FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 07:00
Soft light filters through the curtains. Awaking, PETER glances at the clock.
PETER (V.O): I need to officiate a key HKUST event at 10.am.
Peter sits up slowly.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I must give Alfred my full attention from noon till 1pm.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): If I wait until the break...No, too risky. What about sneaking out after the first session?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I seldom do that. But my heart pulls me toward the Tung Wah Hospital.
Peter looks determined.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. TUNG WAH HOSPITAL - 17:05 (Yesterday)
Ward. ALFRED, frail and resting in bed, lies surrounded by monitors. Peter, in protective gears, rushes to his side.
PETER: Alfred, it's Peter...
Alfred's gaze at Peter sharpens, lifting his left hand slowly.
PETER (Cont'd): We haven't been in touch for over 20 years...I missed you very much.
As Peter takes Alfred's hand, their eyes are filled with tears.
PETER (V.O.): Alfred can't believe it's me.
Alfred attempts to speak, but only garble sounds escape his lips.
PETER (Cont'd): Don't worry...I was under the impression that you're doing well...I hesitated to re-engage...
Alfred gestures his understanding.
PETER (Cont;d): At a reception last night, I Iearned from your daughter that you've been hospitalized...
Alfred's WIFE appears, noticing Peter and Alfred are in each other's hands.
PETER (V.O): I feel the weight of 27 years melting away. More importantly, our bond of friendship trenscends the years apart.
PETER: What has happened to Alfred?
Alfred's wife tells the story calmly. Later, when Peter leaves, Alfred stares at him with hopeful eyes.
PETER (Cont'd): I'll see you tomorrow, around noon!
RETURN TO PRESENT
INT. TUNG WAH HOSPITAL - 12:15
As Peter approaches Alfred's bedside, he sees two WOMEN standing on one side.
PETER: Hi Alfred, you're lookng good today.
As Alfred smiles, Peter instroduces himself to the women.
PETER: I'm Peter, Alfred's old friend.
WOMEN: We're his younger sisters. You must be his very good friend. We didn't see him smiling until now.
As the sisters excuse themselves, Alfred's wife appears.
PETER: What did the doctor say about the way forward...
As Alfred's wife speaks, we feel the gravity of her words. Later, when Peter leaves, Alfred stares at him with hopeful eyes.
PETER (Cont'd): I'll see you tomorrow.
INT. SUN YAT-SEN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL - 13:45
Massaging his neck, Peter enters into the water.
PETER (V.O): After leaving here yesterday afternoon, I kicked something while crosing a road. It almost caused me to trip and fall forward.
Peter begins to swim frogstyle.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I instinctively lifted my neck timely, preventing a nasty tumble. But...
Swimming.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I don't know if swimming right away might alleviate tension in the neck area. I just hope the pain won't persist.
Swimming.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Life can take unexpected turns. Illness or accident, is part of the human experience.
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled: "In Each Other's Hands..." to a draft in his laptop.
PETER (V.O): True friendships can withstand the test of time, and reconnecting can bring immense joy, even in difficult circumstances.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Even when verbal communication is limited, deep connections can still be felt through shared history, gestures and presence.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Being there for friends and family during their struggles is vital; emotional support can be as important as medical care.
FADE OUT
THE END
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