Water, Life & Love
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Oct 8, 2021
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 11: 35
Getting his umbrella, PETER is going out.
PETER (V.O.): It was good that I had lunch with my visiting friend yesterday. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to have lunch with another friend today.
EXT. STREETS - 11: 45
Pouring rain. Peter hears a phone notification.
PETER (V.O.): The Black Rainstorm Warning has just been issued. I can see the facts right before me.
Peter walks past pockets of water on the pavement carefully.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When Earth was new, rain fell for million years. Water is the driving force of all living things.
Peter checks another phone notification.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My friend is so nice to ask if it's Okay for me to come out. I love to give a little help, if I can.
Act 2
INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT - 12:30 - 14:00
Over lunch, Peter and his FRIEND chat seriously and then happily.
PETER (V.O.): Figuring out how to lead change can be frustrating. Parenting can be dramatic though.
EXT. QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES - 15:00
At the High Block entrance, Peter stops to watch the High Court fountain.
FLASHBACK
EXT. HIGH COURT - DAY (31 August, 1985)
At the fountain. In barrister's outfit, three LADIES and five GENTLEMEN including Peter (31) are having photo session.
PETER (V.O.): We're mature law graduates, winners of Government's Legal Training Scholarships in 1980 and 1981.
END FLASHABACK
PETER (V.O.): We deal with facts in contexts, distinguishing the relevant one from the irrelevant ones. That's basic.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Then, we apply the laws to the facts and opine what is legal or illegal. As professionals in the legal system, we help maintain peace and order, justly.
Peter captures a photo of the fountain before proceeding.
INT. COURT LIBRARY - 15:15 - 17:30
Peter is reading thick books on Probate practice.
PETER (V.O.): An executor of a will takes on the responsibility to administer the deceased estate.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.): As a matter of law, an executor's mandate derives from the testator's will and not from the grant of probate.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As a matter of practice, to apply for a grant of probate is the only way an executor can prove a will.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If it isn't stated so explicitly, people may interpret the false cause as the real cause.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've researched enough, attempting to prove the negative ie something doesn't exist, is a wild goose chase!
INT. STUDY - 19:00 - 21:00
The TV is breaking news about the Nobel Peace Prize award. We hear:...freedom of speech...democracy...lasting peace.
PETER (V.O.): Freedom of speech isn't absolute eg one shouldn't defame others.
On screen, an ANCHOR is interviewing a WOMAN. We hear: ...from shock to disbelief...facts...truth...trust...
PETER (V.O.): I'm shocked and in disbelief too. Isn't she being prosecuted for over half-dozen of libel cases?
From the TV, we hear:...the Committee's recognition...journalism is activism.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, dear.
People researches with his mobile.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Nobel's will says that the prize should be awarded to the person who "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What are the facts that the winners have done in the preceding year of the award?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Without the facts, how can we know the truth and have trust of anything?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Well, I see the strife of interest being masqueraded as a principled decision.
Peter shrugs his shoulders.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - CONTINUOUS
Getting close to the window, Peter takes a look of the estate swimming pool downstairs.
PETER (V.O.): The pool is closed. I'll do some indoor exercises then.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Without water, there's no life. With life, we need love. Water, life and love are one.
FADE OUT
THE END
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