Inevitabilities
INT.TRAIN, FIRST CARRIAGE – NO TIME ZONE
CLOSE ON – an edited photograph showing the silhouette of a man riding an escalator towards the light above.
Then – a slightly wet hand RIPS the photograph away. JORDAN (15) stares at the photograph resentfully. His grip tightens on the photograph with each second. His other hand prepares to tear it apart.
He is unable to do it. Jordan snarls and crumples the photograph. He looks at the photographs that line the sides, intruding into the ceiling and windows. The empty, brightly-saturated red seats. The window shows a blur of lights and moving images – Jordan’s memories.
JORDAN
(softly)
Go on, Captain. Get us out of here.
CUT TO:
INT.TRAIN, DRIVER’S CABIN, NO TIME ZONE
A winding, seeming infinite tunnel of lights and memories drifting at the sides. OTHER JORDAN (9, oversized red hoodie) turns the locomotive clockwise for the train to speed up.
A knock at the door, and Jordan hesitantly enters inside the cabin. Other Jordan’s gaze remains at the window as Jordan sits next to him. Silence, then –
JORDAN
I still find it unnerving, watching
a child drive.
Other Jordan turns a dial, uncaring. Silence.
OTHER JORDAN
(dryly)
An eight-year old drove to
McDonald’s thanks to Youtube
tutorials. Without accident. Far
more competent than most adults.
Jordan snorts. Other Jordan smiles.
OTHER JORDAN (CONT’D)
Doing better?
JORDAN
And now a child’s my therapist.
What has my life turned into, huh?
Other Jordan glares. His fingers twitch. Jordan laughs.
JORDAN (CONT’D)
Okay, okay lah. But you’re
technically fifteen. Still a child.
OTHER JORDAN
If you’re here to disturb me, get
out.
Jordan quiets down and stares at the infinite, winding tunnel. A memory of Younger Jordan happily photographing some birds drifting past and Jordan waves. Other Jordan glances at him and snorts.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT.TRAIN, DRIVER’S CABIN, NO TIME ZONE
Jordan waves at the memory of Younger Jordan, now older, focused on photographing the great expanse of buildings at Marina Bay.
JORDAN
Look at him go. Just doing his
thing and being happy about it.
Unburdened with shit.
OTHER JORDAN
But you don’t have to feel that
burdened anymore, right? That’s why
you are going far away. To escape.
Jordan hums in assent. He waves at another memory of his younger self photographing some ants.
JORDAN
But when will everything end?
Other Jordan gives Jordan a questioning glance as he turns the locomotive clockwise. The rumble of the train grows louder as it speeds up. Jordan looks at another memory – Younger Jordan, now a teenager, staring at the cracked glass of the camera lens.
Jordan’s body turns rigid. His hands clench.
JORDAN (CONT’D)
I had assumed that Pa would support
me in my passion for photography,
since he did last time. He didn’t.
He didn’t.
The train SCREECHES against the tracks. Other Jordan curses and turns the locomotive anticlockwise. He turns some dials.
OTHER JORDAN
That’s why you have to get away
from him, right? Even if he
disowns you. Actually – who cares?
He broke you, Jordan.
(silence, then softer)
Again and again.
Jordan’s fists are still clenched. With a yell, he SWINGS his fists against the control panel. His shoulders shake.
JORDAN
But do you know what a stupid
decision running away is? I’m
fifteen. I still need Pa to
survive. And I’m throwing it away
because of some tantrum. Like –
The train SCREECHES against the tracks. Meanwhile, a memory unfolds within the tunnel, mists and images building up to a whirlwind become a station.
Jordan is unaware. Other Jordan gets up and PULLS him out of the driver’s cabin. Jordan does not protest.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.DINING AREA – NIGHT (8.23 P.M.)
CLOSE ON – the report card grades. A C5 for Additional Mathematics and an A2 for History breaks the string of B3s and B4s.
PA (48) then looks at MEMORY JORDAN (15), who seems more interested in eating his takeaway noodles.
PA
You are now in Sec 3.
Memory Jordan grips his chopsticks tighter as he eats his noodles.
PA (CON’T)
At least you managed an A2. But
your total points is still 27. Even
Polytechnic’s cut-off point is 26
for most courses.
MEMORY JORDAN
Look for the A1. I’ll get 25 if you
use my CCA grade to cut it off.
PA
And? A one-point difference doesn’t
change your weak grasp of your
subjects. Especially A Maths.
MEMORY JORDAN
At least I didn’t fail, right? One
classmate even got E –
PA
You could’ve done much better were
not for your addiction.
Memory Jordan rolls his eyes and resumes eating, resigned and frustrated. Tired of the familiar argument.
MEMORY JORDAN
You could have just said
photography, Pa. It isn’t going to
do anything.
PA
It is an addiction, because this
thing, this hobby, it’s ruining
your life. You’d have no future as
a photographer here –
MEMORY JORDAN
I’ve a following on my photography
account, for god’s sakes –
PA
So? You think a photographer will
have a good salary? You think you’ll
be lucky and achieve fame? You
wouldn’t. You aren’t special.
A THUMP as Memory Jordan STABS chopsticks upright into the bowl of noodles. Pa’s eyes widen, body going rigid.
MEMORY JORDAN
Shut up.
A SUDDEN slap. Memory Jordan stumbles to the side from the force of Pa’s blow.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT.TRAIN, FIRST CARRIAGE – NO TIME ZONE
Jordan STAGGERS into the train and away from the memory. Drops to the nearest chair. Hugging himself as he takes deep breaths to calm himself. And fails.
Eventually, Other Jordan returns into the train. The doors slide shut and the train begins to move. Silence. Then –
JORDAN
You forced that memory on me,
right?
OTHER JORDAN
…It was for your own good.
JORDAN
For what? Do you think I need a
reminder of Pa’s shit parenting?
OTHER JORDAN
(raising eyebrows)
You want to go back to that place.
JORDAN
I’m not of age! Do you think that I
can just run away because Pa
doesn’t like my passion? Because we
had a fight? Come on! Not
everything can be about
photography!
OTHER JORDAN
Red is the colour of life. Courage.
Passion. You think the red seats
are that intense because your love
for photography is weak, huh? That
you can simply part with
photography and be a good son?
Silence. Jordan clenches his fists. Eyes downcast.
JORDAN
Just take me back, Jordan. I need
to apologise. Study hard, make Pa
happy, I dunno. Take me back.
Other Jordan looks at Jordan stonily. Jordan realises Other Jordan will not acquiesce. He stands up and begins walking towards the Driver’s cabin. Other Jordan quickly shoves him, hard and forceful. Jordan extends his arms as he faceplants onto the floor.
Jordan tries to get up. Other Jordan quickly straddles him and punches Jordan’s forehead down towards the floor. And continues punching his head down. Jordan grunts, trying to escape.
Jordan eventually stops struggling, unconscious. Other Jordan sighs and pulls out duct tape from the pocket of his hoodie. He wraps Jordan’s hands and feet up.
Other Jordan turns Jordan over. Blood drips from Jordan’s forehead. Other Jordan sighs and wipes away the blood with his hoodie. He then grabs Jordan’s collar and drags him towards the train pole furthest from the driver’s cabin.
Other Jordan wraps Jordan to the pole with duct tape. He removes his hoodie and covers Jordan up.
OTHER JORDAN
At least I retained the strength of
a fifteen-year-old.
Other Jordan gazes at Jordan and sighs. He ruffles Jordan’s hair.
OTHER JORDAN (CONT’D)
You think I’ve enjoyed doing this? You
think I’m like Pa now? But how many
times has Pa demeaned you and
forcing you away from what you
love? How many, Jordan?!
Tears gather in his eyes. He kneels by Jordan and grips his collar.
OTHER JORDAN (CONT’D)
And you can give up your passion
for him? That piece of shit doesn’t
even love you, Jordan! He wouldn’t
be doing that otherwise!
(Silence, then softly)
I can’t let you go back there. I be
damned if I do.
Other Jordan stands and walks back to the Driver’s cabin. There is the firm click of the door. Jordan then cracks his eyes open. He chuckles and shakes his head.
JORDAN
You are Pa are awfully the same,
you know? Isn’t he also hurting me
out from love and care?
Jordan’s shoulders shake with silent laughter from the irony. He begins wiggling his hands within the duct tape, loosening and widening it. The tape eventually falls off.
Jordan wiggles his hands towards his front, all while hissing and cursing from pain. He rips the duct tape surrounding his body and tears it off him with much effort. Then the ones tying his legs together.
Jordan stares at the bloodied hoodie. Then, he carefully wraps it and places it aside. He heads towards the driver’s cabin and carefully opens the door. It turns without squeaking.
INT.TRAIN, DRIVER’S CABIN, NO TIME ZONE
Other Jordan immediately rushes forward, already throwing punches. Jordan tries to block Jordan’s blows as he DISCREETLY shifts closer to the control panel.
Other Jordan snarls and shoves Jordan away from the controls and towards the wall. Jordan groans as his skull received the impact. Other Jordan pins Jordan in place. Jordan, however, still struggles, hand twitching.
OTHER JORDAN
You should stop.
JORDAN
You should’ve knocked me
unconscious then!
OTHER JORDAN
If you’re down, the train stops.
You’re the train’s fuel, remember?
I only wanted to incapacitate you.
Didn’t expect that you’ll escape
that quickly, though.
Jordan thrusts his arms upwards within the gap between Other Jordan’s grip. Other Jordan’s grip breaks, and Jordan maneuvers Other Jordan to be pinned against the wall. Other Jordan tries to throw Jordan’s weight off him. And Jordan throws a punch at Other Jordan’s face. The force sends Other Jordan stumbling to the side, spittle blood flying from his mouth. Jordan quickly goes to the control panel. Yet, he does not know how to drive the train. He needs Other Jordan’s guidance.
OTHER JORDAN (O.S)
You aren’t just going back to him
because of survival, right? You
wouldn’t be this determined
otherwise.
Jordan ignores him. Other Jordan stumbles to Jordan’s side. Jordan turns, body tensing. But Other Jordan simply drapes his battered body against Jordan, arm round his neck for support. Jordan somehow allows it.
JORDAN
You hurt me because you love me.
It’s the same for Pa. He only went
against my passion because it
started interfering with my grades.
Both Jordan and Other Jordan look at the drifting memory of Pa and Younger Jordan in a photography shop, buying cameras. Other Jordan scoffs.
OTHER JORDAN
And? Don’t get sentimental on me.
Love alone does not make him a
better Pa. Does he respect your
decisions? Support your choices?
JORDAN
A parent can’t support their child
if they are making bad decisions.
OTHER JORDAN
(casually)
Is it really just that, huh?
OTHER JORDAN (CONT’D)
I thought Pa also thinka that your
passion is a nuisance. And not just
due to academia’s sake.
Jordan freezes – exactly what Other Jordan intended. Other Jordan shakes his head in faux sadness and sighs.
OTHER JORDAN (CONT’D)
Little India. Mount Faber. Whenever
you go out and take photographs.
Another memory unfolds within the tunnel as it builds up to a whirlwind. A station unfolds. Other Jordan turns the locomotive anticlockwise and the train slows down.
JORDAN
Don’t. Jordan, please.
Other Jordan stares at Jordan – pitiless, apathetic – and drags him out of the cabin.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. LITTLE INDIA, CAMPBELL LANE – DAY (4.50 P.M.)
Memory Jordan (12) has a camera around his neck as his Tods behind Pa (45), who has a TIGHT grip on Memory Jordan’s wrist. They pass by shops selling cleaning and cooking appliances, jewellery, religious figurines – the like.
At the side, a store with GARLANDS OF YELLOW, WHITE AND RED hang from the shop canopy. Memory Jordan looks at the shop in awe. Pa tries to TUG Memory Jordan away.
MEMORY JORDAN
Wait, Pa! Can I take a photo of the
flower shop? It’ll only take a
while!
PA
‘A while’ will span up to five
minutes for a single photo, Jordan.
MEMORY JORDAN
It won’t this time, I swear! And it
looks really pretty, like look at
the arrangement of the flowers! The
color scheme!
Pa stares at Memory Jordan’s earnest, pleading face. His grip on Memory Jordan relents. Memory Jordan smiles, pleased, and begins to take photographs of the store. Occasionally photographing the people walking along the streets. Ignoring the eyes he felt staring at him from passers-by.
A woman looking at the garlands spotted Memory Jordan taking photographs and hurriedly rushes away. He sighs, and was about to snap another photo when Pa YANKS him away.
MEMORY JORDAN
I wasn’t done taking photos yet!
PA
And so? You’re being a public
nuisance! Have some decency,
Jordan!
MEMORY JORDAN
But – people are bound to stare and
feel uncomfortable when you direct
a camera at them! But that’s what
street photographers do! And it’s
not illegal!
PA
And you want people to complain,
huh? Because of your itchy fingers
and lack of self control?
Beat. Memory Jordan stares at Pa in disbelief.
MEMORY JORDAN
You took me here so I can take
photographs! And you’re going back
on your word? Just because of
public opinion? People don’t care,
Pa! I’m just some stranger whom
they’ll never see again!
Memory Jordan WINCES when Father’s grip on his wrist becomes tighter.
MEMORY JORDAN (CONT’D)
And I was careful! It’s not like
I’m forcing a camera to their
faces! I was discreet when I
photograph them!
(then)
Okay, fine! I’ll just stick to
buildings and nature, okay? I
swear! Just buildings and nature!
(flatly)
PA
We’re going back home.
Memory Jordan stares at Pa in shock as Pa begins turning the other direction, away from Little India.
MEMORY JORDAN
(Hollowly, quietly)
But you promised. That I can do
this after PSLE. You promised.
Silence. Memory Jordan is dragged back to the carpark.
CUT TO:
INT.TRAIN, FIRST CARRIAGE – NO TIME ZONE
Jordan walks back to the train and sits down in a daze, mind entrenched with memories of the past. Other Jordan sits down next to Jordan. The train begins moving. Silence, with Jordan clenching his fists and Other Jordan looking worriedly at him.
JORDAN
He’s always paranoid about public
appearances. And besides, he
doesn’t understand.
OTHER JORDAN
It still does not justify him
projecting his shit to you. You
don’t deserve it.
JORDAN
(snappishly)
Aren’t you supposed to drive the
train? Why are you here?
OTHER JORDAN
You are the fuel. You still head
the train even though I direct it.
Jordan raises a brow but remains silent. Then –
JORDAN
Aren’t you worried I’ll use this
information to drive back?
OTHER JORDAN
You are now more…logical.
JORDAN
Hard not to be when you became my
therapist for your goddamn goals,
Dr Malpractice.
Other Jordan snorts as Jordan glares at him with clenching fists. Silence, except for the rumbling of the train. Jordan takes out the crumpled photograph from his pocket and stares at it.
JORDAN (CONT’D)
But my younger self loved Pa to
bits, Jordan. This photograph
represents Pa going to heaven like
some goddamn saint. Because he was
really a Pa.
JORDAN (CONT’D)
(then softer, more
hesitant)
I still want him to love me,
Jordan. Despite everything.
OTHER JORDAN
Like I said, sentimental. He isn’t
going to love you like before,
Jordan. Unless you throw your
passion away and let these chairs
fade from red to white. The
photographs to be taken down.
(then)
Is that what you want?
JORDAN
Isn’t it the same from my Pa’s POV?
That I’m willing to throw
everything away for the sake of
photography? Till my life and
relationships are destroyed?
Silence again.
OTHER JORDAN
Then? It’s either his love or your
passion. You can’t have both. Don’t
be dumb and choose the option that
will make you miserable.
JORDAN
When you think about it, both will
make me miserable.
OTHER JORDAN
Because you’re in denial and you
want both! Choose, damnit! Make
yourself a better life!
Other Jordan stands and marches into the Driver’s Cabin. The door SLAMS shut. Jordan sits, immersed in his thoughts.
CUT TO:
INT.TRAIN, DRIVER’S CABIN, NO TIME ZONE
Jordan now sits next to Other Jordan, watching him drive the train. The crumpled photograph sits next to the control panel.
JORDAN
I mean, before that Little India
incident, before all of the
conflicts, Pa supported me in
photography. It’s irrefutable.
Other Jordan decidedly ignores Jordan.
JORDAN (CONT’D)
And it didn’t hurt to love him. Our
relationship then was so easy.
OTHER JORDAN
(irate)
Where are you getting at?
Beat. Jordan struggles to string his words together.
JORDAN
It’s because my photography pleased
him then. I was taking pictures of
him and myself. I was practically
declaring him a goddamn saint.
Like, look.
OTHER JORDAN
Screams of narcissism to me. Red
flag alert.
JORDAN
So I please him again. Under his
roof, I study instead of editing
photos. And when I’m done studying,
I’ll be photographing all around
Singapore.
OTHER JORDAN
That’s all? You know it’s likely
you wouldn’t be able to peruse
photography for the next one and
half years because of A levels,
right?
JORDAN
Not really. I can do it for
relaxation. When I’m free. Heck,
maybe even at school. Just so long
as Pa does not spot me. I’ll be
fine.
Other Jordan stares at Jordan’s determined look and sighs, shaking his head.
OTHER JORDAN
And you think he will then begin
respecting you?
JORDAN
I mean, if I do well in academics,
he wouldn’t be beating down my neck
as much. So long as he does not
accompany me when I’m taking
photographs, he shouldn’t be that
embarrassed. What he doesn’t know
can’t hurt him, right?
OTHER JORDAN
You are setting yourself up for
failure.
Silence. The memory of Pa throwing the camera lens towards the floor drifts past. Younger Jordan’s expression had been one of shock and terrible rage. And grief.
Jordan and Other Jordan watches Younger Jordan POUNCE on Pa like a feral animal, shrieking and crying.
JORDAN
(quieter)
I know.
OTHER JORDAN
But you’re doing it either way.
Jordan nods. Other Jordan sighs and stands up, allowing Jordan to take control.
OTHER JORDAN
Alright. So, the locomotive is
meant to control the speed of the
train –
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MRT TRAIN, REALITY – NIGHT (2.37 A.M.)
There is the melodic sound of the bell.
RECORDED ANNOUNCER
(monotone)
Woodlands. هذ̶)Woodlands)
(then)
Please mind the gap. ᧗ੜஞᑮ࿈̶
Berhati-hati di ruang platform.
!”# $%&’ !() *+,- .,-$/0,”
1/2345 $1678917. (Please mind
the gap)
The doors halts and the doors slide open. PRESENT DAY JORDAN (15) steps out of the train.
The doors close after a few moments. The train goes away.