Minor Chaos
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 30 minutes ago
- 2 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 08:30
Sunlight streams onto a cluttered desk. PETER sips tea. He checks a folder containing vehicle registration papers.
PETER (V.O.): My primary task today is to take my Previa to the car-testing center for a roadworthiness inspection.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Should have gone last Saturday...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can't believe I forgot. I should have checked my diary even though it's Saturday.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): This can't happen again.
Peter pats the folder and grabs his keys.
Act 2
EXT. CAR PARK - 09:45
Peter slides into driver's seat of his 2000 Previa. The engined turns over with a surprisingly healthy rumble.
PETER (V.O.): Recently, I've changed its engine.
Then, his eyes flick to the fuel gauge. The needle rests just above "E".
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've to top it up.
INT. CAR TESTING CENTRE - 10:15
Waiting room. Peter fiddles with his phone.
PETER (V.O.): Ah, there's an Oil Price Watch app.
After downloading, Peter compares the oil prices of different petrol stations.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's been years since I last stopped by the least expensive station of today.
A TESTER approaches, holding papers.
TESTER: All good. Pass. Here's your certificate and your vehicle registration document.
Peter takes the papers happily.
EXT. PETROL STATION#1 - 11:00
Arriving in his Previa, ATTENDANT#1 receives Peter.
PETER: Can I get today's discount?
ATTENDANT#1: You need a discount card...If you don't have one, I can issue one to you right away.
PETER: Yes, please.
EXT. PETROL STATION#2 - 16:30
Peter arrives in his SMART City Coupe. At the pump, Peter pulls out his wallet and shows to ATTENDANT#2 his new discount card.
STAFF: Which payment option works best for you?
PETER: Credit card.
Peter opens his wallet again but looks bewildered.
PETER (V.O.): Where is the credit card I used for my previous payment?
Moments of confusion. Peter pays with a different credit card.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That station...paid...returned home...hands full.
Peter continues to retrace his steps mentally.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I must have clipped it in the folder with the other papers.
He starts the car, a plan forming.
INT. BEDROOM - 19:45
Peter pulls the car document folder from the drawer. He empties the contents: registration, certificate, insurance papers. He shakes them. Nothing falls out.
PETER (V.O.): Huh, no credit card.
Peter checks his wallet again. Checks his pockets. Nothing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Maybe...dropped it between car and the apartment? After I parked?
MONTAGE
A. Street - Night. Peter scans the pavement. Nothing.
B. Car park - Continuous. Peter unlocks the Previa, with his smartphone flashlight on.
END MONTAGE
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 21:30
Peter uploads a photo of the cards and papers that contribute to the minor chaos in a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): My day is frustrating but not catastrophic. I've found the credit card wedged in the crevice where the passenger seat meets the center console.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In a complex app-saturated world, forgetfulness isn't necessarily a personal failing, but a natural byproduct of cognitive overload.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The healthiest response is to observe my distractions with humour and to find peace within the inevitable, minor chaos of daily life.
END
FADE OUT
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