Navigating Negativity
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 18:30
As PETER emerges from the corridor, he spots Kaji, the family pet, perched in her carrier cot.
PETER (V.O.): You've just had a walk in the park.
Kaji turns her head to gaze at Peter.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can read your expression: Why you couldn't join us like you used to?
Peter reaches out to pet Kaji's head affectionately.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Humans also need space - there're human relationships remain beyond your understanding.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Dogs are inherently loyal, but when a human remains loyal to another narcisistic individual, it can be toxic.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I wholeheartedly love your pack leader, but she has been under the influence of a narcisistic individual...
Act 2
FLASHBACK
EXT. YEOJWACHEON STREAM, JINHAE - 15:00 (25 March 2025)
Twelve PEOPLE gather on a bridge, where KONG and MAGGIE engage in a lively conversation with Peter and his WIFE.
KONG: You might want to keep an eye on your husband.
Peter's WIFE: I'm very open-minded and am completely fine with him seeing other people.
PETER (V.O.): That's not good news to me...
Peter observes the body languages of those around him.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Is my wife telling our relatives that she doesn't care about me at all?
EXT. JEHWANGSAN PARK - 15:45
A tour coach carrying the group comes to a halt. The GUIDE speaks.
GUIDE: From up there in the Park, you can catch a glimpse of the sea.
KONG & MAGGIE: We'd rather stay in the coach.
At 16:30, we spot the rest of the group using the Park's toilets before returning to the coach.
GUIDE: The next sight-seeing spot is an hour's drive away.
KONG: I'd better go to the toilet first.
As there aren't public toilets nearby, we see the Guide asking shopkeepers for Kong's convenience. Maggie remains in place.
EXT. ROADS TO HAEUNDAE - 18:45
After navigating through traffic jams, the coach finally comes to a stop. The guide, Peter and a few relatives hurry out. Kong and Maggie stay seated.
PETER (to Guide): Are there any public toilets here? I can tell Maggie is desperate; she hasn't used the restroom since lunch.
GUIDE: No. Wouldn't you all like to chase the cherry blossoms?
PETER: How can we do that in these circumstances? We'd better head straight to the restauarant.
As Peter boards the coach, he hears someone say loud and clear from behind: You're the one who's really desperate!
PETER (V.O.): Oh, I feel as though I've been stabbed in the back!
Sitting at the rear row, Peter struggles to hold back his outbourts.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I know Maggie; she accommodates the host's convenience. As the host, I need to take care of her too.
Peter's face flushes with embarrassment.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yet now, someone is criticizing me for being selfish. It's surprising that someone assumes such a dominant role.
INT. MIPO-JIB HAEUNDAE - 19:00
As the group arrives, Peter sees Maggie heading toward the restrooms, her expression clearly one of discomfort.
PETER (V.O.): During one long drive in Qingdao in 1996, I was so desperate that I urged the coach driver to stop so that I could urinate in public - after all, I'm a man.
INT. LOTTE HOTEL - O3:00 (26 March, 2025)
Sharing a room with his younger SON, who sleeps soundly, Peter is awake.
PETER (V.O.): It's hard to quiet my racing thoughts, especially when my wife is sharing a room with that someone.
Peter types a message and concludes it with: from your husband who truly loves you.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I hope that someone isn't my wife's emotional spouse.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 20:15
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "Navigating Negativity..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): In the storm of negativity, I find my anchor in positivity and equip myself with resilience.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Every wave of negativity can be a lesson in strength if I learn to ride it.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): To navigate negativity is to chart a course toward inner peace amidst chaos.
FADE OUT
END
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