A gift from a teacher

“Congratulations! You did well in your exam” . Sometimes, it isn’t enough for me. I know deep in my heart some people say it out of a habit and not sincerity . Of course , when people say this , i feel delighted and flatterred. But something just isn’t right, something is just missing, so missing. That gloomy feeling I get is just like a permanenent staint.

Did I work hard just to get a simple congratulation? Perhaps theres always something more? Or am I too greedy? These questions did dance around in my mind when Madam Jennifer suddenly inquire as I walk towards my seat which is near hers. ” Yes Stanley? WHat position did you get? “

“Third” I answered.

” Happy?”

I was sort of flushing because i didn’t know I should be proud or not. (Third to some people is nothing). Well, i just nodded. And yet, this came out from her mouth.

” Congratulations…”

Disappointed ! Again with the same insincerity .

” You deserve it!”

My heart shot up to the sky and nearly didn’t come back. Yes, I do deserve it. So that’s whats missing, i never knew I deserve it. It has been 10 months of toil in my studies and I’m exhausted . Finally, theres this reward I got today that made me happy again.

Body of lies

For the American operatives in “Body Of Lies”, it’s low-tech guts on the ground, high-tech snooping in the sky.  Even Oscar winners could not lure moviegoers to watch Lions for Lambs , In The Valley of Ellah or Redition. Maybe Body of Lies will break the losing streak and outshine other terrorist films. In the spy thriller “Body of Lies” , Ridley Scott and two big stars tackle the war on terrorism. Ever since the 9/11 incident , Islamic countries have been a playground for American spies, as Berlin was during the Cold War.

The film struck me as interesting because according to Times, the terrorists in the film abandon any social contact through any electronic mediums to hinder the cops’ search for them . Instead, they write letters and pass notes to one other, making it difficult for the police to traCK them down. The film is entitled “Lies” for a reason, it’s confusing yet intriques moviegoers . The one thing you ask yourself towards the end of the film is “Who’s telling the truth?”.

Once more, a spy film has grab my attention.

Directed by	Ridley Scott
Produced by	Ridley Scott Donald De Line
Written by	Novel: David Ignatius Screenplay: William Monahan
Starring	Leonardo DiCaprio Russell Crowe Golshifteh Farahani Carice van Houten Vince Colosimo
Music by	Marc Streitenfeld
Cinematography	Alexander Witt
Editing by	Pietro Scalia
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date(s)	Australia: October 9, 2008 North America: October 10, 2008

Favouritism and Injustice – Indivisa Manent’s greatest threats.

Current issues have shattered the prefectorial board. With the growing discontentment among the juniors , the hope of unifying the board seems deep. This challenge has posed a great threat to the three heads of the board but sadly, nothing was done about it. Coinciding with the increase in the intensity of favouritism , many juniors have chose to unattach themselves from the seniors . Rumours starts to spread and teachers start filing in their complaints. It seems that Indivisa Manent is not applicable at the moment. To me, this division in the board is essential. This polical instability might knock some sense into the corrupted seniors and prompt them to actually change. Our board is not fundamentally strong since the outgoing of the rhetoric Agan Balangalibun and Jardian Tay . The prefects’ performance has clearly declined and we are very lost.

There is a saying that it is not power that corrupts but fear, fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it, fear of losing the scourge of power corrupts those who are subjected to it. Because of this fear, seniors fight among themsleves and fail to understand their primary function . When seniors divide, juniors will follow suit . This can be compared to a politcal party. So what can the board do now? Every briefing seems to be so tense, so angry and so sad. There seems to be no peace at all. Nelson Mandela did say ” Let there be peace for all, let there be justice for all”. Well, someone really need to speak up. But how? Standing up and shouting at the seniors and the three heads did came into my mind but i figure it will probe into the wound of unity .

SO when can we choose hope over fear? When can we turn a new page and write a new history for St. Joe? This year, 2008 and 2009 will be a terrible year for the prefectorial board. We must “bear every burden , take every chance “(John F. Kennedy).

Indivisa Manent

May we never be DIVIDED

Love in The Time of Cholera

Ever since Titanic, there has never been a love story that was able to inspire me. Being a non love-story lover, this film interest me just like how Gabriel García Márquez inspire his readers. A film by Mike Newell, and based on a story by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez  , the story uniquely plays out emotions, conflict and patience. I like the cover though, the nude lady is actually Fermina Daza from the film. The film surrounds two teenagers who fell in love with one another but were soon separated by a variety of conflicts including wars, false marriage and betrayal.

So? Ask youself  ” How long would you wait for love?”

Welcome to my blog.

To those who have asked, the answer is yes, i do have a blog. This blog has been with me for quite some time. Today, I decide to open this blog to all.

The Art of Apology

The Art of the Apology

by Holly Weeks

Done right, an apology can enhance both reputations and relationships. Done wrong, an apology can compound the original mistake, sometimes to disastrous consequences.

Most of us were taught that offering an apology, any apology, when we make a mistake will take care of most offenses. But offering the right apology, particularly in the corporate world, is not as simple as saying, “I’m sorry.”

Done right, an apology can enhance both reputations and relationships. Done wrong, an apology can compound the original mistake, sometimes to disastrous consequences.

Consider, for instance, a senior member of an executive team who became angry when a junior vice president opposed him in a meeting and refused to change her position. He lashed out at her in front of the group, sarcastically questioning her intelligence and her commitment to the company in difficult times. When other members of the team told him he should apologize, he balked, thereby making matters worse. “I’m sorry she’s upset, but I didn’t do anything wrong—she’s got to learn to take the heat,” he declared.

When the offender is embarrassed and worried about losing face, this kind of sidestepping can take place. But, in fact, offering an apology is not a sign of weakness, nor does it amount to backing down. On the contrary, offering an apology can be a potent reputation enhancer.

Apologies matter for two reasons. First, they mend relationships. When an offense has torn the fabric of a relationship, an apology is a stage in its repair. Second, apologies mend the transgressor’s reputation. Following an offense, some people—not just the offended but all who know about the affront—may have concerns and doubts about the transgressor and even question his character. An effective apology can reassure people that the transgression is understood and not likely to be repeated.

What gets in the way
Too often companies, as well as individuals, miss the opportunity to reap the good that an apology can provide. In early 2002, NSTAR, a New England public utility, admitted it had improperly moved nearly 24,000 of its electric customers to the “default” service category—a much more expensive service option—without those customers’ knowledge. NSTAR apologized “for any inconvenience.”

But were NSTAR customers, and the public, really concerned about inconvenience? Of course they weren’t. When the story became news, customers and the public saw double-speak and deceit, and NSTAR’s credibility fell. The misdirected apology the company offered only sent the public’s opinion lower.

Mending fences is not only the right thing to do on a personal level, it also makes good business sense. So why do so many people and institutions fail at it?

To start with, most people find being in the wrong to be embarrassing. And when they are embarrassed, they may go into denial and try to minimize the offense, as NSTAR did. In other cases, the offender may try to blame the victim, as the senior executive did with the junior vice president.

Even if an apology is offered, it may be unrecognizable as such because the embarrassment or anger of the person giving the apology distorts it. This can be a disastrous mistake; credibility, once lost, is very hard to gain back.

~Tom~

My first stageplay script!

Well, I tried my best.

Lust, caution

 

 

                                               

                                                            1.

 

 

 

Time: Night.

 

Setting            : A well decorated table, with lited romantic candles is set on the stage. A small counter with a waiter behind it can be seen.

 

Act : A waiter walks around the table, arranging some plates and forks. He then switches on a piano theme.

Outside he noticed a woman.

 

Mrs.Mak walked in the restaurant. She stopped looked over her shoulder on the right, then on the left. She was wearing a long grey jacket, covering a blue cheongsam, and on top of all that, a round hat that was 3 inch larger than her head.

 

Narrator:Mrs.Mak slowly strolls into Nikolai’s Restaurant. At the doorway, she halt, finding herself staring at her reflection in the restaurant’s glass. The person who stared back was now a different person. The plot had changed her

She glances away from the glass.. As she steps inside, she surveyed the restaurant. Vacant. Like Mr.Tian had promised.  The restaurant was fancy like the other restaurants Mr.Tian had taken her into.  A round table is set in the middle of the restaurant. Decorated with three red lilted candles which under it was a purple cloth cover for the table.

 

Waiter              : (Clears throat)Mrs Mak I assumed?

 

Mrs.Mak didn’t noticed a waiter standing across the counter, a note pad in hand

 

Mrs.Mak          : Yes. That’s me.

Waiter              :  This way, Mdm.

 

 

The waiter led her to the table.

 

Waiter              : Please sit. Mr. Tian will be here soon. He said he’ll be late.

 

 The waiter pulled out the chair, allowing Joanne to sit.

 

Waiter : Would you like anything, Mdm?

 

Mrs.Tian          :  Coffee, less sugar.

 

A few minutes later, the waiter came out.

 

Waiter              : Your coffee, Mdm.

 

 He served the cup with one hand, the other behind his back, bending slightly down in a common western gentleman style.

 

Narrator :As Mrs Mak stirred her warm coffee. She stared outside the busy city. She looks back at the past, registering what had happened in these three years. It had been a mess. She slowly recalls………………………….

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            2.

Time :Day

Setting : Four chairs are set surrounding a small round table.  The room looks old and battered, like a basement.

 

Narrator: Three years ago, she was not  Mrs. Mak. She was Joanne Lee, a student who study acting in a private school academy.

 

Act:A group of students is seen whispering, gathering around, as if discussing something. Then someone spoke.

 

 

 

Fang Wen        : What we always do is we kill the enemy on stage . What we’re going to do is no different, but it’s in real life. The plot is simple; we’re going to lure him into a place where we can kill him.

 

Mustaffar           : But a Japanese collaborationist? That’s absurd! We’ll get killed.

 

Fang Wen        : Not if we keep out mouth sealed.

 

Jack                 : Fang Wen, how are we suppose to lure him anyway

 

Fang Wen        : Look, Jack, I got it all planned. Let’s be serious. ( Turning to Joanne) We’re going to try to get into his social cycle and lure him into a place where we can assassinate him.

 

Mustaffar          : And if we fail?

 

Fang Wen        : We won’t.  Don’t be so pessimistic all the time, Mustaffar.

 

Mustaffar          : Who are we targeting?

 

Fang wen         : Mr.Tian. He’s the head of the secret police in charge of resistance investigation.

 

Jack                 : What? Are you out of your mind? Do you know how stiff this task will be?

 

Fang Wen        : I’ve weighed my options.

 

Jack                 : And who’s gonna do the luring, huh? You? ( Chuckles)

 

Joanne : No, I am.

 

The three boys glance at the shy girl.

 

Jack                 : Joanne’s gonna do it? For crying out loud, she’s just a girl.

 

Fang Wen        : ( Gazing at Jack, then to Mustaffar) Look, we can do this, I’ve got it all planned.  This collaborationist guy killed my parents, I want him dead.

 

Mustaffar: And what is this plan you’re talking about?

 

Fang Wen. : One of men’s greatest weakness is lust. Joanne will get into his social life in an attempt to seduce him and luring him into a place where we can kill him.

 

Jack : And how are we suppose to that?

 

Fang Wen : That you don’t need to worry about.I was informed that Mr.Tian is going out tomorrow, he always use a cab. I got myself a job there and was assigned to pick them up tomorrow. Joanne just needs to be in that cab and chit chat a little with him.

 

Mustaffar          : (Sigh)(looking at Joanne) You think you can do this?

 

Joanne               : I’m sure of it. For Sarawak, I will.

 

Mustaffar          To Fang Wen) You really got this all planned?

 

Fang Wen        : Right to the smallest details.

 

Jack                   : Then we’ll begin tomorrow.

 

 

                                                            2.

 

Narrator:Mr.Tian is a secret police top official, responsible for the killings of many resistants. He was working in a branch of Wang Jingwei’s Japanese Collaborationist Government in Kuching, his superior was a denounced national traitor, Ibrahim Yaacob .

 

Setting:The stage exposes a small house gate, a cab halted in front of it.

 

Act: The conspirators awaited for their target. A few minutes afterwards, the gate opened, and a man with a grey suit, emerged flanked by two guards. He wave his hand slightly, signaling the guards to back off. He was Mr.Tian.

He then slowly steps inside the cab and it drove off. In the cab, Mr.Tian couldn’t help staring at this beautiful young lady sharing the cab with him.

 

Mr.Tian            : Where are you heading to? (Cantonese)

Joanne              :  Excuse me?

Mr.Tian            : Oh, sorry.You don’t speak Cantonese? I figure you were Cantonese.

 

Joanne              : It is my mother’s appearance that I resemble from. She’s from Hong          Kong.

 

Mr.Tian            : Hmmmm, no wonder. Do you speak Mandarin then?

 

Joanne              : Of course. (Mandarin)

 

Mr.Tian            : Then that’s good. (Mandarin). (Chuckles)

 

Mr.Tian            : So where are you heading to at this early hour?

 

Joanne              : (Light smile) I’m picking up a new cheongsam downtown.

 

Mr.Tian            : Really? I’m going downtown too, can your tailor wait? I mean, I’ll buy you breakfast.

 

Joanne              : Are you sure?(Shying away)

 

Mr.Tian            : It’ll be my pleasure.

 

Joanne              : (chuckles) Ok.

 

Mr.Tian            : That’ll be great. (To driver) Can you turn around that corner there? You’ll see a small restaurant. Stop there.

 

Joanne              : We’re going to Li Min’s place? Your kindness is too much for me.

 

Mr.Tian            : Anything for a beautiful girl.

 

Driver( Fang Wen): We’re here, sir.

 

Mr.Tian steps out of the cab, offering his hand to Joanne before closing the door. He pushed his hand inside his pocket, and took out a bundle of money for the driver.

 

Mr.Tian            : Keep the change.

 

Together, Mr.Tian led Joanne into the restaurant.

In the cab. Fang Wen heard the public phone nearby rang. He stepped out and reaches for the receiver.

 

Fang Wen: Jack? She’s in.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            3

 

Time : Day

Place : Li Min’s Restaurant

 

Setting: The restaurant is a traditional Chinese restaurant, filled with traditional red. In between the sitted Joanne and Mr.Tian, is a table covered in red cloth.

 

Joanne caught Mr.Tian staring at her.

 

Joanne              : Something wrong?

 

Mr.Tian            : You’re pretty quiet for a girl.

 

Joanne              : (She stops eating, and gazed at Mr.Tian)Aren’t girls suppose to be like that?

 

Mr.Tian            : I assume you know who I am.

 

Joanne nodded slightly.

 

Mr.Tian            Sigh)  Rumors sure spread fast around here.

 

Joanne              : How is like being with those Japanese?

 

There was an utter silence. He registers the question and collected his thoughts. Putting his elbows on the table, he clenchedhis hand together lightly, looking away from her, then back.

 

Mr.Tian            : (Chuckles) They are like like us. Officers, Generals, soldiers and so on. I saw the same thing in them everyday.

 

Joanne              : Oh? Interesting. What could that be?

 

Mr.Tian            : Fear.

 

Checking for her reaction, he paused for a while before continuing.

 

Mr.Tian            : Are you scared? I mean of this war. It could never end.

 

Joanne              : (Leans forward and placing her hands under her chin, staring into Mr.Tian’s eyes) Are you?

 

Mr.Tian            : (Chuckles) Your pretty smart.

 

Joann laughs along. They continue their dinner in silence before Joanne spoke.

 

Joanne              : Do you like to go to the movies? 

 

Mr.Tian            : No.

 

Joanne              : And why is that?

 

Mr.Tian            : I don’t go to dark places.

 

Joanne              : And where would you like to go?

 

Mr.Tian            : (Checking his watch) I think we’ll go grab that cheongsam of yours now.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                4.

 

Time    : Day

Place   : Taylor’s shop.

 

Setting: A sewing machine is seen on a table. Near it, there is a changing room and a counter.

 

Mr.Tian sat on a chair, putting one leg on the other, while waiting for Joanne to change into her new cheongsam. The tailor was busy with his errands; he had an unlit cigarette stuck into his mouth.

A moment later, Joanne came out with a cheongsam. Her hands was on her waist, she look downwards the dress, looking uncomfortable.

 

Joanne              : What do you think?

 

He was silent, just staring at her body.

 

Joanne  : It’s obviously a little tight for me. I think I’ll try the other one.

 

She turns to the changing room before Mr.Tian finally broke the silence.

 

Mr.Tian            : Keep it on.

 

Joanne              : What?

 

Mr.Tian            : I said keep it on.  I like it.

 

Mr.Tian reaches down his pocket and grabs his wallet. He opens it and took a bundle of money out which before he handed it to the tailor.

 

Mr.Tian            : It’s on me.

 

Joanne              : But I……

 

She was interrupted.

 

Mr.Tian            : Pick another one.

 

Joanne              : Your kindness is too much (Turning away from him)

 

Mr.Tian            : It’s not for you, it’s for my wife.

 

Joanne              : Oh? Sorry (Chuckles).

 

Joanne’s finger ran through a stack of clothes, and then she pulled one out and spread it across the table. She then shows it to Mr.Tian.

 

Joanne              :This one, I think she’ll like it.

 

Mr.Tian            : Very well.      

 

Mr.Tian stood up and walk towards the counter. He places another bundle of money on the counter.

 

Mr.Tian            : Let’s go.

 

 

Lights out.

 

                                                5.

 

Time    : Night

Place   : Fang Wen’s house.

 

Setting: The stage is split into two. One side shows the internal of the house and the other is the external. Inside the house, three chairs were arranged around a table which on top of it was some mugs plates and a bottle of wine. A gun is also placed on the table.

 

Act:A car is driven slowly until it reaches the front gate. Inside, Mustaffar ran towards the curtain and peeked outside. Immediately, he turned towards Fang Wen and Jack who were sitting behind him.

 

Mustaffar          : They’re here! They’re here!

 

Fang Wen bounces up from the chair and went to turn off the lights, he then dash across the floor, grabbing a gun from the table. He waited while pointing his gun towards the door.

Mustaffar and Jack were holding a knife each while couching on the floor.

 

Fang Wen        : Ready? Get into your positions. Here we go guys, we’re gonna save Sarawak.

 

Setting                        : The light shone on the internal side of the stage was turn off. Allowing the focus to shift to the external.

 

Mr.Tian got out from the car and walked around it to the other side where he opened the door for Joanne, like a gentleman.

 

Mr.Tian            : I’ll accompany you inside.

 

Joanne              : That’s unnecessary.

 

Despite what she said, they walked together towards the door. Gently, Joanne took out her keys and pushed it into the door knob.

Before she turns the keys, she spun towards Mr.Tian.

 

Joanne              : You can call your cab away and come inside to have some tea.

 

Mr.Tian            : I’m a busy man.

 

Joanne              : I’m sure your work can wait.

 

Mr.Tian walks towards her. He lowered her head down, and then kissed her on the forehead.

 

Setting                : The light from the external side is turned off and the internal is switched on, but with a dim light. Exposing Fang Wen, Jack and Mustaffar.

 

The door knob can be heard turning; Joanne walked in and gave a despair look to the boys.

She turns on the light and shook her head.

She stormed across the room and sat down on one of the chairs, and drank the wine on the table.

Fang Wen signal the other two boys to back off as he slowly walks towards her before he sat down, leaning forward and staring at her.

 

Fang Wen        : Why didn’t he come in?

 

Joanne took a big sip before she spoke.

 

Joanne              : (Sigh) He doesn’t go to dark places. He’s a very cautious man, that I can see. We must be very careful.

 

Fang Wen        : Anything else you’ve found out?

 

Joanne              : Nothing much, he’s very secretive about things, I can’t get through him.

 

Fang Wen        : Then we’ll……

 

Fang Wen was interrupted when the phone rang. He glances at Joanne and Joanne picks up the receiver quickly.

 

Joanne              : Mr.Tian! What a surprise …(Paused for 3 seconds/PF3S)……yes…(PF3S)……yes…(PF3S) Go on.

 

She paused for a while and places her hand on her chest. Looking worried, she knelt down and continued her phone conversation.

 

Joanne              : To where? Hong Kong? …(PF3S)….Yes..yes. Ermmm, at least let me accompany you to the airport. What?..(PF3S)…then….(PF3S)….okok…(PF3S)nevermind then.

 

Joanne banged down the receiver and lean her back on the chair . She covered her face with one of her hands.

 

Fang Wen        : What happened?

 

Joanne sum up her strength to overcome her grief.

 

Joanne              : He’s leaving for Hong Kong tonight for some emergency meeting. He may never come back again.

 

Fang Wen turns away from the news and rub his temples.

 

Fang Wen        : Great, just great. (Sigh), pack up guys, we’ve better go.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            6.

 

Narrator         : Three years later, in 1944, the Japanese continue to occupy Sarawak.Kuching was in chaos and resistance movement was becoming more active than it was before. After three years in Hong Kong, Mr.Tian came back to investigate the resistance movement. And Fang Wen was heavily informed of his whereabouts.

He again searched for Joanne.

 

Setting            : The room was filled with piles of newspapers and old books, surrounding a small table and a chair, which behind it, a small window. The stage is split in two, like the other scenes, one side is the external and the other the internal.

 

Outside the room, Joanne can be seen walking mindlessly looking at the ground. People were standing around minding their own business. Inside the small room, Fang Wen peeked out the window before he opened the door to the outside. He grabbed Joanne by the arm and turn towards him.

 

Fang Wen        : We need to talk.

 

He pulled her inside the room.

 

Fang Wen        : Sit.

 

He poured tea into a cup and served it to Joanne. She picked it up and took a sip.

 

Joanne              : What is it about this time? Another collaborationist?

 

Fang Wen        : Correction. The same collaborationist.

 

Joanne              : Excuse me?

 

Fang Wen        : He’s back. Mr.Tian is back from Hong Kong and he’s been promoted to a higher position. It’ll be a little difficult to get through his security this time.

 

Joanne frowned , looking confused.

 

Fang Wen        reaching for her hand) I know it’s hard , but what we did three years ago never ended. We still have a chance.  Think about it, we can save Kuching, we can save Sarawak from this occupation. We’ll be in history books!

 

Joanne              : You’re in charge again?

 

Fang Wen        : No, not me. I’ve been associated with the current underground resistance. There’s this guy who can help us get to Mr.Tian.

 

Joanne              : Who could that be?

 

A man walked out from behind the stage. He was formally dressed and an unlit cigarette is stuck into his mouth.

 

Man                 : Me.

 

Joanne and Fang Wen spun towards the voice.

 

Man                 : My name is Kenny, pleasure to meet you.

 

Joanne and him shook hands.

 

Kenny              : I see that Fang Wen has informed you about me.

 

Kenny sinks down to a chair, and lit his cigarette.

 

Kenny              : Do you want to do this?

 

Fang Wen: (To Joanne) Come on, Joanne. We can do this. Please.

 

Reluctantly, she nodded her head.

 

Joanne               : Fine. I’ll do it.

 

Kenny              : Very well. Learn fast, I don’t wanna waste any time.

 

He slides a file across his table towards Joanne. She grabs hold of it, and opens it.

 

Kenny               : You’re no longer Joanne Lee, this file I give you is your new identity. Remember this. You’re married 2 years ago to a rich business man who passed away shortly after you married him. You will be called Mrs.Mak.Any information from him comes to me. Understand?

 

Joanne               : Yes, sir.

 

Kenny              : Fang Wen, I hope you know what to do.

 

Fang Wen        : Yes. We’ll get him.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            7.

 

Time    : Day

Setting: The stage is split in two. The internal of Mr.Tian’s house is accompanied by a rocking chair and a big sofa.

 

Narrator:The rain beat down hard outside of Mr.Tian’s house. Joanne was standing outside alone with one umbrella in hand.

Mr.Tian then comes out and Joanne caught his attention. He stared at her with a calming expression. She noticed him, but pretends to look away. As he reaches out for Joanne’s hand, he finally spoke.

 

Mr.Tian            : It’s been too long.

 

She slips her hand from his grip and turn away from him.

 

Joanne              : Do you believe me if I say I hate you?

 

He turns her to him.

 

Mr.Tian            : I believe. For Christ sake, I believe. I haven’t trusted someone so much for so long.

 

Joanne              : You left just like that. With just one phone call.

 

She lowered her head down.

 

Mr.Tian            : Now I’m back. Do you still hate me?

 

He lifted her head so that he could look into her eyes. She then shook her head in reply to his question.

 

Mr.Tian            : Come in.

 

He held her hand then led her into his house.  She shook her hand off from his grip once more. She stares lustfully at him then place her hands on his shoulder to push him down so he would sit on the rocking chair. She lean her back against the sofa.

Mr.Tian then took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up. Gently, Joanne stroll towards him, and sat on his lap. She pulls out the cigarette from his mouth and put it off.

Mr.Tian forces himself out from his rocking chair and grabs Joanne’s hair from the back.

 

Joanne              : Ouch, my hair.

 

Mr.Tian            : Is it really so hard to do this?

 

Joanne              : Patience. Sit down.

 

He did what he was told.

Joanne slowly took her jacket off, revealing the tight cheongsam that he had bought for her before. She walks towards a table and rests her back against it and unties her hair.

 

Mr.Tian stormed across the room and forced Joanne to the wall. His hands were placed on her face, applying great force before finally calming down.

 

Mr.Tian            : I love you.

 

Gently, he presses his lips against hers.

 

Lights out.

 

 

                                                            8.

 

Time : day

 

Setting : From scene 7.

 

Joanne walked into the small room that she had entered earlier. Inside, Kenny was waiting for her along with Fang Wen.

 

Kenny              : So?

 

Joanne              : He gave me this.

 

Joanne handed out an envelope.

 

Joanne              : He says it’s something important that he wanted me to do.

 

Kenny              : (To Fang Wen) Open it.

 

Fang Wen tore it open and took out its content. There was a name card and a letter in it.

Fang Wen began to read the letter.

Minutes later, he turns to Joanne.

 

Fang Wen        : It’s a love letter. For you.

 

Kenny              : What about that name card over there.

 

Fang Wen        : He bought a ring from a shop. He’s asking her to pick it up tonight.

 

Kenny              : Where?

 

Fang Wen        : Somewhere around Nikolai’s restaurant.

 

Kenny              : Very well, I’ll get my men there before evening. And you(Looking at Joanne), must continue your task.

 

Joanne walked away from the two men and looked outside the window.

 

Joanne              : I can’t do this anymore.

 

Kenny              : What?

 

Joanne              : (Weeping)He raped me just now.

 

Kenny looks away from her.

 

Kenny              : Shut up.

 

Joanne              : I don’t know who I am anymore; a part of me dies every time I see him.

 

Kenny              : I said shut up.

 

Joanne              : I love him!

 

Kenny              : Shut up!

 

He banged the table hard enough to silence her.

 

Kenny              : Mr.Tian killed my wife and kids. I want nothing more but to get my revenge. You will resume your mission. That’s an order. Or else.

 

He stormed out from the room.

Joanne began crying. 

Fang Wen place his hand on her shoulder and turns her towards him.

 

Fang Wen        : Your gonna be ok.

 

He kissed her. But was force to stop when Joanne push him away.

 

Joanne              : Three years ago, if you did that. I would have fallen for you. It’s too late now.

 

She walked out from the room.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            9.

 

Time    : Night

Setting : From Scene 1.

 

Joanne sat silently, enjoying her coffee while looking outside the window. Two waiters then came out, whispering to each other.

One of them came to Joanne.

 

Waiter              : Mrs.Mak? Mr.Tian had canceled the dinner. He wants me to inform you that he’s bringing you to another place.

 

Joanne              : I see.

 

Waiter              : He’s waiting outside.

 

Joanne              : Oh? Very well then.

 

She got up from her seat and walked outside. Mr.Tian is seen leaning against the wall, smoking.

 

Mr.Tian            : Sorry for the long wait.

 

Joanne              : It’s ok.

 

Mr.Tian            : Get in.

 

He opened the car door for her and she sat inside. He walked around the car and got himself in.

 

Mr.Tian            : Go to my house.

 

Joanne              : Wait.

 

Mr.Tian glanced at her.

 

Joanne              : I think my ring is ready. I wanna go pick it up now, if that’s ok with you.

 

Mr.Tian            : Ok then. (To the driver) Turn back.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            10.

 

Time    : Night

 

Setting : The shop had a sofa and there’s long table set in the middle of the stage. A man is seen sitting behind the table, doing his errands.

 

Mr.Tian walked in with Joanne. His arm was wrap around Joanne’s waist.

 

Mr.Tian            : Khaleed, nice to meet you again.

 

Khaleed bounce up from his chair and immediately shook hands with Mr.Tian.

 

Khaleed           : Ah, yes. You’ve come for the diamond ring. It’s ready, the masterpiece is ready. Sit, please.

 

Khaleed walk into the back stage and came out with  box. He sat down quietly and opened the box with great carefulness.

 

Khaleed           : Here it is. 40 carats .Just how you want it.

 

Joanne              : It’s beautiful.

 

Joanne’s hand trembled as she held the diamond ring.

 

Mr.Tian            : The ring doesn’t interest me. I’m more interested when you wear it on

your finger.

 

She stares at the ring and slip it in her ring finger.

 

Mr.Tian            : Let me take a look at it.

 

He lifts her hands up and studied it.

 

Narrator         : Joanne then finds her identity being pushed to a breaking point. She was confused.

 

Joanne stood up from the chair and turn away from Mr.Tian. Mr.Tian felt awkward and came to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and turns her to him.

 

Mr.Tian            : What’s wrong?

 

There was an utter silence before she spoke.

 

Joanne              : Go.

 

Mr.Tian            : What?

 

Joanne              : Go now. They’re outside waiting to kill you.

 

He registered the thought fast and dashed out from the shop. Joanne knelt and covered her face with her hands, then wept.

 

                                                            11.

 

Time    : Night.

 

Setting. : A long table is set on stage. On top of it is a lamp and some books scattered here and there.

 

Narrator: Mr.Tian sat quietly behind the table. Trying to recall what has happened that had confused him from top to bottom.

 

A soldier walked in with a file in hand. He slide it across the table to Mr.Tian.

 

Soldier             : Her real name is Joanne Lee. She’s also a talented actress that often works with three other resistants, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack. And…………

 

The soldier was silenced when Mr.Tian banged the table.

 

Mr.Tian            : Why on earth didn’t you tell me earlier?!

 

The soldier back up a little.

 

Soldier             : Because of your relationship with her.

 

Narrator:Mr.Tian fell into quietness with the answer.

 

Soldier             : Mr.Tian, you must sign the execution warrant.

 

Mr.Tian grabs a pen and opens the file which the soldier had handed him. He opened it and signed it. He slides it across the table, returning it to the soldier.

 

Soldier             : There’something for you.

 

The soldier took out the ring that Mr.Tian had bought for Joanne earlier and passed it to him.

 

Mr.Tian            : But this is not mine.

 

Soldier             : She insisted that this must be return to you.

 

The soldier then left the room, leaving Mr.Tian all alone as he examined the ring closely.

 

Lights out.

 

                                                            12.

 

Time    : Night.

Setting: The stage is empty.

 

Joanne, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack walked out, guarded by a soldier each. Their hands are cuffed behind them. The soldiers lead them to the middle of the stage.

 

Soldier : Kneel down.

 

The soldiers force them to kneel. 

 

Soldier: Any last words?

 

The soldiers pointed their hand gun to the four conspirators. Fang Wen broke the silence.

 

Fang Wen        :  In the name of Sarawak do we fight.

 

Narrator: Joanne, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack were executed on that night.

 

 

                                                ~End~

 

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