FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 8:15
The soft light of morning filters in. PETER stretches and yearns, glancing at the clock.
PETER (V.O): Is it just another day?
Peter reaches for his mobile on the bedside table, checking his schedule and seeing blank.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I meant to have a meeting with my client today but circumstances beyond my control don't permit.
Sitting up, Peter checks his notes on cars.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, the licences of two cars are expiring in early Nov.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The engine light of my SMART car has been on. I need to have it fixed before having it tested...My wife and I are flying out to Tokyo again...
Quickly, Peter makes a call and sends a WhatsApp message.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's good that I've fixed the testing slots for the cars and notified my car repairer.
Act 2
EXT. BUS STOP - 11:15
Waiting, Peter taps his foot impatiently. A bus arrives, and he hops on.
PETER (V.O): I've been storing my SMART in my NT home.
INT. BUS - CONTINUOUS
Sitting on the upper deck, Peter looks out of the window, lost in thought.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): For over 20 years, I've been managing six cars.
The scenery moves by. Peter's mind is elsewhere.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As I'm not young anymore, I prefer to be a passenger rather than a driver.
EXT/INT. PETER'S NT HOME - 14:30
Arriving, Peter takes a look of his numeric blue SMART parked under a covered driveway.
PETER (V.O): I bought it in 2003. It still looks good and its mileage is very low.
Peter enters his house with excitement.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I couldn't remember when I came back the last time.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Last time, I forgot to turn off a tap in the front yard. Later, the management alerted me and turned it off for me.
Going up to his studio, Peter plays the piano. Later, he does some decluttering in his study.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Now's the time to transact the main business of today.
Taking a car key from his handbag, Peter gets inside the SMART and attempts to start the car.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I haven't started it for a long time.
As nothing happens, Peter checks the dashboard.
Having repeatedly pressed the key buttons, Peter checks them.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Dead battery?
Peter slaps his forehead.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Not too long ago, I did replace the battery of the other one...Why didn't I bring both with me?
INT. MALL - LATER
Peter enters a store, scanning the battery shelves.
PETER (V.O): No, no BR1225.
Peter's face falls.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I only know of a store where I can buy BR1225. But it's in the urban area.
INT. PETER'S NT HOME - LATER
Having taken out the batteries from the key, Peter fixes them and presses the key buttons.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Really dead...I'd have to come back again tomorrow, despite my hectic schedule.
Suddenly, he feels something in his trouser pocket, and pulls out the alternative key.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): OMG, I've actually brought it with me! Why am I so forgetful?
Quickly, Peter gets inside his SMART, unlocks the safe mode and starts the car...
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Safe Mode ..." to a draft in his Surface.
PETER (V.O): My SMART car's technical state is similar to my mental state in that both are in a "safe" but limited capacity.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Safe mode symbolizes a need for caution, regarding the challenges of aging and my struggles with forgetfulness.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Rather than succumbing to the frustration, I'm learning to adapt and to find solutions.
FADE OUT
THE END
Comments