The Notes That Fled
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 17:30
Messy. Filled with souvenirs and books. PETER sits thoughtfully at a Kawai upright piano, his hands hovering over the keys.
PETER (V.O.): No...that's not it. Was it Eb? Or...?
Peter sighs, rubs his temples.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me try a different piece.
We hear a hopeful melody begin, only to come to an abrupt stop.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Sixteen days in Japan...feels like 16 years away from my own fingers.
Peter stares at his hands after another failed attempt.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Where did they go? The notes that fled took my music with them.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The Upright Yamaha in Heneda...
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. VILLA FONTAINE, HENEDA - 14: 00 (6 August, 2025)
Hallway. Bustling sound. Peter and his WIFE are pushing their luggage ahead of them. An upright piano draws Peter's attention.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, it's a Yamaha, pretty elegant.
Then, Peter sees a tasteful sign: Feel Free to Play.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My debut public piano performance took place on Oct 3, 2024 at the Titorri Airport.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The vibrant grand piano featured intricate Detective Conan designs, captivating all who saw it.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I couldn't resist the urge to try it, and I played "A Summer Place".
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As a stranger recorded me, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I played, earning her praise in the process.
Peter pauses to set down his luggage, sits at the piano, and plays a few notes while watching his wife continue to push hers toward the hotel.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, we need to deposit my luggage first.
Peter stands, picks up his luggage, casting one long look at the piano as he chases his wife.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The piano sounds far better than my Yamaha bought in the 1970s. Has it been overhauled?
FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
INT. PETER'S NT HOME - 14:30 (22 July 2025)
Sound of piano keys being struck methodically. A TUNER works inside the Yamaha piano, adjusting pins, listening critically to each note he plays.
PETER (V.O.): Although my wife and I are flying out to Japan tomorrow, I'm anxious to have it tuned and inspected.
TUNER: There...the low F is stubborn.
PETER: Yes, it refuses to play.
The tuner applies oil to the key joints.
TUNER: I'm not sure if it'll work or how long it'll last.
PETER: Please do your best as this piano has sentimental value to me.
TUNER: If that's the case, you may consider overhauling it since it's very old.
PETER: How much... how long?
TUNER: It'll be expensive as the overhaul work takes months to complete.
PETER: Let me have a quote to consider.
END FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Days ago, I got the quote.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While the overhaul would cost $61,500, it will take 4-5 months to source the parts and an additional 2-3 months to complete the work.
Sighing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'd confirm the quote if I win the Mark 6 lottery.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 22:00
Peter uploads an image of a Yamaha piano to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): The notes that fled are right there...on the tip of my fingers, the edge of my mind.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The true mark of a musician isn't never forgetting a note. It's finding the will to play on, even when haunted by the notes that fled.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life isn't found only in the grand crescendo. It's in the pursuit of the notes that fled, and the courage to play again after the silence.
FADE OUT
END
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