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Keeping Fit

Writer's picture: Peter K F Cheung SBSPeter K F Cheung SBS
  1. FADE IN.


  2. Act 1


  3. EXT. ROAD - MORNING


  4. PETER in his Previa arrives at a car-testing centre.


  5. PETER (V.O): Yesterday, I needed to use the GPS. Now I know the way.


  6. INT. WAITING ROOM - LATER


  7. Sipping a cup of coffee, Peter observes how the STAFF in the workplace re-parks the cars to work stations.


  8. PETER (V.O.): I don't think there's any problem with my car. It should pass the test again.


  9. Peter then sees his car is being reversed.


  10. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, one of the reverse lamp malfunctions.


  11. Pausing.


  12. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I didn't know about it. I'll fix it right away afterwards.


  13. Peter turns his attention to his phone.


  14. Art 2


  15. INT. WAITING ROOM - CONTINOUS


  16. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me respond to some Quora answer requests.


  17. We see on Peter's phone screen a question: What age did you feel you are not energetic like before?


  18. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Take figure ice-skating as an example, I first learned the skill at the age of 45, I wasn't afraid of falling.


  19. Pausing.


  20. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I relearned the skills at the age of 55, I even took an exam.


  21. Pausing.


  22. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): After passing it, I challenged my limit. Then, I had a bad fall and broke my ankle.


  23. Recalling.


  24. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Several months later, I recovered and went back to the rink. But I wasn't as good as before.


  25. Sighing, Peter types the answer on his phone.


  26. Beat.


  27. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Wow, there're hundreds of viewers within an hour. People are concerned as to what to expect, in due course.


  28. Pausing.


  29. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Okay, the next meaningful answer request.


  30. Scrolling down his phone screen, an answer request catches Peter's attention.


  31. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): How merciless is old age?


  32. As Peter is pondering over the request, a young MECHANIC#1 appears and passes Peter some papers.


  33. MECHANIC: Okay, you can collect your car at the exit.


  34. PETER: Thank you.


  35. PETER (V.O.): He's most kind.


  36. EXT. CAR REPAIRER - AFTERNOON


  37. Peter watches an old MECHANIC#2 replacing a light bulb inside the reverse lamp console.


  38. MECHANIC#2: Done!


  39. PETER: Thank you.


  40. When Peter turns the ignition switch on, we hear some clicking noise, but the engine doesn't start.


  41. Recalling.


  42. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There're similar incidents. But the problem seems to have come and gone.


  43. Peter seeks help from MECHANIC#3 who manages to start the car.


  44. MECHANIC#3: Ignition isn't that steady.


  45. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Something's not right with the ignition system. I believe the fuel filter is clogged, making it hard for the car to burn the fuel it needs to get going.


  46. Pausing.


  47. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When was the last time I did some car maintenance?


  48. Pausing.


  49. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And I've forgotten that my car is 20 years old. I can't expect it to work all the time.


  50. MECHANIC#3: Leave the car behind. We'll do a thorough check.


  51. Act 3.


  52. INT. SITTING ROOM - AFTERNOON


  53. Phone in hand, Peter checks some images and an invoice.


  54. PETER (V.O.): The worn parts have to be replaced. Spare parts are available. Money can solve all the old car's problems.


  55. After typing OK to the message, Peter returns to the answer request.


  56. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For humans, to be able to live to old age is already merciful. Some don't have the privilege.


  57. Reflecting.


  58. PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life is a self-uplifting process. Being in love with the process, including ageing makes life full.


  59. Peter types his answer on the phone.


  60. EXT. ROAD - LATE AFTERNOON


  61. Carrying a bag, Peter walks towards a public swimming pool.


  62. PETER (V.O.): Keeping fit should be my way of life.


  63. FADE OUT.


  64. THE END


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