Salt, Steel & Letting Go
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 09:05
PETER receives a WhatsApp message from Fatboy.
PETER (V.O.): Good, my Eunos 30X has been repaired, and I can pick it up now.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): This means I can stop for a swim at Golden Bay on my way to my NT home before meeting my contractor at 2pm.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In my NT home, I'd like to see if I can remove the old sofa from the penthouse to the front yard for collection by the management's removal team.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Before heading to Fatboy's garage, let me maintain my Duolingo streaks. I've done a few in the small hours of the morning.
We can hear Peter practising French, Italian and Japanese.
Act 2
EXT. SO KWUN WAT, TUEN MUN - 10:45
Peter is driving his silver Eunos 30X.
PETER (V.O.): The ride is rough and the fuel light is on. I'd head to a nearby service station.
Driving through the built-up neighbourhood.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I was a Land Executive at the Tuen Mun Land Office in1980, this area was under my charge back then, with virgin lands all around.
EXT. SINOPEC PETROL STATION - 10:55
Pumping corner. Peter grabs a tire pump to fill the tires.
PETER (V.O.): The staff was so kind to suggest that I use my earned coupons to pay for the fuel.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): To reciprocate, I bought a car windshield shade and paid cash.
EXT. GOLDEN BAY - 11:15
The sun glistens on the water. Peter strips down to his swim brief, and enters the water.
PETER (V.O.): When I was working in the Tuen Mun Land Office, I was aware of the plans to develop the artificial beaches in this area. In recent years, I've been enjoying them.
We see Peter doing a few butterfly strokes.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): The cure of anything is salt: sweat, tears or the sea.
INT/EXT. PETER'S NT HOME -13:45
Penthouse. Peter gazes at an old four-seater sofa - comprising four separable sections and a detachable corner.
PETER (V.O.): I think I can move them to the front yard. Let me begin with the easy one.
Peter carries the detachable corner section of the sofa to the front yard.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Even with a fee, the management won't enter my house to collect items for disposal.
Peter struggles to maneuver the other sections of the old sofa downstairs.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Physical activity and independence contribute to a vibrant life at any age.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Decay and growth are ultimately two sides or the same coin. Letting go is putting it in a format where I can observe, analyse, and appreciate it.
Later, soon after the CONTRACTOR leaves, the management's removal TEAM arrives. The team HEAD spots Peter's red1989 Nissan 200SX parked nearby.
HEAD: No way - is that a clean Nissan 200SX?
PETER: Yes.
HEAD: That's a beauty.
The team Head then spots Peter's Eunos 30X parked in front of the Nissan.
HEAD: Eunos! Yours too?
PETER: Very few people know about the Eunos brand.
HEAD: Mazda marketed it as its upscale line.
PETER: Yes, it's fun to drive it.
As the Head directs the team to load the old sofa, Peter still chats with him about cars.
PETER (V.O.): They say the Effiel tower looks like steel and lace.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Salt heals. Steel bends. Only fools think holding on is strength
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 21:30
Peter uploads an image showcasing his 1995 Enos 30X and his1989 Nissan 200SX to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): I've been weighed down for far too long. It's time to gradually let go.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I find happiness in small, everyday activities - managing my cars, swimming in the sea and clearing out old clutter.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): A fulfilling life isn't about grand achievements - its about savouring what I love, staying engaged, and finding joy in the process.
FADE OUT
END
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