Kaji: Shell of the Family
FADE IN
Act 1
EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - DAY
Smells. The lingering scent of a hundred other dogs.
Sitting on a bench with PETER, KAJI sniffs the air. But he is distracted by Peter's other hand.
KAJI (V.O.): He is opening the turtle bag.
As Peter puts the turtle on the bench, it crawls towards Kaji.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): OMG...it doesn't know I like to hunt.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): It doesn't smell like fear. It smells like vegetables.
The turtle climbs on Kaji's fur as if it's a rock.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's family. I'm patient.
Peter puts the turtle on the ground.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
EXT. WATERFRONT PARK - DAY (Yesterday)
Cloudy. Kaji doesn't take the lead. She follows the PACK LEADER and Peter.
KAJI (V.O.): This is a far park.
Kaji takes a look of the water.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): There's also water in the riverside park.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): We're being worn out together.
Kaji glances at the turtle bag that Peter is carrying.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Only the turtle doesn't have to walk.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): The turtle doesn't fetch or guard. It's basically a pebble with tiny legs.
Kaji looks away.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm very tired.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
The door clicks shut. Exhaustion hangs in the air.
Peter drops the keys. The turtle is back in its bathroom corner. The Pack Leader sits on the sofa. Peter, the massage chair. Kaji stares at Peter.
KAJI (V.O.): It's my favourite spot...
Kaji drops her body on the floor. Peter notices that. He stands up.
PETER: Alright, you take the chair.
Peter gestures to the chair. A grand sweeping motion.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): He offers the chair to me, affectionately.
Kaji gets the cue.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): He's human. He's in charge.
Hesitating.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I think love isn't transactional.
He takes a look at Peter again.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Strength isn't taking - it's knowing when to give.
Kaji hops up. She closes her eyes.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Kaji watches the turtle crawling here and there.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): It doesn't have to be a star to be essential.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, we're family.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): And someday, we'll go to the far park again.
Act 3
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Kaji rests at her favourite spot.
KAJI (V.O.): The shell of the family is rarely the loudest. It doesn't bark for attention or demand for the best seat.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.)(Cont'd): It simply shows up - park after park - bench after bench - and carries what others can't carry alone.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.)(Cont'd): The turtle has a shell on its back. I'm the shell of the family. The shell is made of patience and dedication. It's harder than it looks.
FADE OUT
THE END
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