Blind Spot
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- May 28
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 20:15 (A week ago)
As PETER and his WIFE return, the MAID remarks dismissively that there seems to be an issue with Peter's Mercedes.
MAID: I can't lock the car with the key fob, so I try the other one - but I get the same result.
Peter looks bewildered.
PETER (V.O.): I drove the car just a few days ago, and the conditions were perfect.
PETER: Have you had any problems in unlocking the car?
MAID: ...I was able to unlock it.
PETER (V.O.): How could the car malfunction after just a quick cleaning?
Peter nods.
PETER (V.O.): Perhaps, there's an electronic issue. If I use the key to start the car, it might resolve the problem.
Act 2
INT. ESTATE CARPARK - THE NEXT DAY
Realizing his deep blue 2002 Mercedes isn't locked, Peter quickly opens the driver's door and attempts to insert the key fob into the ignition.
PETER (V.O): OMG, it rejects the key...
Peter tries again, but the result is the same.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What should I do? I'd prefer to aviod seeking professional help unless absolutely necessary, as I rarely drive this seden.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Peter uses his smartphone to research the issue.
PETER (V.O.): Key insertion is mechanical, not electronic?
INT. ESTATE CARPARK - ANOTHER DAY
Determined, Peter inserts the key fob into the ignition.
PETER (V.O.): No problem at all!
However, he quickly realizes he can't turn it.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What could be the issue?
NT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
Peter uses his smartphone to research the issue.
PETER (V.O.): The steering wheel might be locked? Move it?
INT. ESTATE CARPARK - ANOTHER DAY
Determined, Peter shifts the steering wheel but he still can't turn the key.
PETER (V.O.): Could the battery have died unexpectedly?
Recalling.
.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I last drove it, there wasn't any battery malfunctioning indication on the dashboard.
Peter checks his notes on cars on his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The batteries were replaced less than two years ago.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Jumpstarting the car is the only option I've left.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): However, I let my younger son take my jumpstarter back to Sydney, fearing he might struggle to start his car after a month-long holiday away from Australia.
INT. ELECTRONIC STALL - LATER
Peter purchases a 4th generation compact jumpstarter, designed by Australians but manufactured in China.
PETER (V.O.): I went to the store where I bought the earlier generations, but they no longer carry the item. I'm surprised that this stall is selling it.
EXT. ESTATE CARPARK - 14:00
In front of his Mercedes, Peter wrestles with the hood latch. Finally, he opens it.
PETER (V.O.): What a relief! It's my first time opening it myself, even though I've owned the car since 2002.
Checking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But the batteries aren't here; they're actually under the bonnet at the rear!
Peter slumbs into the driver seat, hits the trunk release. Nothing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): No electricity. I need to use the mechanical key. But how could the maid unlock the car with the key fob if there was no electricity?
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 22:45
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled "Blind Spot" into a draft on his laptop.Pee
PETER (V.O): German engineering hides the battery. Human engineering hides the shame. I've successfully jumpstarted and recharged the car.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) Cont'd): A lifetime of looking forward teaches me nothing about what's lurking behind me. I still don't know how the car's twin batteries could have gone dead after a quick cleaning.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Knowing how isn't about technical prowess alone - it's about interrogating my assumptions, embracing discomfort, and recognizing that the deepest fixes are often to the self.
FADE OUT
END
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