Characters

Question

HUNTER, an eighth grade student
HALEY, Hunter’s twin sister
MATT, Hunter and Haley’s best friend
MS. SUSAN CARPENTER, Hunter’s mom
MR. JACOB CARPENTER, Hunter’s grandfather

SCENE 1

[Curtain opens to a patio. Jacob is shaking out his hiking backpack over a trash can. Haley is rocking in an old chair, playing a game on her cell phone. Susan is relaxing in a wicker chair, reading on her tablet. The sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds. Hunter and Matt enter.]

MATT: [Looks at everyone and speaks shyly] Hi!

JACOB: [Raises his head to look at Matt and speaks cheerily] Hello there! So, Hunter talked you into it?

[Both Haley and Susan look up.]

HALEY: For real? Did you, Hunt?

HUNTER: [Glares at Haley] So kind of you to bless my morning!

SUSAN: [Closes her tablet and walks up to Hunter and Matt] Well, Matt, you are here, so, [Looks at Jacob] Dad, why don’t you ask him?

[Hunter rolls his eyes, Haley looks on with excitement, and Matt appears clueless.]

MATT: [Approaches Jacob timidly] Umm. . . ask me what, Mr. Carpenter?

JACOB: How would you like to go on a day-hike on the mountainside along the Berthoud Pass?

HUNTER: [Hunter leans toward Matt and mutters under his breath] Matt, how would you like your phone taken away from you for the whole day? [Looks at Jacob and speaks in a normal voice] That’s more like it, Gramps!

JACOB: [Laughs heartily] Hunter, I won’t take away your phone. I only ask you to keep it inside your backpack so that you are not distracted from enjoying pristine outdoors.

SUSAN: [Shakes her head and walks back to the chair] Dad, Good luck convincing him! It’d make me happy as a clam at high tide.

HALEY: [Opens a bag of chips and noisily eats] Gramps, just let it go. I would rather watch a cool movie than explore some weird wilderness. [Looks at Matt for approval] More importantly, what if I miss a text from my friends?

HUNTER: [High fives Haley] Exactly my point, Hal! I can’t be bored to death without my cell phone.

SUSAN: [Looks up from her tablet and ponders for a few seconds] Gramps will let you take pictures to share with your friends later. [Looks at Jacob] Won’t you, Dad?

JACOB: Of course! It will be worthwhile to stay off social media for a few hours, but you can take lots of pictures.

[Jacob walks over to the table, picks up a backpack with Hunter’s name printed on it, and starts cleaning it with a scrubbing brush that protests loudly with each stroke.]

HUNTER: [Shrugs his shoulders] I don’t care. I have a ton of homework this weekend.

JACOB: [Walks over to Hunter and puts his arm over his shoulders] I care. [Chuckles] That’s why I have planned this getaway for the spring break.

MATT: [Folds his arms on his chest and hesitates before speaking] I... I mean... I think it’s kinda cool to put away the phone for a while. Don’t cha think, Hal? [Looks at Haley for approval]

HUNTER and HALEY: [Together] What???

HALEY: [Quickly puts down her cell phone and strides over to Matt] Matt, seriously? You mean it? I thought you didn’t care! Do you really want to go? [Clasps her hands] I am with you!

HUNTER: [Looks at the duo, confused] What’s going on, Matt? Hal?

MATT: [Unfolds his arms and declares confidently] Mr. Carpenter, I am in for the hike if you will have me.

JACOB: [Stops brushing down the backpack and looks at Matt] Yes, son. I want you to come. It will be quite an adventure, I promise. [Lifts his chin up, closes his eyes, and inhales deeply] Fresh air is to the mind as spring showers are to the tree, both refreshing and nourishing.

[Haley and Matt stare at Hunter, who now appears to be half-moved by the argument.]

HALEY: Oh, come on, Hunt! Don’t be such a stuck-up. [Turns to Susan] Mom?

HUNTER: [Ignores Haley and fist-bumps Matt] YOLO, man! I am cool. It beats whatever Snob Bob is doing in his break.

SUSAN: [Breaths a sigh of relief and smiles broadly] So, it’s settled.

HALEY: [Gasps and sputters in an excited tone] Oh, Mom, what should I wear on the hike? I’ll need new hiking boots. There’ll still be some snow on the trails. I better start packing now!

[Haley hurriedly opens the door and disappears as Susan smiles and looks at Jacob.]

JACOB: [Leans closer to Susan and whispers] It was just a speed bump called peer pressure, not a roadblock.

[Susan winks at Jacob, and both chuckle softly.]

[Curtain closes.]

Answer 1

SCENE 2

[Curtain opens to the patio the next morning. The sunlight is brighter, and the sound of birds chirping is heard. Jacob is double-checking the hiking gear while Hunter, Haley, and Matt emerge from the house, wearing casual outdoor clothing with backpacks fitted to their shoulders. Susan is finishing a cup of coffee on the patio table.]

HALEY: [Twirling excitedly] I can’t believe we’re actually going hiking! This is going to be epic!

HUNTER: [Grinning] And no phones to distract us! Just nature… and my potentially embarrassing moments when I trip over a rock.

MATT: [Chiming in] I think it’s awesome! [Pauses for a second] Well, not the tripping part, but the adventure!

SUSAN: [Sipping her coffee, smiles warmly] You kids have fun today. Remember to stay with your grandfather and listen to his advice; he knows the trails well.

JACOB: [Nods, putting equipment into the backpacks] Absolutely! And I have some stories about each trail that’ll keep you entertained.

HALEY: [With wide eyes] Stories? Like spooky ones?

JACOB: [Chuckles] Well, there are a couple of ghost stories from the woods... if you’re brave enough to hear them!

HUNTER: [Puffing out his chest] I’m always brave, especially if it concerns ghosts.

MATT: [Looks nervous] Wait, are we really going to seek out ghosts?

HALEY: [Laughs] No, silly! That’s just Gramps being dramatic!

JACOB: [Smiling] I assure you, no ghost hunting today. Just beautiful scenery and fresh air.

SUSAN: [Looks at the kids] Make sure to take lots of pictures, okay? I want to see how much fun you’re having!

HALEY: [Pulling out her phone] I’ll take selfies—nature style!

HUNTER: [Pointing an imaginary camera at Matt] And I’ll catch every single fall you make!

MATT: [Smirks] Not if I’m faster than you!

[Jacob begins to lead the way, adjusting the straps on his backpack.]

JACOB: All right, team, let’s hit the trail! [Pauses and looks back at Susan] You coming, Susie?

SUSAN: [Shakes her head, smiling] No thanks, I’ll enjoy my peace and quiet while you’re all out adventuring. Just promise to be careful!

HALEY: [Waves goodbye] We will, Mom!

[Everyone starts marching toward the exit with excitement, Hunter playfully nudging Matt. As they reach the edge of the patio, they gather around Jacob.]

JACOB: [Turning to the kids with a grand gesture] Before we start, I want you to remember: Nature has its own rhythm. Listen closely, and let it guide you.

HUNTER: [Pretending to be serious] Yes, oh wise one.

HALEY: [Stifling a giggle] All hail the nature guide!

MATT: [Seriously] But I hope it doesn't involve ghostly whispers!

[They all burst into laughter and slowly start walking offstage towards the mountain trails.]

JACOB: [Calling after them] Wait till you see the breathtaking view at the top. It’s worth the hike!

[As they exit, Hunter turns back one last time.]

HUNTER: [Shouting] Bye, Mom! See you later!

SUSAN: [Smiling] Have fun! Be safe!

[Curtain closes with laughter echoing in the background and the anticipation of a grand adventure at Berthoud Pass.]