WOODS (any gender, mid teens)
Okay, go with Shane. Go find the way out these woods. Fine. But I don't think it makes a lot of sense for me to be the one staying at the landmark. At least not on my own. I've never been in the woods in my life; I'll probably freeze to death if we're not found tonight. At least Shane would know how to handle himself here, he's the big North Face outdoor stud, right?
Is that really why you're taking his side? The reason you're ditching me-- and don't kid yourself, Casey, that IS what you're doing, you're ditching me. You've been my best friend since kindergarten but ooooooh suddenly we're in high school now, and suddenly there's a SENIOR and he works at North Face and he's inviting us on a hike and suddenly I'm just your tagalong.
Right?
I'm not worth much to you, huh? After all, I'M not going get you into Shane's crowd. I probably will hold you back, is that it? I have no idea what you think is going to happen to your life once you DO get into that crowd. There's a world beyond high school, Casey. And the world doesn't give a shit what crowd you used to be in.
Easy example, we're out in here in the woods, we're lost, we're out of food and the sun is going down. The world isn't going to save you for sticking with Shane who-- oh yes that's right-- is the one who got us lost! The world doesn't care--
You. YOU really don't care anymore do you? I don't believe for a second that you're thinking about Shane getting you more lost. And you sure as shit aren't thinking about me and what could happen to me between tonight and tomorrow. You're just thinking about where you'll be sitting for lunch.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"