Ticking Away
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jul 22, 2025
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 05:45
PETER lies in bed, tossing and turning, Peter glances at the bedside clock.
PETER (V.O.): I need to report the professional task I completed on Saturday to put my colleagues' minds at ease.
Peter glances at the clock again, the minutes drags on.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Tomorrow, I've to head back to my NT home. The piano tuner is coming for the old Yamaha.
Peter stares at the ceiling, thoughts racing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And then, in just two days, the long vacation in Niigata with my wife...
Peter takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing mind.
PETER (V.O.): Just sleep a bit more.
But the anticipation keeps him wide awake.
Act 2
INT. IKEA - 11: 30
Peter wanders through bright, modern aisles, his eyes scanning the various displays.
PETER (V.O.): Whenever I complete a professional assignment, I treat myself to a shopping trip.
Peter stops in front of a section featuring clocks, curious but focused.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That subtle, colourful clock catches my attention.
He envisons the clock at the empty space where the old clock once hung in his NT penthouse.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've already disposed of the old, malfunctioning Doraemon clock since I couldn't repair it.
Peter smiles.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It should complement the wallpaper of the penthouse, creating a harmonious blend of style and warmth.
With a sense of satisfaction, Peter picks up the Korvtrad clock.
INT. STANDARD CHARTERED BANK - 13:00
Carrying the Korvtrad clock in a bag, Peter approaches a TELLER.
PETER: I'd like to withdraw some Yen, please.
The teller nods, processing the request. Soon, the teller hands Peter a stack of Japanese Yen.
PETER (V.O.): Our younger daughter, who aspires to be an artist, needs financial support to pursue her dreams.
After slipping the money into his wallet, Peter turns to leave.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's time for a hearty meal at Pepper Lunch.
INT. PEPPER LUNCH - LATER
Seated and ready to place his order, Peter's mobile phone suddenly rings.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The unknown caller has left a message.
Peter listens to the message.
TELLER (From phone): Mr Cheung, you've left something behind...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, I've forgotten my new clock.
Looking distressed, Peter rushes out.
EXT. STANDARD CHARTERED BANK - CONTINUOUS
Peter steps outside, the weight of the clock in his hands reassuring.
PETER (V.O.): This isn't the first time I left something behind in the bank.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): A few months ago, I withdrew all the Australian dollars I could, but it wasn't enough to support my younger son to pay the flight school. In my haste to get to another bank to buy more, I inadvertently left one of my mobile phones behind.
Smiling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There wasn't any panicking, as I only realized it was missing when I received a call from the other teller.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 15:30
Peter is having some screen time, watching a clip about the adult life of mayflies.
PETER (V.O.): These fasinating creatures live for just a day and accomplish everything they're meant to in that brief time.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The average human life span is about 30,000 days. I estimate I've about 3000 days left to chase my dreams and leave my mark before my time runs out.
After maintaining his Duoling streaks in seven languages, Peter practises some jazz music on piano.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:45
Peter uploads an image of a Korvtrad clock to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): Time doesn't pause; it gently nudges me, encouraging me to embrace every fleeting moment.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life is a clock, and every moment is ticking away - I make each second count.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): From a cosmic perspective, each tick is a whisper from the universe, urging all living beings - from mayflies to humans - to embrace the present moment.
FADE OUT
END
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