The Chestnut Remedy
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 05:17
Grey, silent light seeps around the edges of the curtains. PETER lies perfectly still on his back, eyes open, staring at the ceiling.
PETER (V.O.): Another hectic day ahead. The remedy is pending.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I always cherish the feeling of accomplishment when the day is done. And I look forward to rewarding myself afterward.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Meanwhile, I wait for the alarm that is 88 minutes away.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I await the start of the day, eager to embark the journey toward its only possible verdict.
Act 2
MONTAGE OF PETER'S ACTIONS DURING THE DAY
A Workplace, Tuen Mun. A state of controlled chaos. Papers and files are spread in meticulous but dense patterns across a large desk. Peter works with his ASSISTANT.
B. Childhood home, Tin Sum. Peter joins his BROTHERS to appraise what they should do next after a recent break-in.
C. Swimming Pool, Yuen Long. Crowded. Peter struggles to swim his way through.
END MONTAGE
EXT. HONG LOK ROAD - 18:45
Peter walks, hands in his pockets, aimless.
PETER (V.O.): The cold air feels good.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've a restless impulse to acquire.
He passes the usual shops.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They lack charm.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've considered buying another headset, but I already purchased one a month ago and another just two weeks ago...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've also considered booking a trip right away, but the delayed experience isn't a direct path to contentment.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): After a period of high stress, I feel I need some primal tangible pleasures.
Then, a sensory assault cuts through his fog - a sharp, rhythmic clack-clack-clack of a metal shovel on a wok.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can also smell sweet, smoky, earthy, caramelizing sugar and roasting nut.
Peter then notices a HAWKER with a kind face tending to a large, blackened wok over a portable heater, frying chestnuts.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Wow!
Peter stops, captivated.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): This is real, This is now.
Pausing
PETER: Can I buy just $20's worth?
HAWKER: But that won't get you many chestnuts. Make it $30, I'll give you more.
The hawker scoops a generous portion into a paper bag.
PETER (V.O.): The upsell isn't an intrusion. It's a service. I gladly accept.
Peter doesn't respond with a yes or no - he simply pays. Then, the hawker hands him the warm, fragrant bag of chestnuts.
PETER : Your roasted chestnut bag is really eye-catching. Would it be alright if I took a picture of it next to your frying wok?
HAWKER: Go ahead!
While the hawker is amused with Peter's silly actions, Peter is thoroughly enjoying himself.
EXT. BUS -19:00
Peter sits in a corner seat at the back of a full bus. He stares at the bag of chestnuts in his lap.
PETER (V.O.): There it is. The object of all that desire. The end of two-day hectic work.
The bus rumbles on. Peter leans his head against the cool glass, closing his eyes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Perhaps, the wanting is the point. The chase. The transaction. The possession is ...a dead end.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 22:00
Peter uploads a photo showing a package of roasted chestnuts being held in front of a smoky cooking wok filled with them to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): The chestnut remedy isn't for hunger. It's the hollow space that opens when all other work is done.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The mind argues. The body pleads. The chestnuts, for a moment, settle the case.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's the only remedy I know that is filed, served, and adjudicated in a single bite.
The END
FADE OUT
Comments