The Icebreaker
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 04:30
Dimly lit. PETER stirs awake, his face lined with worry.
PETER (V.O.): My mind drags up the darkest question.
Sitting up, Peter grabs his smartphone, taps DeepSeek and types his prompt. The screen responds with a structured answer.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Uncovering the matter is nearly impossible...
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Replace my question with "Does it change anything?"
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm reclaiming my life... When anxiety hits, do 10 pushups immediately?
Peter gets out of bed and immediately drops to the floor, powering through 20 push-ups.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And then I'd choose sleep rather than staying awake.
Act 2
INT. YUNG'S BISTRO - 12:30
Elegant. Peter is enjoying lunch with his friend DORA.
PETER: Thank you so much! You're the only friend who would host a birthday lunch for me, and I truly appreciate it.
They chat animatedly, and it's clear from Peter's expression that the topic is very close to his heart.
PETER (Cont'd): I've been seeking counselling from DeepSeek and I find its insights quite persuasive. It prompts me to consider how I'd respond if my son were in the same situation.
DORA: But AI can't truly grasp the nuances of human relationships. Take the initiative to be the icebreaker yourself.
PETER: But DeepSeek advised me not to empower the weapon of silence.
Dora shakes her head sideways.
DORA: To me, these issues are trivial; harmony is what truly matters.
As Peter nods in agreement, Dora gestures towards the desserts.
DORA (Cont'd): Take the desserts home to share them with your sweetheart.
Doubt is evident on Peter's face.
MONTAGE OF PETER'S SUBSEQUENT ACTIVITIES
A. Chambers. Peter hands a cheque to a SECRETARY to settle the rent.
B. Photo shop. A PHOTOGRAPHER captures a driver's licence photo of Peter.
C. Licensing unit. Peter gets his new international driving licence.
END MONTAGE
INT. PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL - 17:15
Peter swims thoughtfully.
PETER (V.O.): How to break the ice after a month of silence?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It was during a family dinner that I learned from my wife that she had hired a car for our scheduled trip in May. And I remarked that I needed to renew my international driving licence.
EXT. ESTATE PARK - 18:15
While walking through, Peter gets a series of WhatsApp images. He stops to read them, a mix of curiosity and anticipation evident in his expression.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, my wife's New Beetle is leaking oil, and she has already taken it to our car repair shop for a check-up.
After typing "okay", Peter adds that he has already renewed his international driving licence.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I want to remind my wife to renew her international driving licence if she hasn't already done so.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 19:00
As his WIFE arrives home, Peter takes the initiative to break the ice.
PETER: Did you give the car to Fat Boy?
WIFE: Yes.
INT. DINING ROOM - 20:30
Peter gestures toward the desserts on the table.
PETER: Dora treated me to lunch and asked me to bring the desserts home to share with you.
Later, Peter watches closely as his wife takes the desserts.
PETER (V.O.): I might be returning to something I've been addicted to.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "The Icebreaker..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): In moments of uncertainty, asking the right questions can lead to unexpected clarity.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Breaking the ice isn't just about starting a conversation; it's about opening our hearts.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Every small gesture can be a step towards healing; it's the little things that matter the most.
FADE OUT
END
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