FADE IN
Act 1
INT. CASINO, MACAO - 00:00
Slot machines area. Having inserted a note into a slot machine with three rows and five reels, PETER presses the "Play" button and dials roll. Peter's WIFE looks on.
PETER: We don't have any idea about the rule of the game.
After spinning, the symbols stop. We see flashing lights and hear notification sounds.
WIFE: Oh, you've got payout right away. Stick to this slot machine.
Peter's wife takes the slot machine next to Peter's. While Peter's slot machine is busy with lights and sounds, his wife's slot machine is very lazy.
PETER (V.O.): On playing slot machines, I've been quite lucky.
Later, Peter sees his wife checking on screen the rule of the game.
PETER: Have you found out why there's no payout for identical symbols in columns?
WIFE: The payout rule is actually based on identical symbols on rows, not columns.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY (April, 2023)
Sitting with his wife, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER: I wish to resume my monthly-travel hobby, but I wish to have my wife's company.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In Jan, we travelled to Seoul. And we've just done a 9-day trip to Japan.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In Feb, my younger son accompanied me to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): A week later, my wife and I will spend the weekend in Macao. It was so near but so far during Covid-19 times.
Peter talks to his wife.
PETER: Would you like to visit Cotai, Macao in May?
WIFE: See if you can find any value-for-money offers first?
After surfing the web, Peter looks frustrated.
PETER: Prices in May double...
INT. HOTEL OKURA, MACAO - YESTERDAY
Peter and his wife are checking in.
PETER (V.O.): My wife makes it happen. She'll take a day off on Mon, May 15.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Hours ago, she got a Mother's Day flower from Yamazato Japanese restaurant.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It brightened her day. She deserved it. I felt embarrassed.
INT. SUFFRON, BANYAN TREE - 10:30
Stylish decors. Peter and his wife are having breakfast.
PETER: You made the right decision to choose coming here rather than having room service.
Later, Peter captures a selfie at the entrance/exit.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It reminds me that once one has reached the top, the only way is down.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): For the past eight years, I've been making adaptive changes.
Peter sees Facebook notifications on his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Relatives and friends are so kind to send me happy-birthday wishes.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I used not to celebrate my "birthday" as it's just another day. I was born a long time ago.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But now, I've become less resistant to celebrate the day - I'm privileged in staying alive.
INT. CASINO - 16:00
Slot machines area. Peter watches his wife pressing the "Play" button at quick intervals.
PETER (V.O.): We fancy to win jackpots but the odds are staked against us.
Act 3
INT. CASINO, MACAO - CONTINUOUS
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There's always a gap between wishing and having.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): With the support of my wife, relatives and friends, I've enjoyed my "birthday" to the fullest.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, cheers to my personal new year! I'll live it up!
FADE OUT
THE END
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