Why Can't We Be Together?
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM/CORRIDOR - 22:30
The room is also lit by the glow of a laptop. PETER hits a key with a decisive finality.
The sound of an email swooshing away.
He leans back, rubbing his eyes, glancing at the clock on the top of the piano.
PETER (V.O.): It typically takes me three hours to write a 2-3 minute short screenplay. However, my mind is currently consumed with the details and arguments for the hearing this coming Monday.
Peter shakes his head.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That should justify my need for a break from my usual routine of screenplay writing.
Peter pushes back from the desk, the chair creaking. He walks out the quiet apartment, past the common corridor and enters another apartment.
Act 2
INT. ANOTHER LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Quiet. His WIFE is surrounded by Korean language textbooks. She looks up.
PETER: I'm here to provide you the spiritual support you've provided me.
WIFE: I still have several lessons to review. My exam is scheduled for 9:30 am tomorrow.
Then, his wife sets down her pen. Her expression changes.
WIFE: I got some news today...
Peter looks at her, sensing the shift in tone.
WIFE (Cont'd): B-girl passed away.
PETER: B-girl? Our witness? How?
WIFE: I don't have the details yet. Just that it happened. She was only a few months older than me.
Peter nods slowly. He looks away, out the dark window, then slumps into a sofa opposite her.
PETER: People die. I'll die too.
Peter stands up.
PETER (Cont'd): I'd finish my diary. Get some rest early.
INT. BEDROOM -23:05
Peter lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. He shifts, trying to find a comfortable position.
PETER (V.O.): Sleep doesn't come.
He turns on his side. A small shape stirs. It's KAJI, the family pet. Peter absently strokes her fur. After some rhythmic petting, his eyes finally grow heavy. He sleeps.
DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. UNKNOWN PLACE - DAY (DREAM)
A mysterious place, yet bursting with life.
Peter meets SHARON (36). They look at each other with familiar loving eyes.
PETER (V.O.): Sharon looks reasonably well.
PETER: I want to share how vividly I cherish our romantic moments, especially our first date in April 1974.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): I can still picture us enjoying a cup of milk in that shabby little cafe in Kam Tin.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): I was telling you I was leaving Pak Kau. Quiting teaching to join civil service.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): I was 19 and you're just 18. And we wondered if we'd ever cross paths again, knowing we'd no longer be teaching colleagues.
Then a man, GREG (40s, artistic), approaches them, observing with a warm smile.
GREG: I can't help but notice...the two of you. The way you're together. Would you like me to arrange a photo session for the two of you?
Peter looks at Sharon, his heart full.
PETER: That would be...wonderful.
GREG: Alright, let me arrange that for you. Please wait...
Peter looks at Sharon. A sudden, sharp question pierces his joy.
PETER (V.O.): Why? Why are we separated? If this is real, if this feeling is real...why can't we be together?
The dream flickers. Sharon's image wavers, like a reflection in disturbed water. Peter's expression turns to one of frustration.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 06:35
Peter's eyes open, The morning light is grey. His wife is now asleep beside him, breathing softly. Peter sits up, reaching for his phone.
PETER (V.O.): I must document this.
He begins to type on screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Sharon died in 1992. But this morning, she was as real as me. More real than the case. More meaningful!
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I had a colourful dream. And it was a gift.
He pauses, looking at the sleeping form of his wife. A small consoled smile touches his lips.
The END
FADE OUT
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