Mapping Memories
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jul 30, 2024
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 20:50
Sitting in a sofa, PETER is watching Paris 2024 on TV.
PETER (V.O): Well, it's the gold metal badge competition on table tennis mixed doubles.
Daydreaming.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): When I was 12, I had the passion to play table tennis...What if...
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Due to my jet lag and the support of Hong Kong participants in Paris 2024, I stayed awake in the small hours of the morning.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Waking up after 11:00 today, I've no inclination to do anything except to follow what's happening in Paris.
KAJI, the family pet, joins Peter and begins to lick his face.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
EXT. STREETS - EVENING (Today)
A corner. Accompanied by Kaji, Peter checks a message on his mobile.
PETER (V.O): Oh, Danny has sent me a message?
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He was my former intern - a very diligent one.
We follow Peter to read the message: ...I was researching for restaurants in Strasbourg and guess what I saw...your review of Maison Kammerzell!...
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Yes, Maison Kammerzell, a Strasbourg restaurant that the rich and famous go.
As Peter taps his account in Google Maps, we see on screen: Your contribution has 108M views.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Since 2017, I've been writing reviews and posting photos on Google Maps.
Tapping "See contributions", Peter flips through his reviews.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Apart from helping others, they help me keep track of the places I've visited.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): In my recent trip to France, the city I wanted to visit the most wasn't Paris, but Strasbourg.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): In July,1987, I was studying human rights at the International Institute of Human Rights.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I couldn't recall the venues where I learned and lived; and I've long lost my French connections.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): While my wife was a first timer in Strasbourg, I didn't feel any different either.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I can't map out how the brain's chemical patterns store memories.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): After having a tea break at Maison Kammerzell, we decided to have a brief visit of the Council of Europe before we left Strasbourg.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I could still remember my visit of the Council in 1987 and the takeaway message ie Strasbourg is at the crossroads of Europe.
While Peter is typing his reply, his WIFE appears to reclaim Kaji.
WIFE: Finish your typing and rejoin me. I want to go home to watch another Paris 2024 event.
PETER (V.O): Yes, the last time Paris played host of the Games was 100 years ago.
Later, Peter's attention is suddenly drawn to a blind MAN whose cane has been knocked out of his hand by a non-observant PASSER-BY.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh dear...
Peter quickly steps over and picks up the cane, handing it to the blind man.
PETER: Here you go.
The blind man nods in appreciation, and Peter watches him continue his way.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm still out and about, without much constraint.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Mapping Memories..." to a draft.
PETER (V.O): I've been documenting my experiences and recollections via Google Maps and my websites, among other social media.
Watching the game.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Via modern digital activities, I map my past, preserving them in the present.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): While I find fulfillment in sharing my insight with others, I also appreciate my ability to continue exploring the world.
We hear the Chinese national anthem is being played on TV.
FADE OUT
THE END
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