Morning Interruption
1900 Words
Sarah is sitting on her bed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She's lost in thought, imagining what's happening to Wang Mei Li.
SARAH
(Chuckling to herself)
I wonder what's happening to Ms. Wang right now.
She imagines Wang Mei Li's reaction, her face contorted in disgust.
SARAH
(Smiling wider)
Oh, Ms. Wang, I hope you're enjoying my little gift.
She lets out a soft laugh.
SARAH
(To herself)
I might be your caregiver, but that doesn't mean I'm a pushover. You mess with me, and I'll mess with you back. But in a way you'll never see coming.
She winks playfully, as if sharing a secret with the audience.
SARAH
(To herself)
I'm not one to be underestimated, Ms. Wang.
She leans back on her bed, her smile turning into a smug grin.
SARAH
(To herself)
Revenge is a dish best served… secretly. Kaya don't me.
Morning Interruption
The kitchen of the house.
MORNING
Sarah is sitting at the kitchen table, enjoying a simple breakfast of toast and milk. She's engrossed in a phone call, a slight smile on her face.
SARAH
(Into the phone, with a laugh)
Oy,.alam mo ba nakakabaliw dito !
She takes a bite of her toast.
SARAH
(Into the phone)
Pero di ka maniniwala sa mga nangyari ...
Suddenly, the door to the kitchen opens, and Wang Jan Hao enters. He doesn't even look at Sarah as he walks to the fridge, his expression a mix of annoyance and tiredness.
WANG JAN HAO
(Grumbling)
Where's the coffee?
He slams the fridge door shut, jarring Sarah out of her conversation.
SARAH
(Whispering into the phone)
Hold on a sec…
She covers the phone with her hand and turns to face Wang Jan Hao.
SARAH
(Calmly)
It's in the cupboard, Sir. Just above the milk.
Wang Jan Hao doesn't respond. He just grabs a cup and walks to the coffee machine. He starts making a pot of coffee without even making eye contact with her.
SARAH
(Into the phone)
Sorry about that.
She sighs.
SARAH
(Into the phone)
Wala pa sya sa mood nya today!
WANG JAN HAO
(Sighing)
I need more coffee…
He looks at Sarah, his expression a little strained.
WANG JAN HAO
(Slightly frustrated)
You know, it would be nice if we could keep the kitchen a bit tidier.
Sarah was taken aback. She tries to keep her cool.
SARAH
(Calmly)
I just finished cleaning up, sir
WANG JAN HAO
(Nodding)
Yeah, well, maybe just a quick wipe down wouldn't hurt. There are a few crumbs on the table.
He pauses, looking at the counter.
WANG JAN HAO
(Continuing, more quietly)
And maybe we could get some fresh air in here. It feels a bit stuffy.
He walks past Sarah, heading towards the window. Sarah stares at him, a mix of annoyance and frustration building inside her.
Sarah in herself: kahit kelan talaga napaka sungit mo. Ano kayang itsura mo kapag ngumiti Yung malaking ngiti. (Habang iniisip nya kung pano ngumiti ng malaki si Wang Jan Hao. At bigla itong natawa. Hahahaha)
Napalingon si Wang Jan Hao.
Wang Jan Hao in himself: (Crazy woman.)
Napagil si Sarah sa pagtawa Ng mapansin ito Ng Amo nya.
Sarah her self: (quiet, quiet self. Baka isipin nya na nababaliw na Ako.)
Here's the scene with Sarah, Mrs. Wang and Scarlet meet at church, each with their own care recipient:
Scene: Made in Taiwan - Church and Therapy Day
EXT. CHURCH - MORNING
Sarah is helping Mrs. Wang walked slowly towards the church entrance. Mrs. Wang leans on Sarah’s arm for support.
MRS. WANG
(Smiling)
It's so good to be back in church, Sarah. I feel peaceful here.
SARAH
(Smiling)
Me too, Mrs. Wang. It's a nice change of pace.
They spot Scarlet walking toward them, a bright smile on her face. She's walking with Mr. Chen, an elderly man who is leaning on his cane.
SCARLET
(Waving)
Hey, Sarah! Mrs. Wang!
SARAH
(Smiling)
Scarlet! Mr. Chen!
SCARLET
(Grinning)
It's so good to see you both!
MRS. WANG
(Smiling)
Hello, Scarlet! It's lovely to see you again.
MR. CHEN
(Nodding politely)
Good morning, Mrs. Wang.
SARAH
(Smiling)
Scarlet, this is Mr. Chen. He's your new client?
SCARLET
(Nodding)
Yes, Sarah. He's a really nice man, though he’s a little bit stubborn!
Mr. Chen chuckles at Scarlet’s comment.
SCARLET
(Continuing)
He's been feeling a bit down lately, so I thought coming to church might help.
MR. CHEN
(Nodding)
Yes, I’m glad to be here.
SARAH
(Smiling)
I hope you enjoy it, Mr. Chen.
MRS. WANG
(Smiling warmly)
We’re glad to have you with us.
They all walk into the church together, a group of caregivers and their care recipients, united by faith and a shared need for support.
LOOB NG THERAPY ROOM
Nasa kalagitnaan na ang therapy session, pero nakatuon ang atensyon sa mga pasyente. Nakaupo sina Sarah at Scarlet sa mga upuan malapit sa kanilang mga kliyente, pinapanood ang therapist na nakikipag-usap sa grupo. Nagkatinginan sila ng tahimik, naghahanap ng pagkakataon para magbulungan.
SARAH
(Bulong)
Kumusta naman kayo Ng alaga mo?
SCARLET
(Bulong)
Medyo tahimik siya ngayon kaysa dati. Parang kinakabahan pa rin siya sa therapy.
SARAH
(Tumango)
I understand friend. Ramdam kita.
SCARLET
(Huminga ng malalim)
Mahirap din pala para sa kanya na mag-adjust na may ibang tao sa paligid?
SARAH
(Nakangiti.with sympathy)
Ahm tama ka.
SCARLET
(Yumuko)
At maibannaman tayo Ng topic. kamusta naman si Wang Jan Hao?
SARAH
(Nagikot ng mata)
Huwag mo na akong tanungin. Ang hirap-hirap niyang pakisamahan. At isa ko pang problema..
SCARLET
(Tumawa)
Naku, sabihin mo sa akin! May ginawa na naman ba si bruha sayo?
SARAH
(Bulong)
Oo nilock ba naman Ako sa storage room?
SCARLET
(Bulong)
Hala! Ginawa nya Yun?
SARAH:
Oo kaya gumanti Ako!
SCARLET
(Tumawa)
Haha! Baliw ka talaga friend.
SARAH
(Umiling)
Hay naku, kulang pa Yun noh!
SCARLET
(Nakangisi)
Siguro dapat gumawa na tayo ng support group para sa mga caregivers na may mga mahihirap na amo.
SARAH
(Tumawa)
Panigurado, maramimg sasaling ofw!
SCARLET
(Tumango)
Oo nga eh! Ang hirap pala mabuhay sa ibang bansa!
Nagkatinginan silang dalawa, parehong naiintindihan ang nararamdaman ng isa’t isa.
Sarah:
Sinabi mo pa Wala eh. Dito Ako bumagsak.
Scarlet:
Eh kung akitin mo kaya si Mr. Sungit..
Sarah: Loka Loka kaba? Di kami bagay nun noh saka di Ako mukhang Pera kahit guwapo sya at mayaman. Saka mas gugustuhin nun Yung mga you know..(pairap at nakataas Ang kamay na kumukumpas) mga ka level nya!
Scarlet:
Di ka sure! (Mapang asar na ngiti.)
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
The kitchen is lit by the warm glow of the overhead lights. Sarah is diligently washing dishes, her hands moving with practiced ease. She's wearing a bunny ponytail, gloves, and a bright pink apron, which makes her look even more youthful and energetic.
Wang Jan Hao walked into the kitchen, his expression impassive. He doesn't say a word, just reaches for a glass from the cupboard.
Sarah glances up at him, her face Stoic, and quickly returns to her task. She notices him stealing a glance at her, his eyes lingering on the bunny ponytail for a moment.
He fills the glass with water, his gaze falling back on the sink. Sarah catches him looking at her again, this time focusing on her hands as they scrub the dishes.
Their eyes meet briefly, a flicker of something passing between them. Sarah quickly looked away, her expression hardening slightly.
Suddenly, Wang Jan Hao's phone rings. He looks at the screen, his expression changing from impassive to slightly strained.
WANG JAN HAO
(Answering the phone, his voice slightly formal)
Hello? Yes, this is Jan Hao.
He listens for a moment, then a smirk spreads across his face.
WANG JAN HAO
(Into the phone)
Well, good news, then! I'm glad we’re on the same page.
He glances back at Sarah, his eyes a little more intense, but he doesn't hold her gaze. He knows she's watching him.
WANG JAN HAO
(Into the phone)
Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can.
He pauses for a beat, then adds:
WANG JAN HAO
(Into the phone, with a playful lilt in his voice)
I wouldn’t want to keep my favorite business partner waiting.
Sarah keeps her head down, trying to focus on her work. She hears the playful lilt in his voice and feels a slight pang of annoyance. She finds it hard to decipher what's going on between them, but one thing's clear: she's not sure if she likes this new dynamic. She finishes washing the dishes, then dries her hands.
As Wang Jan Hao hangs up the phone, Sarah walks past him, her back straight and her expression unreadable.
Sarah:
(To herself, under her breath)
Lalandi! As if I care, huh?
She walks out of the kitchen, leaving Jan Hao to finish her drink, a hint of defiance in her stance.
INT. SARAH'S ROOM - NIGHT
Sarah is sitting on her bed, her back straight, her eyes staring blankly ahead. She's lost in thought, replaying the scene in the kitchen over and over in her mind.
SARAH
(To herself, whispering)
Wang Jan Hao. Wang Jan Hao. Wang Jan Hao.
She can't seem to get his image out of her head. His playful smirk, the way his eyes lingered on her, the way his voice softened when he talked about his "favorite business partner."
SARAH
(Running a hand through her hair, a sigh escaping her lips)
Haaay, Sarah. Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?
She leans her head back against the headboard, feeling a wave of confusion wash over her.
SARAH
(To herself, whispering)
Eh ano naman kung may kalandihan siya? I’m just doing my job.
But even as she tries to convince herself, a small part of her can't help but feel a flicker of something else. Something she’s trying to ignore.
SARAH
(To herself, whispering)
Hay, Sarah, Sarah. Mali 'yan. Di pwedeng madevelop sa Mr. Sungit na 'yan.
She closes her eyes, a sense of frustration building inside her. She’s determined to keep her distance, to focus on her job and her life in Taiwan. But the encounter in the kitchen has left its mark, and she can’t seem to shake the feeling that something has changed.
EXT. TERRACE - AFTERNOON
The sun is warm, the air is fresh, and the view from the terrace is breathtaking. Sarah is pushing Mrs. Wang in her wheelchair, allowing her to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Mrs. Wang is smiling, her eyes taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
MRS. WANG
(Smiling)
This is lovely, Sarah. Thank you for bringing me out here.
SARAH
(Smiling)
You're welcome, Mrs. Wang. I thought you could use a bit of fresh air.
Suddenly, Sarah hears voices approaching. She turns to see Wang Jan Hao walking towards them with a woman by his side. The woman is stunning, with a mix of British and Taiwanese features, her smile radiating warmth and flirtation.
SARAH
(To Mrs. Wang)
Oh, here comes Jan Hao.
MRS. WANG
(Smiling)
Oh, well, let's see who this is.
Wang Jan Hao stops in front of them, his gaze flickering between Sarah and Mrs. Wang. Trixie follows closely behind, placing a hand on Jan Hao's arm.
WANG JAN HAO
(Smiling)
Sarah, Mrs. Wang, this is Trixie. A friend.
TRIXIE
(Extending her hand towards Mrs. Wang, completely ignoring Sarah)
It's a pleasure to meet you!
MRS. WANG
(Nodding)
It’s a pleasure, dear.
- Writer
