FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. MTR CABIN - DAY
Standing, PETER researches with his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.): I might pick up something on my way to court.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've updated my knowledge about other offences defendants may be convicted for unlawful trafficking in dangerous drugs and the tariffs.
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM#1 - LATER
Peter and his ASSISTANT meet with CLIENTS.
PETER (V.O.): Good. My preparation and the opportunities meet.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've every sympathy for them as they're being remanded in custody on New Year's Eve.
Act 2
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM#2 - LATER
Peter and his assistant are in conversation with a MOTHER and a SOCIAL WORKER.
PETER (V.O.): The mother needs the social worker's support.
Peter continues to elaborate to them.
SOCIAL WORKER: Will you follow through with this case?
The assistant shakes his head sideways.
PETER: I'm just on duty today.
PETER (Cont'd): But I'm going to tell the Magistrate you two are in court.
EXT. STREETS - DAY
Walking, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.): None of the bail applications during the review process succeeded as there isn't any material change of circumstances.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Raising the bail money is already a hurdle. If they've the money, they might not have committed the offences.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Some of them didn't even have an address. How would the court grant bail?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Moreover, the offences they're charged are serious ones. If convicted, severe punishments are likely.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They might have the catch-me-if-you-can mindset. But when they're caught, they don't want to be in custody.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They've reserved their rights for further reviews. Despite their struggle, it's unlikely that they'd succeed.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): One client pleaded guilty to shoplifting. Despite my mitigation, my client was sentenced to five months imprisonment.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): On a similar previous conviction my client was sentenced to seven months imprisonment.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My client said the reason for theft was hunger.
Arriving in a restaurant, Peter steps inside.
EXT. APLIU STREET - DAY
A big flea market retailing all sorts of electronic or electrical items, new or used merchandise.
PETER (V.O.): Getting out from the restaurant, I got lost and bumped into here.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Visiting this street was my late Dad's favourite pastime.
Strolling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He had very little money to spend.
Strolling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He was a very ruly and creative person too. I'm following his footsteps.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Freedom is like oxygen for the soul, but it isn't absolute.
Act 3
EXT. BUS - DAY
Sitting on the upper deck, Peter is having screen time.
PETER (V.O.): New Year's Eve isn't a public holiday. But there isn't stock trading in the afternoon.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The same for HKU library service.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Year end isn't any end or beginning. It's simply a going on.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Year end is great, if we reflect on what value we've added in the past 365 days.
THE END.
FADE OUT
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