PETER (V.O.): My song isn't new, but my very good wishes are.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But would those I care unleash their ability to make them come true?
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 22:00
Listening to oldies, Peter types on his laptop.
'PETER (V.O.): I was so pleased to hear earlier my elder son's consideration of joining my wife and I to Seoul and a friend's remark that I've good potential in songwriting.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What's happening to me and my family, I've a deep sense of flourishing.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What I'm feeling isn't a fleeting pleasurable emotion but an optimal state of being.
Peter whistles.
THE END
FADE OUT
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