Old Dogs, New Latte Arts
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- May 21
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 22:00
Focusing on his laptop, PETER types intently.
PETER (V.O.): There's a common saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks".
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The saying implies that people (especially older ones) resist change or can't learn new skills.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But dogs are loyal, resilient and adaptable.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): These traits reflects the characters of my friends and me.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): At lunch today, I had the pleasure of reuniting with five friends I've known for over 15 years,
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. TOWN CLUB, CENTRAL - 12:00 (Today)
Elegant. Six GENTLEMEN are engaged in lively conversation over lunch.
CHONG: Let me start by updating overyone on what I've been doing since my retirement.
PETER (V.O): Over15 years ago, when we're at the CEO level, we met monthly.
CHONG (Cont'd): I've been focusing on my social work projects, specifically coaching the elderly on proper exercise techniques.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Although we stay connected in our chat group, we meet infrequently.
PETER: I'm eligible to participate in your voluntary service...
PETER (Cont'd): I've three daily routines: learning seven languages, swimming, and writing a screenplay.
GENTLEMEN: Seven languages?
PETER: Using the Duolingo app makes it feel like a game!
CHONG: Yes!
The other gentlemen immediately started downloading the app.
ARIEL: Where do you go swimming?
PETER (V.O.): Today, we gathered because Ariel, who now lives in Sydney, is in town.
PETER: I mostly drive to Silverstrand or Golden Bay in my 1989 Nissan 200SX.
CHONG: I've been driving an EV for many years, and I find myself missing the sounds of a combustion engine.
ALFRED: It's enjoyable to drive across the border these days.
STEPHEN: I'm considering using the dental service across the border, as I've heard that everything, including the experience, is superb.
STEPHEN (Cont'd: My book has been well received and I've been sharing my managemet insights with senors.
MAURICE: I've been exchanging ideas on F&B projects, I had a discussion before I came and will have another one after lunch.
ARIEL: I've taken up gardening, in my our backyard, I've grown a large melon!
Ariel proudly shares a picture of the large melon with everyone.
ALFRED: I'm taking a course to learn how to make coffee professionally.
Everyone listens with curiosity.
ALFRED (Cont'd): I'm learning brewing, milk and frothing techniques including Latte Arts.
Alfred uses hand gestures to illustrate the techniques.
ALFRED (Cont'd): I use a steam wand to heat the milk while incorporating air, creating microfoam.
Alfred continues to use hand gestures to illustrate the techniques.
ALFRED (Cont'd): I aim for a hot temperature for optimal sweetness without scalding.
PETER: Have you learnt how to create designs that elevate the coffee experience?
ALFRED: Not yet, but I plan to open a coffee shop after I graduate.
Maurice shakes his head sideways.
MAURICE: Significant investments are requred for trade dress and equipment, making it challenging to make good profits.
Alfred appears disillusioned.
PETER: Incidentally, please remember that you and your spouse are invited to my daughter's wedding bankquet in Hong Kong this Nov.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "Old Dogs, New Latte Arts..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): There are three stages of life: milk, foam and art. My friends and I are adding the final touches now.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Our life experience makes better foam than any machine ever could.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Old friends are like expresso - stronger with pressure.
FADE OUT
END
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