FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 0:00 - 1:00
In bed, Peter's listening to radio. We hear: ...the final hour of the final show...
PETER (V.O.): It's Uncle Ray's last show, ending at 1.00am on May 15, 2021
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It was 7 years ago today I turned 60 and ceased active civil service.
We hear guests chatting with Uncle Ray.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Once in a while, I would dial in and make a request.
We hear Uncle Ray reporting the weather before the time check.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I rang 2338 8266 soon after his final show began. I was excited that my line was connected - 4 times - but no one picked up my calls. And then the line became busy.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've tried.
INT. SITTING ROOM - MORNING
Peter types on his phone.
PETER (V.O.): Since Summer 2019, I've become pretty active in Quora. My answers have so far attracted over 6.9 million views.
Peter continues to type.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): This is one of my ways to capture and deliver value to all.
Peter checks other incoming phone messages.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, friends have sent me Happy Birthday wishes. Their wishes make me happy.
Pausing
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As to how to stay healthy, I swim each day to make myself a priority.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I won't go to the beach today. I'd just swim in the estate swimming pool, saving the inconvenience and the travelling time.
EXT. SWIMMING POOL - AFTERNOON
Rather crowded. Peter is swimming.
PETER (V.O.): This pool reopened on May 1. Before that, I swam in a nearby public swimming pool. It reopened after April Fools day.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Sometimes, there're long queues and bumping into one another wasn't unexpected.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But it was still better than not having the swimming facilities.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I jogged for months before that and got knee pain.
Peter does backstrokes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Before the pandemic, I travelled at least once a month. I'm glad that I've made over 70 trips in a row.
Peter does a few butterfly strokes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Then I treated my study as a 1st class plane cabin. And for the past couple of months, I've taken my staycations in my NT home.
Peter leaves.
INT. STUDY - LATER
Peter is watching a French film.
PETER (V.O.): The last time I visited France was Summer of 2014.
Watching.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Some of the scenes aren't unfamiliar to me.
Then we hear from the TV set:...It all began on May 15...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What a co-incidence! I bought the DVD months ago and didn't have the time and mood to watch it. And today....
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Peter is having dinner with FAMILY.
PETER (V.O.): My elder daughter sent me her good wishes in the afternoon.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm looking forward to our skype communication after dinner.
Later, the FAMILY reunites via the web.
PETER (To screen): The last time we met was Chinese New Year Day...
DAUGHTER (On screen): I'm keeping all my options open...Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea...
PETER: Yes, focus on the positive, treat any obstacles as temporary setback...
Act 3
NT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
As family members take turns to talk to the screen, a birthday cake is put on the table.
WIFE: Make a wish!
PETER: I wish I can work for another 30 years!
WIFE: Good! Good for the family!
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Peter is in bed.
PETER (V.O.): Having worked for 40 years with government, I retired. Then, I had a few years on a frolic of my own. Since 2017, I've been in private practice.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Uncle Ray is 30 years my senior in age. I really hope that I could having the privilege to work for another 30 years.
FADE OUT.
THE END
May 15
Updated: May 17, 2021
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