FADE IN:
INT. MUSIC STORE - DAY
A SALESLADY (40s) promotes merchandize to PETER. Grabbing some, Peter pays at the counter.
SALESLADY
(Showing Peter)
Why won't you buy
this key ring too?
Peter checks it. We see a key ring with a Fender Strat 60th Anniversary plastic badge.
PETER (V.O.)
Yes, I was born and grown like the Fender
Strat.
PETER
(Nodding)
Okay, I'll buy it as well.
The saleslady smiles sweetly.
EXT. COACH - DAY
Sitting by the window, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.)
My birth certificate says
I was born in 1954. I've
been citing my date of
birth numerous times,
but I can only remember
a few things in my child-
hood. Anyway, 1954 was
when my life began.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd)
When I was in my teens,
I loved Fender Strat's
distinct body shape. It's
sleek and more expressive
than the Tele. But they're
way beyond my means.
FLASHBACK
EXT. VILLAGE STORE - DAY
Shabby. A barefooted Peter (7) stares at the merchandize. We hear a distinct electric guitar sound. Following sound source, Peter sees two MEN (20s) next door taking turns to pick on the strings of an electric guitar placed on a small table.
PETER (V.O.)
Well, the electric guitar
sound when amplified
can be very loud. But
they don't know how
to play. They've the
money to buy the gear
though.
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
Christmas singing contest. Peter (16) in a guitar BAND backed the CONTESTANTS on stage.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (Cont'd)
That was the first time
I played others' electric
guitars.
FLASHBACK
INT. MUSIC STORE - NIGHT
A Fender acoustic guitar with the Strat's headstock is on display. Peter (34) was attracted to it.
PETER (V.O.)
With the Fender Strat
headstock, the acoustic
guitar makes a great
difference!
After holding it and examining for awhile, he takes it to the cashier.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) That's my first time owing
a Fender Strat acoustic
guitar. I'm still having it.
I've composed a lot of
songs with it. I've also
changed its plastic machine
heads to gold-coloured ones!
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Subsequently, I bought a
number of Fender guitars.
Peter checks a note on Guitars in this phone.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
It was only in 2013 that I
began to acquire Fender
Strats. I bought a number
Teles before that.
FLASHBACK
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
A farewell party for Peter who sings on stage. Then, some STAFF present a birthday cake, featuring the shape of a guitar.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Yes, few wouldn't know
what I like. Later, I bought
an expensive Fender Strat
to celebrate its 60th
anniversary and to satisfy
my buying impulse when
I was still on pre-retirement
leave in 2014.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
The Fender Strat was so
well-designed that it can
stand the test of time.
The model is still available
for sale and guitarists
still play them.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
After everything I've been
through, I'm still crazy about it after 60 years!
DAYDREAM SEQUENCE
INT. HOSPITAL BED - NIGHT
Reclining on his deathbed, the dying Peter holds a guitar, trying to play his songs.
END DAYDREAM SEQUENCE
INT. STUDY - DAY
Peter checks a mail and types: "Please have a technician to help connect my guitar to the Theatre's audio system."
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I've a lecture cum
performance coming up
next week. But my objective
now is just to use the guitar
to demonstrate aesthetic
design, electronic patents
and trademark in addition to
the creativity in us!
Peter picks up his Fender Villager nearby and strums a few melodic tunes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I like to repeat playing some
of my tunes. I was pretty
productive when I was about
60 years old!
At a side table is a set of keys. The design of the key ring resembles the shape of a Fender Strat.
FADE OUT. The End