The Constant Moon
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - 22:00
The moon hangs full and luminous in the sky. PETER and his WIFE walk KAJI - the family pet. They share a small lantern, even though the park lights are bright.
PETER (V.O.): Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. The lantern, like the full moon, is the guilding light.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The tradition of carrying lanterns, symbolising reunion of families, is a cultural heritage.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The lantern is an artistic creation. When I was a young boy, I enjoyed making my own lanterns.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Apart from creating the festive atmosphere, the lanterns complement the full moon, which is celebrated for its beauty and symbolism of abundance.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've an idea.
Act 2
EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - CONTINUOUS
Peter positions the lantern strategically, angling it to shield the harsh lights around him.
PETER (V.O.): That's perfect.
Peter raises his smartphone, focusing on the faraway full moon through the lantern's glow. Peter captures several images.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, the distant moon and the lantern in my hand create a striking contrast.
Peter examines the images.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's the brightest I've seen for a while.
Peter compares the images.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I think I can incorporate one as an insert in my docudrama.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's the same moon, the same feelings.
FLASHBACK
EXT. GARDEN, PETER'S FAMILY HOME - NIGHT (1979)
Peter (25) and SHARON (23) host a barbecue party for RELATIVES and FRIENDS.
PETER (V.O.): We've just got married.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I chose to get married on Mid-Autumn Festival since the Marriage Registry is open, and the following day is a public holiday.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Working and studying at the same time, I don't want to take any leave.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Marrying on a festive day means we can celebrate our anniversaries with double happiness.
Peter glances at relatives and friends.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They understand that we can't afford a wedding banquet, and we're grateful that they've embraced the barbecue party as a substitute.
Peter gazes at the full moon in the cloudless sky.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's our witness. Every year, on our day, it'll be this full, this bright.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I wish we'll always be this happy. Doubly happy.
END FLASHBACK
The present-day sounds and sights of the park return.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): We're doubly happy until the summer of 1992, when Sharon passed away.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The moon is just...the moon. It didn't stop the cancer. It didn't keep her here.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): During Mid-Autumn festivals, I try to remember my younger days when I made lanterns - those memories bring me joy.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The constant moon has seen it all, my joy, my grief...
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 23:00
Peter uploads an image, depicting part of a lantern facing the bright full moon to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): My strength isn't that I never fell apart. It's that I learned how to put myself back together by a different light.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Be like the moon: Constant in my journey, but forgiving of my phases.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My love to my dear ones isn't a fleeting flash of lightning. It's the constant moon - always present whenever they look up.
FADE OUT
END
Comments