Kaji: The Great Provider
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. HOME - AFTERNOON
The sky is grey outside. KAJI sits at perfect attention. Her ears are perked forward. Her eyes fix on the PACK LEADER who holds a large bone-shaped treat.
PACK LEADER: For being a good girl.
KAJI (V.O.): This is a big treat.
The Pack Leader places the treat on the floor before Kaji.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's permission.
Kaji delicately picks it up and begins to consume it in a corner. As she is finishing, she watches the Pack Leader pick up a bag and PETER pats his pocket.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, they're going out, without me.
The front door opens. Then it clicks shut.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): This is uncharacteristic, but it must be of importance. And I got my event treat.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. HOME - MORNING (Earlier)
Grey, wet sky. Kaji waits at the front door. Peter returns holding a bag.
KAJI (V.O.): Let me check...it's a loaf of bread!
They take their seats at the dining table. Peter tears off a big piece and holds it out.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Thank you.
Kaji takes it gently from his fingers.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's soft and warm.
Kaji eats it.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): He had to go out in the danger to get the bread. He's brave.
Peter offers her another piece and Kaji takes it readily.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): But... he didn't make the bread. I saw him go out for it. So who...
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Who prepared the bread during the storm?
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): The one who prepared the bread must be stronger than the wind and rain.
FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT (Earlier)
Rain lashes against the windowpane like a thousand tiny paws scrabbling to get in. Wind howls, a deep mourning sound.
KAJI (V.O.): The storm is terrifying. A very angry sky is fighting our home.
Kaji is burrowed deep under the covers with Peter.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I need Peter's protection.
END FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): S/he must have known we're hungry. S/he is the great provider.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): The great provider prepares in silence. S/he works while we sleep. The great provider is never late, even when we're afraid.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd):I've never seen the great provider's face, But I've tasted his or her work.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Kaji is now pacing. She walks to the front door. She puts her nose on the crack.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Nothing.
The darkness deepens.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's been a long time....the rain is back...the sky is angry again...And I'm home alone.
She springs up onto the sofa, pressing herself into the cushions.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've no Peter to snuggle. I've no bread.
Kaji curls into a tight ball, her nose tucked under her tail.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd):A single tremble is running through my body.
Act 3
INT. HOME - NIGHT
It's completely dark.Suddenly, a sound. A key in the lock. Kaji's head snaps up, her ears point forward. She races to the front door, The door swings open. She leaps at the Pack Leader.
PETER: She's very happy that we're home.
KAJI (V.O.): Fear is bearable where shared, but overwhelming in solitude.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.)(Cont'd): Everyday mundane acts of sharing are the invisible threads that hold relationship together.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.)(Cont'd): The safe return of loved ones is the real prize I'm always waiting for.
FADE OUT
THE END
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