Significant Milestones
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jul 8, 2024
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BOARD ROOM, HKUST - 09:25
Sitting among MEMBERS, PETER taps the Duolingo app on his mobile.
PETER (V.O): I even want to practise just five minutes before time. No...
SOMEONE begins to make a presentation.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I need to issue a legal opinion today. I've thought about sending my apologies. But it's not my style.
EXT. SILVERSTRAND BAY - 12:30
A picturesque slice of paradise. Peter swims in the calm and clear waters.
PETER (V.O): Exposing my body to mineral-rich saltwater should help strengthen my immune system.
EXT. SILVERSTRAND CAR PARK - 13:15
A wet-haired Peter checks his mobile and sees messages.
PETER (V.O): They're from my instructing solicitors. Well, there's a draft letter for my comments...It's dated today.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. STUDY - DAY (Last Friday)
Peter checks a string of mails and attachments.
PETER (V.O): I've now got all the factual information of the case...
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In context, it's desirable that I'd produce my legal opinion by Monday.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): If I don't work on Saturday and Sunday, there isn't a chance I can satisfy myself professionally.
MONTAGE OF PETER'S ACTIVITIES TWO DAYS AGO
A. Study. Researching with his mobile, Peter jots notes.
B. Park. Walking the dog with his WIFE, Peter is in thoughts.
C. Restaurant. Over dinner with his wife, Peter researches with his mobile.
D. Bedroom. Peter drafts something in his laptop.
END MONTAGE
INT. STUDY - 13:48
Having opened his laptop, Peter types a WhatsApp message on his mobile: I'll let you have my legal opinion by 4pm.
PETER (V.O): I haven't finished drafting the legal opinion yet.
Typing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I've already done thorough legal research and careful analysis.
Then, Peter notices incoming messages with images.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, they're from my elder son and daughter-in-law. They're joining their friend's wedding in France.
Peter types his response.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My wife and I will fly to France too, after our Thursday Korean class.
Then, Peter sees another incoming message with images.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, it's from my elder daughter in Seoul!
We see images of a very happy couple on screen.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): They've just filed their application to the Marriage Registry in Seoul.
Staring at the images.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm so very happy! I must send my hearty congratulations right away! How to write them in Korean?
Having researched and typed in Korean, Peter sends his congratulations.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I hate writing this legal opinion now, but I've to deliver my promise.
Peter re-focuses on his task at hand.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 21:00
We hear Peter practising Italian with the Duolingo app.
PETER (V.O): This is the last foreign language daily quest I want to complete today.
Thinking.
PETER (Cont'd): I can never make it to my milestones if I can't make it through the mundane moments.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 22:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Significant Milestones..." to a draft.
PETER (V.O): Moments are individual experiences that occur in one's life. Their accumulation can be significant. Professionally, I'm still relevant.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The happy lives of my elder son and daughter-in-law, and of my elder daughter and son-in-law are significant milestones in my family's journey.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): That my wife and I are learning Korean together now are our significant relationship and developmental milestones.
FADE OUT
THE END
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