No Leagues
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jun 21, 2022
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. KENNEDY TOWN COMMUNITY COMPLEX - 15:58
Entrance. Having cleared the pandemic control, a masked PETER walks towards the lift lobby.
PETER (V.O.): I believe the man who was in front of me should have taken any waiting lift up.
Arriving, Peter sees a lift with the door open. Entering, Peter sees the MAN checking the buttons - nos. 10, 12, 13 & 14 are lighted up.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I go to the Dental Clinic on the 10/F.
Peter presses the "Door Close" button, and the door closes.
MAN: Oh, the button is there!
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He has tried three buttons in a column without success.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yesterday at the Families Clinic, when my number was called, I went to the wrong room. Are we in the same league?
On 10/F, the man gets out. Peter captures an image of the remaining lighted-up buttons before leaving.
Act 2
INT. KENNEDY TOWN DENTAL CLINIC - 16:00
Reception. A card and an I/D in hand, Peter waits for the man in front to complete the attendance formality.
FLASHBACK
INT. HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL - 08:00 (2003)
Canteen. Peter (49) is having a breakfast meeting with his COLLEAGUES#1-4 from Mainland China.
PETER (V.O.): They feel so out of league here. They've asked me to brief them every morning about the gist of study materials that we should read before lectures.
In a lecture theatre later. In the presence of a PROFESSOR (70s), Peter is presenting to the CLASS at the podium.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I enjoy public speaking. I'm out of my league here.
In a foyer later. Peter gathers with his Mainland Chinese colleagues.
COLLEAGUE#1: Just then, Peter has brought glory to the country! You all should follow Peter's example!
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): After graduation, he became the Minister of Commerce of China.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I remained the Deputy Director of Intellectual Property in Hong Kong, China for many years.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): We weren't in the same league.
INT. KENNEDY TOWN DENTAL CLINIC - 14:03
Dental room. Having presented a card and a declaration to a NURSE in PPE, Peter sits in the dental chair of the dental engine.
NURSE: Take off your face mask.
PETER: Yes.
PETER (V.O.): How stupid am I!
Having seen Peter rinsing his mouth with a cup of coloured liquid, a DENTIST in PPE examines Peter's teeth, gums and oral tissues.
DENTIST: Okay, I'll polish your teeth, remove plague, tartar and stains.
Peter immediately opens his mouth wide.
DENTIST: Half-open and half close would be fine.
PETER: Ah.
PETER (V.O.): The first time I hear such a caring instruction.
DENTIST: If deemed necessary, breathe through your nose; and you may raise your left hand if you need a break.
PETER: Ah.
PETER (V.O.): So compassionate. Another first!
While the Dentist is giving him dental treatment, Peter looks at her eyes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But that doesn't distract my pain and suffering.
Peter shows terrible facial expressions.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My gag reflex is getting exaggerated too.
DENTIST: Nearly done now!...Done!
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What a relief!
Exhaling deeply, Peter follows the Nurse's advice to rinse his mouth. He sees blood and water.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The dental profession is way out of my league.
Act 3
INT. KENNEDY TOWN COMMUNITY COMPLEX - 16: 15
Peter checks the time.
PETER (V.O.): Suffering is a very long moment.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I've thanked the dental team sincerely. They protect my teeth and reinforce my oral hygiene.
Getting inside a lift, Peter presses the "G" button and then the "Door Close" button.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The man and I aren't in the same league. Actually, there're no leagues. We just keep our humanity differently.
THE END
FADE OUT
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