FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDIO - 10:30
Sitting at a Clavinova, PETER plays the melodies of "The Theme from a Summer Place", "Misty" and "Beyond the Sea".
PETER (V.O.): I play better each time.
Peter begins to pack a few things.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Although I've to attend a meeting this afternoon, I've chosen to do it via Zoom so that I can return to the country.
EXT. TUEN MUN HIGHWAY - 11:30
Peter is driving his sleek silver Eunos 30X coupe.
PETER (V.O): It's nearly 30 years old. None of my family members like it.
Driving towards Gold Coast.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): If it's the last surviving one in Hong Kong, it also means that I can't hang on to it for long.
Act 2
EXT. GOLDEN BAY - 12:30
Warm sunrays. From the tranquil beach, Peter submerges himself into the bay waters.
PETER (V.O.): It's so refreshing.
Swimming along the buoy line.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I've nothing to worry including my safety.
Having swum for 45 minutes, Peter returns to the beach, looking content.
INT/EXT. PETER'S NT HOME - 14:00
Sitting room. G/F. Peter looks at his bicycles covered in a thin layer of dust.
PETER (V.O.): I drive to the mall all the time. Let me ride a bicycle this time.
Peter picks a white one, dusts it off, grips the handlebars and tests the brakes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The tires aren't flat either!
As Peter takes the bicycle to the front garden, we feel Peter's excitement.
EXT. ESTATE ROADS - CONTINUOUS
Quiet. Peter mounts the bicycles and starts pedaling and changing gears.
PETER (V.O.): Over 10 years ago, I imagined that all my family members would ride on the estate roads together.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's why I've over half a dozen bicycles storing here.
INT. LAKESIDE RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Gazing at the picturesque view, Peter is having a bowl of noodles, a small French toast and a cup of Ovaltine.
PETER (V.O.): The Zoom meeting is coming up.
EXT. LAKESIDE SEATING AREA - CONTINUOUS
Sitting under the shade of a tree, Peter joins a Zoom meeting. We hear his focused and professional tone.
PETER (V.O.): Despite being physically distant, I can maintain a sense of connection and productivity.
INT. PETER'S NT HOME - 16:30
Relaxing on a sofa, Peter listens to oldies. We hear Cliff Richard singing: When the world you're living gets a bit too much to bear...
PETER (V.O.): Well, this's one of my favourite songs in the 1960s.
We continue to hear:...If you're walking in the city and you're feeling rather small, and the people on the sidewalk seem to form a solid wall...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Quite true.
We continue to hear:...And the silver stream is a poor man's wine in the country, in the country...
INT. HOSPITAL - 19:45
Peter walks through the halls. We can see concern edged on his face.
PETER (V.O.): Would my Mum be able to recognize me this time?
Taking lifts.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I just hope that she's suffering from temporary postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
Arriving a ward. We follow Peter and see his MUM lying in bed.
PETER: Can you recognize me?
Act 3
INT. STUDIO - 23:00
Having input the prompt: "In the Country" in an AI art generator in his smartphone, Peter sees a cubist image appearing.
PETER (V.O.): Amid the hustle and bustle of life, it's possible to find moments of tranquility through nature, music and the like, without losing business connections.
Pausing
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Embracing the workable pauses allows me to appreciate the beauty around me and find solace in simple pleasure.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In the country, I can restore my spirits and nourish my soul. I'm so happy that my Mum can recognize me again.
We hear background music: All Time High.
FADE OUT
THE END
In the Country
Updated: Oct 7, 2023
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