Precedence
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 17, 2021
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 06:00
PETER wakes up.
PETER (V.O.): I've slept less than 6 hours again.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe that's nature's design. As one is getting old, one shouldn't sleep away their precious time.
Peter takes off his eye mask.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): It's unlikely that I could sleep more. Searching my mislaid car key takes precedence.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If I can mislay or lose one without knowing it, I can mislay or lose the remaining one.
Peter searches the bedside drawers and under the bed.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've become forgetful. I don't have any clue.
Act 2
INT. SITTING ROOM - 08:30
Having breakfast, Peter checks some Quora notifications.
PETER (V.O.): "Who am I and why I am here?" I asked the same questions when I was 19.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): "Who am I" is an identity issue. To understand "self" epistemologically or to ponder over the nature of identity (its qualities or distinctiveness) can be a rational being's life-long pursuit.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): "Why I am here" is an existential issue. To investigate and think deep of the purpose of existence of the "self", a rational being may be able to satisfy his/her curiosity.
Peter types on his phone.
EXT. GOLD COAST - 11.00-12:00
Grey sky. Peter swims in bay water.
PETER (V.O.): I'm content that there's no shower and the sea is calm.
Having done his routine, Peter takes a selfie at the beach.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've done what I believe may add years to life.
INT. PETER'S NT HOME - 13:00-19:00
Master bedroom 1/F. Peter works like a wallpaper tradesman.
PETER (V.O.): Little by little, my DIY renovation work is progressing.
Taking a rest in a large armchair, Peter looks at the work that he has done.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's raw and basic. But I feel accomplished.
EXT. ROADS - 19:00-20:00
We hear from the car radio: A covid-19 variant is found...It seems that the situation in Hong Kong is getting bad again...
PETER (V.O.): Oh no. I hope the Government wouldn't close the swimming facilities again. Relaxation only began after April Fools' Day.
INT. STUDY - 21:00
Switching on the TV, Peter sees Windsor Castle, green lawn and blue sky.
PETER (V.O.): What a gorgeous day in London. It's Duke of Edinburgh's funeral service.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I first visited Windsor Castle in the 1980s.
Canon salute. We also hear music and a voice over: He selected the music himself.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd: No life is everlasting, even for royals. He has lived a long life.
The image of a white-haired Prince Charles appears.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): His eldest son is already 72.
The image of the Queen appears.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): She's about 95. She'll miss their platinum jubilee.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What are the odds of living to 99?
Peter surfs the web.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): 0.3% for male. 1.1% for female.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): So, for all of those participating in the funeral service, probably only the Queen may live to 99.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The husband she obeys was always two steps behind her.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, the Duke takes precedence for the first and last time.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 24:00
Peter goes to bed.
PETER (V.O.): I'm glad that I've had another delightful day.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My attitude to life is to live it - a simple but gorgeous one.
After dictating his diary on the phone, Peter sleeps.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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