[garcia1000]

ROBERT

A screenplay by garcia1000



INT. CAR DEALERSHIP ROOM - AFTERNOON

A clean, functional dealership. Around half a dozen salesmen in the room, and three other customers. Tucked away in a corner of the room is a wood-panelled office, with the door closed.

A messy desk, with car specifications, sales brochures, stationery, and assorted bric-brac. ROBERT, the besuited, bespectacled salesman, is talking with CATHY and DONALD.

ROBERT
This car, you see, is a Civic hybrid. It's made by Honda.

CATHY
(enthusiastically)
Great, we have always wanted a hybrid! They are environmentally friendly, and it feels like we are saving the planet!

ROBERT
One feature of hybrids is that they have an electric motor. So, it saves on gas and you get a higher miles per gallon. It's also good for the environment.

DONALD
(happily)
Yeah, that sounds good to us. We'll buy this model, what's the price on it?

ROBERT
I haven't finished yet, let me explain it to you first. Honda is a Japanese car maker. Their cars are reliable, and some would say the cars are more durable. So you would be able to use this car for a long time, if you chose to buy it.

CATHY
Sure, just tell us what we need to do and we'll buy it now!

ROBERT
The interior of the car is nice, too. Comfortable leather seats, a GPS system, and a powerful sound system with good speakers.

DONALD
So how do we pay for this? Should we write you a cheque or what?

ROBERT
It also handles well. Braking and acceleration is better than most comparable cars, and it has a small turning radius.

ROBERT points to the brochure, which has the technical specifications for the Civic Hybrid.

ROBERT (CONT'D)
It is really quite good. Would you like to take it on a test drive?

CATHY
(impatiently)
That won't be necessary, we know what it does. But how much does it cost and how do we pay for it?

ROBERT
Well, suggested retail price is $22,600.

DONALD
(interrupting)
Great! We don't even need financing because we just made some profits in the stock market. I can write you a cheque right now!

ROBERT
If you want to buy this, you will get Michelin tires, too. Michelin tyres are good, they have good traction. Tell me, will you be driving it in warm or cold places?

CATHY
Uh... warm.

ROBERT
You might want the thinner tires. Usually you would only use thick tires when road conditions require it, because they are heavier.

ROBERT glances at the clock. It shows 16:58.

ROBERT (CONT'D)
Oh, it's almost five. Maybe we can discuss this further next time. You have my number, call me. Bye now guys.

ROBERT ushers CATHY and DONALD up from their seats and shoos them out into the parking lot. CATHY and DONALD, confused, get into their car and drive off.

ROBERT sighs.

ROBERT
(exasperated)
Curse my bad luck. Another day without a sale. Well, I hope I will get better customers tomorrow.

-FIN-