The 2-Seater or the 8
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 8:00
The sun rises over a high-rise neighbourhood, casting a warm glow. PETER finishes his breakfast, observing his younger SON as he prepares to leave home with his luggage.
PETER: Are you all set for your trip to Melbourne after work today?
Peter's son nods.
PETER (V.O.): One of his secondary school classmates, who is also a doctor, is getting married, and my son, along with his girlfriend who studies in Sydney, will be attending.
Observing his son.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My son, who has recently started working full-time in Hong Kong, has been separated from his girlfriend for a month and a half now.
As his son walks to the door, Peter follows.
PETER (Cont'd): Take care. Pass my regards to your other half.
SON: Sure.
Peter closes the door for his son.
Act 2
MONTAGE OF WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
A. Living room - 11.00. After completing his Duolingo streaks, Peter packs his briefcase.
B. Restaurant - 12:15. Peter waits to be seated but isn't attended to. He loses his patience.
C. McDonalds - 12:30. Peter grabs a chicken burger to take away.
END MONTAGE
INT. DINING ROOM - 12:45
Peter quickly finishes his burger.
PETER (V.O.): I've a meeting with my client today at 2pm at the Castle Peak Immigration Centre.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 13:00
.
Peter grabs his car keys from a bowl, and pauses. He holds two key fobs.
PETER (V.O.): Which car should I drive: the 2-seater or the 8?
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The two-seater will suffice; I only need the eight-seater if I've passengers or cargo.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My son works in a hospital at Castle Peak, and he plans to take a taxi to the Airport this evening. Why not let me drive him instead?
Peter sends a text to his son.
EXT. CASTLE PEAK IMMIGRATION CENTRE - 15:45
Peter, dressed in a suit, steps outside the metal door.
PETER (V.O.): I've fulfilled my professional duties. Time for my daily swim.
EXT. CAR PARK, CAFETERIA OLD BEACH - 16:45
A wet-haired Peter drives off in the 8-seater.
PETER (V.O.): Let me return to my NT home, waiting for my son to finish work.
EXT. PETER'S NT HOME - 17:00
Using a garden hose, Peter washes his Eunos 30X, a 2+2, and the 8-seater Toyota Previa
PETER (V.O.): A two-seater is a statement - an assertion of self. The eight-seater is a commitment - an acceptance of the self that is inextricably linked to others.
Cleaning the Eunos 30X.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I love 2+2 cars, like my scrapped Ford Capri, Corolla SR and Honda Prelude. I believe they strike a perfect compromise.
Cleaning the Toyota Previa.
PETER (V.O.): I know it has been a challenge for our domestic helper to wash the 8-seater.
Later, when Peter is about to have an icecream, he gets a message from his son.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I know he can't wait to fly to Melbourne to meet up with his loved ones.
EXT. HONG KONG AIRPORT - 18:30
The Previa stops at the drop-off zone. Peter's son gets off with his luggage.
SON: Thank you so much!
PETER: Take care!
PETER (V.O.): I need to take care of myself too, having worked, exericsed and driven for hours. I'm not young anymore.
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM -22:30
Peter uploads an image of the rear of the 8-seater, with the Castle Peak Immigration Centre in the background to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): I initially believed the two-seater was all about exclusiivity. Then I realised the true exclusivity lies in seeing my younger son's face as we head to the Airport.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can't fit a family in a two-seater. I can, however, fit all their love in the trunk of an 8-seater, along with suitcases and dozens of forgotten dreams.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In the end, I'm not remembered for how nimbly I parked, but for how many souls I carried safely home.
FADE OUT
END
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