More Alive
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jan 8, 2022
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. SITTING ROOM - LATE MORNING
Smartphone in hand, PETER is reading an answer request from a Quoran.
PETER (V.O.): How to figure out one's goals in life?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): An unexamined life isn't worth living. Just think deep why we're here.
Peter types on the screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My wife and I will join a gathering for the first time.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For decades, my wife focused on taking care of her Mum who passed away last year.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, she can refocus, and me too.
Act 2
SEQUENCE OF PETER'S GATHERING EXPERIENCE
A. 15.15. Estate exit. Peter and his wife arrive in their 8-seater car to pick up a MOTHER (92) and a FATHER (91), who are being assisted by SON#1 and SON#2.
B. 15: 45. Hotel restaurant. They sit in a table for six. The other three tables of six are occupied by other RELATIVES.
C. 15:50. Having settled down, Peter and his wife begin to chat with relatives.
D. 16:15. Banquet begins. Peter's wife and Son#1 sitting close to Mother and Father help them cut food into small bits.
E. 17:15. Near the glass panel, Peter and BOY#1(6) and BOY#2 (4) interact energetically.
F. 17: 45. Steamed Peach-shaped Buns and other desserts are being served.
G.18:00. Politely monitored by STAFF, all guests rise to leave.
H. 1815. Hotel lobby. STAFF#1 takes a few group photos for the party.
END SEQUENCE
EXT. STREETS OF TSUEN WAN - 19:15
Peter is driving. His wife acts as the navigator.
PETER: Oh, I recognise this street! When I was working in a dyeing factory nearby in 1971, I came here for lunch.
Peter makes a turn.
PETER (Cont'd): When I first worked as Housing Assistant in 1974, I came here to take mini-bus to go up to Kwai Shing Estate.
Peter makes another turn.
PETER(Cont'd): Can you see the plaza? We had many late dinners in a restaurant up there in 1993.
Peter stops at a traffic jam.
PETER(Cont'd): There're so many cars here now. I used to wait you here without causing any inconvenience to other road users.
Peter's wife nods.
PETER (V.O.): When I played with the boys at the banquet, they called me "Gong Gong".
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Later, they called me "Uncle". I believe they're corrected by their Mom.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Weeks ago, a kid also addressed me as "Gong Gong."
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd):I think for kids, they judge that those having white hair are old. For men, they'd address them as "Gong Gong".
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I asked them to sing a Happy Birthday song to "Grandma". I made a mistake. She's their Great Grandma!
Smiling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My state of mind on age is at least one generation behind.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I like to think that I've been so engaged in living my life that I've forgotten my age.
EXT. ESTATE - 19:45
Roadside. Peter and his wife check out several bags from the car.
PETER: Oh, some many gifts, as if we won't meet again in the Chinese New Year.
WIFE: You never know if Omicron cases may grow exponentially.
PETER: True.
Act 3
INT. SITTING ROOM - 23:00
Peter and his wife are watching TV.
PETER (V.O.): Today's gathering was very enjoyable. We hadn't chatted with relatives in person for a long time.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Talking and eating together, we've become more thoughtful and hopeful.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Gathering has its magic power. It makes us feel more alive without skipping a few beats.
THE END.
FADE OUT
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