FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 23:00
Serene ambiance. Before a laptop, PETER checks his fingers.
PETER (V.O.): It's only yesterday that I knew I had been suffering from smartphone neuropathy.
We follow Peter to inspect closely the skin along the sides of his left hand index finger and pinky.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): They're less flushed now. Hopefully, the inflamation caused by repetitive strain has lessened.
We see obvious swellings in the joints of both fingers.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): They're very pronounced, especially when I was travelling in Japan last week.
Following Peter to inspect his right hand fingers, we see a thick and reddish pinky.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): It doesn't look as bad as my left hand ones. Anyhow, I feel the discomfort and pain in them.
Peter then uses the right hand index finger to feel the thumb.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I feel a little pain in the thumb too, although it looks normal.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. CONSULTATION ROOM - 14:30 (Nov 3, 2023)
Peter is consulting his DOCTOR.
DOCTOR: Having less screen time should be good for you.
PETER (V.O.): It's hard to cut down on screen time. A smartphone isn't just a tool of communication, I learn and get work done via it.
INT. STUDIO - 17:00 (Nov 10, 2023)
Having tuned a 12-string acoustic guitar, Peter uses his left hand fingers to press down on strings to play chords.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, a sharp pain shoots through my fingers!
Peter checks his finger tips.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, the coins are gone.
Peter takes a look of the Clavinova nearby.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I haven't played guitar for quite a while.
Peter puts the guitar aside.
EXT. NIKKO TO KAWAGUCHI - DAY (Nov 15, 2023)
Travelling on train or bus, Peter holds onto his smartphone for directions.
PETER (V.O.): I need to check where to change and which terminal to board the next train or bus.
Later, having seen the Autumn foliage in Momji Corridor, Peter connects his smartphone with a charger and holds onto both in his left hand.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Oh, a sharp pain is shooting through my index finger!
Using his right hand to hold onto his gadgets, Peter examines his left hand fingers.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Why the skin and joints of my index finger and pinky are swelling in red?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I must have held onto my smartphone in an awkward postion with the fingers for an excessive period of time.
Checking his smartphone and charger in his right hand.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I give my left hand fingers a break then.
INT. DORMY INN, IKEBUKURO - 23:30
Hot spring. Peter submerges his hands near the spring.
PETER (V.O.): It's hotter. I hope the heat can relieve my finger pain quick.
EXT. ST. STEPHEN'S BAY - 11:30 (Today)
Sunny. Lying on the beach sand, Peter dips his hands into the warm sand.
PETER (V.O.): It's quite soothing.
Picking up some dry sweet gum tree spiky balls from the sand, Peter uses them to massage his swollen fingers.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Such a targeted approach should have a good outcome, although it's painful.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I deserve that.
INT. KITCHEN - 17:00
We see Peter applying ice to his swollen fingers.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. STUDY - CONTINUOUS
Having stretched his fingers, Peter hits the keyboard.
PETER (V.O.): I didn't recognize signs of smartphone neuropathy as I hadn't educated myself about the health impacts of prolonged smartphone use.
Peter stares at an AI drawing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's "Fingers in Flux" in context. To reduce strain and promote healing of my fingers, I explore various strategies to adapt to my conditions.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Instead of managing the adverse consequences, I should have struck a balance between digital engagement and my overall well-being beforehand.
FADE OUT
THE END
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