FADE IN:
EXT. A CROWDED CITY – NIGHT
An intense blend of voices, footsteps and colours. A phone is mounted on a tripod, aimed at passersby and following their motions. Kenny Hiu stands beside it, his hand cradling a timer. He studies the people around him, measuring and comparing their walking speeds.
KENNY
Did you see? The guy over there broke the record! He reached the maximum speed of 110 steps per minute! Junior, note that down.
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
KENNY
Oh, my timer’s battery is dropping. I wonder if there’s a hawker within walking distance with a spare battery cell to sell?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
KENNY
Or maybe I’ve got one somewhere in the bag. It’s just overfilled with things. Do you remember how many cells I bought, Junior? Two?
As the camera rotates towards Junior, we find A PARROT seated on top of a transcription machine on a bench. Junior blinks, smiling and opening his beak again.
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
KENNY
Well, then, I’ve used them all up. I’ll just have to go buy some more. Are you alright watching the bag and phone, fluffball?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
Kenny gently tickles Junior with his finger, withdrawing it and leaving. We see a schoolboy standing farther away. He’s been watching them both for some time. After Kenny leaves, he walks up to Junior, looking around to see if anyone’s noticed them. Seeing no one, he leans down to speak to Junior.
SCHOOLBOY
Junior, what a nice name you have. Would you be interested in taking some of my pamphlets? The charity will pay me more if I manage to give them all away. Just have a look, won’t you?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
The schoolboy's eyes move to the name etched onto the phone’s tripod which has been left videoing the passersby. It’s obviously customised, with golden, capital letters spelling ‘KENNY HIU’. Beneath it is a sticker. Printed onto it is Kenny's address. An idea pops up in his mind.
SCHOOLBOY
Hey, Junior, want to sign up for the monthly subscription too? It includes an irreplaceable catalogue of the best bird treats in world!
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
SCHOOLBOY
Great! How about one that goes for three years? Would you be interested?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
CUT TO:
EXT. KENNY HIU’S HOME – DAY
The brick cottage has an old door. In front of it, a mailbox has been shoved into the soil, plastered with photos of Junior. Kenny stands next to it, reading a letter in silence. When he looks up, a frown is prominently fixed on his features.
KENNY
Junior!
Junior peeks out from inside the house. A chip dangles from his beak. In his claw is a gaming controller, partially hidden by the doorframe. He smiles.
JUNIOR
Yes, sir?
KENNY
Why is there an invoice to Kenny Hiu from the Charity of Larry’s Pets for a subscription lasting three years? Three years, Junior, three years! ’Extra fees have been discussed prior to the subscription’s commencement between Junior and Tim Larry Jr’. Junior, do you know how much that will cost?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
KENNY
You don’t care, do you?
Kenny sits heavily on the doorstep, rubbing his forehead with one hand, sighing.
KENNY
Oh, Junior. Do you love me at all?
JUNIOR
Yes, sir.
FADE OUT.
THE END