Numeric Blue
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 21:00
Sitting by the bedside with a laptop before him, PETER scrolls through his photo app.
PETER (V.O.): Today, I've taken more photos of my numeric blue SMART car than I typically do.
Peter compares photos taken from the front and the side.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I want to gain perspectives as to how others view it from the outside.
Comparing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My city coupe still has eye-appeal. And it has fuel efficiency in km/litre.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If I had to retire my cars, my numeric blue would be second on the list. But after today's experiences, I've reservations about that.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
EXT. ESTATE STREETS - 16:45 (Today)
Sunlight glints off the numeric blue paint of a 2003 SMART City Coupe. It looks like a polished, oversized toy. Peter's coupe stops at a pedestrian crossing. A WOMAN is leading a little girl (4) by the hand.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, a little girl led by a woman is staring at my car.
The little girl's head swivels as she's led away, trying to keep the strange, captivating vehicle in her sight for as long as possible.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Just like me.
Peter's eyes drift to the rear mirror, watching the girl until she's out of sight.
FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
INT. OCEAN CENTRE - DAY (2003)
A SMART car exhibition. Peter (49) stands with his WIFE. They're looking at a brand-new Numeric Blue City Coupe, shining under the spot light.
PETER: Look at the design and paint, it's not just a car. It's a moving art.
Peter's wife looks reserved.
WIFE: But you've got five cars already...
PETER: Just one more.
WIFE: Alright, but you've to promise not to own more than six cars at the same time.
PETER: Okay!
END FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And I've been keeping my promise.
EXT. CAR PARK, SILVERSTRAND - 17:00
Peter parks his numeric blue SMART car into a parking lot with practical ease. As he turns off the engine, Peter notices a MAN (30s) using his phone to take a picture of his car.
PETER (V.O.): What a surprise...
Peter gets out, pretending to check his door locked while still observing the man who walks to collect his newer, larger, four-door Smart car parked nearby. The man talks to Peter.
MAN: I just don't see the originals in this colour, this condition. It's a classic.
PETER: It's already over 20 years old. Your car is nice too.
MAN: I use it to do Uber too. Many customers query if my car has room for them. Their impression of the brand is your car. Not mine.
With a smile, Peter decends the stairs leading to the beach.
EXT. SILVERSTRAND BAY - 17:15
Peter rests on one of the floating platforms in the swimming area.
PETER (V.O.): In 2003, when I ordered this SMART car, I specifically requested the numeric blue colour and paid an additional fee to secure that choice.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): They built it to be smart. I bought it to be happy.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.): The newer ones are cars. Mine? That's the original idea, frozen in metal and a colour one can't forget.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.): The car is big enough for a grocery run; vast enough for a life well-lived.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Zero to joy? Instantly. Zero to sixty? Eventually.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINOUS
Peter uploads an image of his 2003 Numeric Blue SMART parked at Silverstrand to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): My SMART car doesn't have a classic's pedigree; it has a pioneer's soul, painted in the blue of a new idea.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Numeric blue isn't just a colour. It's the shade of a thought I had in 2003 that I never had to take back.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's the smallest car I own. But it's not about the space inside; it's about the space it creates in my soul. No clutter, just freedom.
FADE OUT
END
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