FADE IN
Act 1
INT. DINING ROOM - MORNING
Following Peter, KAJI walks gingerly with her left leg raised.
KAJI (V.O.): When breakfast was ready, I used to rush to the bedroom, jump onto bed, step on Peter's chest to wake him up.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, I can't jump onto the bed anymore. Peter has to help himself to wake up.
Then, Peter sits in a chair, Kaji sits on the floor.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I used to share a chair with him, checking our breakfast.
Kaji waits for whatever Peter might offer her.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Now, I've no idea what my next bite would be.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I don't like my new normal.
Act 2
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Kaji brings to Peter her favourite toy.
KAJI (V.O.): And after breakfast, we'd play the fetch game.
Observing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): But Peter doesn't throw the toy in the air anymore...
Kaji looks sad.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): He isn't engaging and enthusiastic as before.
Kaji hides herself in her soft small house near the massage chair.
EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK - AFTERNOON
From her carrier cart, the pack leader lifts Kaji and puts her on the green grass.
PACK LEADER: You're getting all the royal treatment.
KAJI (V.O.): I used to be the queen here, fast, adventurous and bossy.
Shifting her weight, Kaji tries to balance on three legs.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm still me!
Kaji quickly finds her favourite spot, squatting down to relieve herself.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): And I'd still kick the grass with my strong legs...
Seeing Kaji kicking the grass like a three-legged ninja, Peter smiles a little.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): But I won't join the other dogs now.
At the sideline, Kaji just watches them playing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm not fit at the moment.
INT. MALL - LATER
Pet-friendly area. Kaji sits inside her carrier cot, watching PEOPLE come and go. SOME would pet on her head.
STRANGERS: Such a good dog...
KAJI (V.O.): They're having fun and can't see the sadness in my eyes.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Would I become fit once again?
INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING
With Kaji in her arms, the PACK LEADER puts her on the sofa.
PACK LEADER (to Kaji): Just sit here.
Peter joins them.
PACK LEADER: Our darling will have her surgical operation in days.
Kaji looks up at them with wide eyes.
KAJI (V.O.): She looks very serious.
PACK LEADER (Cont'd): I'm considering postponing our Nov trip so that we can take good care of her.
PETER: We're in it together.
They share a loving glance.
Act 3
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Sitting on the floor, Kaji stares at an empty chair.
KAJI (V.O.): Life has ups and downs. The Pack Leader and the Gang should know the challenge I'm experiencing.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having injured myself unintentionally, I've been trying to be resilient and adaptive.
Pausing.
KAJI (V.O.) (Cont'd): I may be learning new ways to be me. But with the Pack Leader and the Gang, I'm never alone.
FADE OUT
THE END
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