Chasing June (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[Music]

Hi mom. Love you.

Bye. Love you.

[Music]

[music district noise]

[music]

Upon a time there

lived an enchanted princess

who was imprisoned in a

tall castle by her father.

He feared for her safety, so the king

told her frightening tales

of life beyond the castle walls.

From her window, the princess could only

see the lifeless and

deserted land outside,

dreaming of life beyond her captivity.

Class, please show some respect.

Lonely.

One day, a fairy from the outside land

appeared to the princess.

With her mystical

knowledge of the outside world

beyond the castle walls,

she revealed to the princess

that there were grand

adventures waiting for her

if she dared to leave.

The princess pleaded with the fairy

to take her away from

her doling monotonous life.

That's all I have so far.

That's good.

That's good, Liam.

Class, see how Liam has introduced

the hero of the story and

the guide, which is the fairy.

Now, a lot of times the hero needs...

Does the princess end up getting caught

and having to stay in the castle?

I haven't figured that out yet.

And that's OK, Liam.

You're right on track.

Go ahead and take a seat.

Now, class, like I was saying, the hero

often needs an accomplice.

And in this case, it's

the fairy, the guide.

And the accomplice

actually allows you as the writer

to create a story that thrives.

That was crazy.

Like that story?

I'm not kidding.

It's like you wrote it about me.

Did you write that

because you feel the same way?

Well, yeah, I mean, Mr. Williams just

said to write from experience.

I feel like writing a

children's story is kind of weird,

but it's what I like to write about.

Yeah, I'm still struggling with mine.

I don't know.

Maybe I should just try

writing a children's story.

Well, I mean, it just comes easier to me.

I can just kind of take

stuff that's going on in my life

and hide it in the story more.

Like feeling trapped

and wanting to feel free.

Or feeling like you

don't know where you belong.

Yo, Dakota, did you eat

all the sour gummy worms

I had in my backpack?

You're the only one who would do that.

It was probably you.

Oh, this is Liam.

Liam, this is my cousin, Garrett.

What's up, doc?

How did you know my name?

You sit by me, dummy.

And I pretty much try to

cheat off all your tests.

And you're not a ghost, Liam.

They're not in there.

I know you have them.

Come on.

Look, bro, just be careful with her.

She's not only going

to rip off your grades,

but she'll steal your

candy too, apparently.

Y'all stay after fourth.

Oh, you should come

hang with us after school.

The baseball field's

like kind of our spot.

Coach Stanley just lets

you guys hang on the field?

Come here down.

Up to you.

Thanks, Dakota.

See, I knew you already knew my name.

Liam!

What's up, doc?

Hey.

Didn't know you guys should come up here.

Yeah, when baseball isn't in season,

we kind of make it our spot.

So no teachers or coaches or...

Liam, relax.

You know, it's kind of a dope view

to see where my ball

lands every time I hit it.

OK, c*ck.

You're going to be

begging for my autograph.

That's funny.

Here.

You b*tch, you did steal one.

You basically left them on

top of your bag for me to take.

Liam, come on, sit up here.

No one's going to tell on you.

Come on, doc.

I'm going to get wires.

So you guys come up here a lot?

We started coming up here when we got

kicked off the roof.

She was always looking for

some way to get in trouble.

Or just to make life more interesting,

if you don't, then you're

going to end up stuck inside

like that girl in your story.

Oh, yeah, to go to Sydney

wrote some badass story.

So that's kind of your thing, huh?

I mean, I wouldn't

really call it badass, but...

Stop being so humble.

I mean, Mr. Williams

always uses you as an example

for the story course.

I don't blame them, though.

Every time he does, I

basically get made fun of.

Screw him.

They don't know art.

I know art.

Here.

Oh, uh...

Yeah, I'm not very good at writing,

but I guess this is kind of

my way of telling stories.

That's a story?

Well, not just that.

That's like the beginning of the story,

like the first chapter.

Look, dog, you better get used

to getting your picture taken

if you're going to hang with her.

She goes nowhere

without that damn camera.

Cute picture, huh?

Um, uh, I think so.

Well, I like it.

I cry every day.

You can't tell you haven't cried once.

Like, not once.

OK, maybe in that one scene where Haku

turns back into a human

and then they fall.

And then they all fly away.

Oh, my god.

You guys are such neffords.

By the way, you know

it's Tuesday, right, Dakota?

Oh, crap.

My dad has me prep dinner on Tuesdays.

Talk of Tuesday, right?

By the way, that's mine.

See you tonight.

You better run.

Tonight?

Yeah, I'll see you at your place.

All right, 57 Gresham Street.

Cool.

Steven, apparently

this is the second time

she skipped school this week.

And I was washing her clothes and they

smell like cigarettes too.

She's still showing up to

volleyball practice, right?

At this point, that's

the only way good college

is going to accept her.

I guarantee you she's late

because she's out with that boy.

Oh, there we go.

No, actually, I think

that's my friend, Garrett.

We're going to hate tonight.

Oh, OK.

Hey, Lance.

Hey, you're not

depressed or anything, are you?

No.

Why would I...

You know that poem you wanted me to read?

It sounded pretty depressing.

But no, that poem's...

No, OK, buddy.

All right, I was just

wanting to make sure.

Hey, listen, if you see

your sister out tonight,

can you tell her we need to talk?

Yeah.

All right.

Have fun.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

How did that sound?

I just had a loss when it was all right.

Shut up.

OK, OK, OK.

Everybody knows the rules.

Yeah.

I know I'm ready.

I hope you're ready.

All right, newbie?

Just try not to be the

last one looking, OK?

And Dakota, you're up.

Come here.

So get.

All right, let's go.

Go.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,

9, 6, 9, 7, 9, 8, 9, 9, 100.

Let's go.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[INAUDIBLE]

Turn it off.

Turn it off.

Come on.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I bet you didn't think I could find you.

Well, I just thought it

was your first time playing.

You might need some help.

Maybe you run to rest

and make me a Dakota.

Well, maybe I do, yeah.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So I'm guessing we just

play as low as we can?

Yes, and don't talk.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

They're over here.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

My god.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Yo.

Where you guys at?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Come on.

Hello.

Anywhere?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I'm not going to lie to Dakota.

I didn't expect anybody to find you.

Am I wrong, or were you the last one out

here looking for me?

I'm just kidding, bro.

You did good.

Thanks, Jake.

All right, everybody, handle up.

Your boy's going.

Come on.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

You can't take it away

because it's not your.

Oh, yes, we absolutely can.

So let me get this straight.

You want me to go to

school, but I'll literally

have no way to get there.

Get a walk, Callie.

Hey, what's going on?

Liam, not right now.

You know what?

It's fine.

I'll just give my car to

Brian, and he can take me.

Callie, do not get in that car.

How's he going to drive?

He's not on the insurance.

It doesn't really matter, does it?

It's my car.

OK, class, we're going to be moving on

to pivotal words and phrases.

Why is it that authors

use words and phrases

to drive emotions, thoughts,

and actions of the readers?

And as we work through that, I want

you to consider how those changes change

the mode of communication.

How does that change

what's being communicated?

And then why would they ever

go back and revise their work?

I want you to pay close

attention to the words that

are chosen and what they

do to a particular story.

OK, so you foreshadow using...

symbols and symmetry.

Symmetry?

Scenery.

Where'd you get symmetry?

I don't know what started

with an S. Gosh, this sucks.

It's like I'm trying to

learn this so I can pass a class

that I don't even care about.

Yeah, but we got to do it

so we can get into college.

College, right.

Why would you want to start

your life by getting into debt?

I don't know.

I'd rather spend all that money to learn

how to be a

photographer in the real world, not

from some textbook.

How are you going to

make money, make a living?

Money's just a way for

me to do what I want.

And if I can do it

without money, then who cares?

I don't know.

I don't want it, you know?

I'd rather just give it all

away to the people who need it.

That's crazy.

What?

I don't know, just the

thought of not having a job.

Yeah, or making what you love your job.

My dad's always on me about my

grades, of which I'm failing,

because he doesn't

think being a photographer

can ever be a real job.

Well, you know they have art

schools that teach photography,

though, right?

Yeah, I know.

But so what?

I mean, I don't need a piece of paper

worth thousands of dollars

just to call myself a photographer.

Yeah, but it's a pretty good head start.

My photography is good, though.

Can I see some?

Sure.

Here.

Yeah, he keeps threatening

to send me to live with my mom

in her perfect new family who will put me

through boarding school.

But he's too prideful to ever do that.

Your dad's crazy.

These are amazing.

How'd you do that?

Oh, that's just black and white film.

But I mean, you're

going to be a writer, right?

You have to be.

Well, my dad plans on me going to tech,

so I guess I'll just go

there and figure it out.

Well, you could always take the year off

and come with me and

figure it out on the road.

You can win the Peace Corps or something.

You really are a freeborn, aren't you?

Freeborn?

Yeah, you're one of a

kind, different, a risk taker.

Huh.

I like that.

Is that why you come out here?

Because it's free out here?

Yeah.

Yeah, I can come out

here and write, be myself.

Well, I like being out here with you.

I like having you here.

Hey, I have an idea.

Have you ever been in a photo sh**t?

What, like, model?

Yeah, model.

Come on, you have the look.

Let me style you up.

OK, I got a lot of stuff.

Oh, he's hungry.

Oh, my God.

Put it on.

Come on.

You should just put it on.

Posing it, Brenda.

Posing it.

Oh, that way?

Yeah.

OK.

[LAUGHTER]

That was sick.

Look at that.

Oh, that's such a good one.

In the water.

[LAUGHTER]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

No, it's still.

It's a bad look.

Have you ever heard of the June kids?

Is that, like, a band?

No.

That would be a pretty

cool band name, though.

Basically, they're this group of kids

that all live together

in North Virginia.

I read about them in this book.

And they just share all

the money that they make

and have no rules, party.

So they're basically a

bunch of homeless kids?

Homeless?

No.

No, no.

They're all friends.

And they can basically

just do whatever they want.

You can take these off.

That's kind of cool.

It's like they're always on an adventure.

Right, exactly.

The feeling of waking up every day with

something different.

Freedom.

You know, you're different.

Different?

Yeah, thoughtful.

You listen.

I don't know.

I like being around you.

And I don't really like

being around a lot of people.

Makes you a first.

Don't say sh*t like that.

I'm not the only one who thinks it.

Garrett likes you.

Garrett likes everybody.

My two friends I grew up

with got on the football team

last year.

And now they act like

they don't even know me.

God, screw those guys.

Football sucks anyways.

I bet they go to school every day

wearing, like, Hollister

and have that same haircut that looks

like a wall in the front.

They do.

See, all those guys are the same.

But you're out here

modeling for a famous photographer.

Thanks, Dakota.

What are these controls?

Sorry, man.

Just wait till I bring gold, now.

Oh, yes?

Done.

But hey, my dad's more

diverse, give her dinner.

So I'm going to head out.

And by the way, I'm having a

birthday party next weekend.

You're going to be there, right?

Yeah, I think so.

Are you sure?

Nah, just stay here and play video games.

All right.

But Dakota's going to be there.

So I should think about it.

Well, yeah, of course you'll be there.

You guys are cousins.

Yeah, I get it.

I get it, dude.

I think, Garrett.

It's not like that.

I get it.

I get it.

Hey, anything you want for

your birthday that I can get you?

Dude, shut up.

Just show up.

All right.

Dakota, just let me write it.

No, Liam, no.

OK, I promise you I can

write the paper and get you an A,

which will bring your

grade up to a B minus, which

is not only passing, but kind of good.

But are you sure it would

be like a ton of extra work

for you?

I wrote my paper in one afternoon.

It's nothing.

OK, don't be such a bragger.

Just let me write it.

Dakota, it's due tomorrow.

OK.

But try not to make it too good.

If you can try to do that.

You give me too much credit.

I need this whole thing at one night.

OK, class, let's go

ahead and get started.

Would you pass your

papers forward, please?

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, ma'am.

OK, now for the second

part of this, which might come

as a bit of a surprise, I

want to make sure you all

comprehend how the author

you chose to write about

uses emotion in their line of work.

I don't be too alarmed.

Just do the best you

can to make a connection.

Miss Dakota.

Miss Dakota, you seem eager to share.

Would you like to step up front?

Please, come on.

George Eliot.

Come on up.

Tell us more about the author that you

decided to write about.

OK.

Well, so George Eliot

connected with the people

he wrote to through

emotions using language.

He.

Speaking of George Eliot?

Yes, yes, sir, George

Eliot, the famous author

who helped shape our history.

Well, George Eliot did indeed

shape a lot of American history

from the novel "Middle"

"March," which it seems you wrote

extensively about in your research here.

So I mean, this is very impressive.

And what of Mary Ann Evans?

His lovely wife.

Yes, she did also

inspire much of his work.

Miss Dakota, see me after school.

Please take a seat.

OK, let's see.

Charles Dickens.

George Eliot was repented.

That would be Miss Sarah.

It seems, sir, it seems great about his

character development.

What did the name George Eliot...

Why don't you explain to us how he

emotionally engaged his audience

through the characters that he wrote.

Well, looks like I

just failed English class.

Yep.

And the worst part about it, Mr. Williams

made me call my dad and

tell him on the phone.

Oh, sh*t.

Yeah.

sh*t.

But don't worry, you're safe.

I told him I hired some

college kid to write it.

He said he could tell, which I

guess is a compliment to you.

Wait, what did your dad say?

Bro, it's what didn't he say?

Well, this should be fun.

Just play "Corticoda."

OK, be good.

Yo, Uncle Nick.

How been dogs doing?

See the new graphics?

Not the time, Garrett.

Get in.

Dad, I have like...

Dakota, I said get in.

Bro, she was failing anyways.

Are you tried your best?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Yo, what's good, buddy?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Happy birthday.

Dude, come on.

Are you really trying to embarrass me?

You mean me opening this for everybody?

No, that's fine.

I can take the brand

new Xbox back to Walmart.

Come on, bro.

Let's go.

Let's see what we got.

Come on.

Let's see.

Lincoln Park?

Yeah, hybrid theory.

I burned it before I got here.

Dude, how'd you know I was a fan?

Well, the t-shirts you

wear, plus Dakota told me.

Oh, and they give me worms

so you don't have to share.

Just having better next time, right?

Thank you, bro.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

She's not here, bro.

It's weird.

I haven't heard from her either.

She's probably on some kind of

restriction or something.

It's not your fault.

It kind of is, though.

It was my idea to write the papers.

Look, what's done is done, OK?

Don't take the fault

with her for no reason.

No.

Trust me.

This is not the first time

she's got in trouble, OK?

I promise.

You ready?

Yeah.

Grab the flash.

Already on it, dog.

Nice.

Hey, let's go.

We're going to the fields in the back.

OK, class.

Let's get started.

Take your seats, please.

I know you're all excited.

It's a Friday.

But there are some things I want you to

do over the weekend.

I want you to reconsider your stories,

because we're going to start

the second revision next week.

All right, man.

I'll see you later.

Keep your head up.

All right.

[KNOCKING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING]

Dakota, what are you doing here?

God, it took me forever to make sure this

was actually your room.

Yeah, it's usually pretty clean.

Oh, you're going to need this.

And your backpack.

What are you doing?

We're getting out of here.

You mean, like, running away?

You're being serious?

Yeah, we're leaving.

Well, I'm leaving.

You're coming with me.

Where are your shorts?

The top drawer.

Perfect.

Hey, where are we going?

I'll explain when we leave.

You're coming, right?

This is crazy.

Yeah.

OK.

Let's go.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I can't believe you're doing this.

You know you're crazy, right?

Me?

You're the one who came after knowing

about this for five minutes.

I've been planning this ever

since my dad kicked me out.

Oh, sh*t.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Fun, right?

This is insane.

Also, don't worry.

I have it all mapped out.

We're going to hitch a

ride to the spa out of town.

You're going to love it.

Trust me.

OK, follow me.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Dakota, I'm just kind of nervous.

About what?

Trouble?

Yeah.

I guess it's just not like me to do this.

Or maybe you just didn't

know you had it in you.

Just so you know, I

wanted to do this too.

You didn't make me.

I know.

It just... somehow it feels so...

Free.

It does, doesn't it?

Yeah, it does.

Here we are.

You ready?

For what?

Come on.

Where are we going?

OK, I'm coming.

Wait, wait up.

Come on.

This is crazy.

Just do that.

Get away with it.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[LAUGHTER]

I gotta be ready for that.

Sorry.

Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.

[INAUDIBLE]

You're going to get a photo of me.

Let's get my good side.

Stop it.

It was a good photo.

OK.

We got tons to do today.

And you didn't happen to pack

any snacks or food, did you?

Why were?

OK.

So first we got to get food.

And then set up camp?

You know the June kids?

The ones from the book?

Yeah, the ones I told you about.

There's this lake in Virginia, and it's

kind of like their home base.

Could take like a week to get there,

but at least we're off grid for now.

Isn't that like super far away, though?

I got it all planned.

And after we've had enough

of the June kids, Peace Corps,

you and me.

Dakota?

Yeah?

Let's do this.

All right.

All you have to do is distract him.

I'll do the rest, OK?

Yeah.

Yeah, I can do it.

Of course you can, free born.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hello, sir.

Yeah, I need to use the restroom.

Could I borrow a key?

Thanks for paying customers only.

Oh, is that Dragon Ball?

Volume 16, right?

Goku faces Piccolo at the

World Martial Arts Tournament?

Yeah.

I mean, I prefer Dragon Ball

Z, but the artwork in Dragon

Ball is just insane.

Yeah, I probably

prefer Dragon Ball Z, too.

Totally.

All right.

Better be a number one, though.

All right.

You ever had Dr. Slomp?

I mean, that's like the OG.

All right.

Hello?

Excuse me?

There must be a misunderstanding.

Liam hasn't missed a day of school.

You're speaking of Liam Collier?

OK.

Give me a moment to call his father

to figure out what's going on, OK?

Yes, I'll call you back in a minute.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

You ever think about death

being life's biggest secret?

What do you mean, a secret?

Yeah.

Well, we're all going to die,

but we're all scared to die,

right?

Right.

So maybe if we knew how

great life was after we die,

then we'd all just rush to the end.

Like, we'd all just try to

get there as fast as possible.

So maybe it's kind of like a secret.

Maybe that's what drugs are.

No, like, think about it.

Drugs make you think

differently and feel differently

and see crazy colors.

And there's just some

that make life better.

Yeah, maybe dying is like all the best

drugs ever combined.

You know, like the best feeling ever.

I mean, not like I would

have never done drugs, but...

Would you?

Hell, yeah, would you?

I'd rather try getting drunk first.

You've never gotten drunk before?

Dakota, come on.

You really think I've gotten drunk?

Yeah, good point.

Wow, I need to get you drunk then.

I mean, my parents let me

try wine once, but hated it.

Yeah, that does not count.

It's so fun.

It's like everything

just like feels more.

It always makes me want to dance.

That'd be two things I've never done.

Hot me up.

I have so much to teach you.

I could tell you'd be

one hell of a dancer.

Yeah.

Oh, wait a minute.

I picked these up for you

at the convenience store.

Oh, sh*t.

Yeah.

You're super thoughtful.

There's one rule, OK?

I get all the yellow and red ones.

Oh, you mean this color?

Beam charity.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Wait.

You know, we're kind of

looking into the past right now.

What do you mean?

Well, the stars are so far away.

It takes years for the

light to travel to Earth.

So it's kind of like

we're looking into the past.

That's beautiful.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

And that's why I like photography.

Because when I look at a photo, I'm

looking into the past.

Imagine taking a picture of the stars.

You're taking a picture of the past.

That's a picture of the past.

OK, mind blown.

That's actually really cool.

You're just full of

knowledge and ideas, aren't you?

I just... I like to read.

It's just fascinating to me

how random words and letters

can be pieced together to create

something so beautiful.

26 symbols.

And depending on how

you put them together,

it can create such emotion.

And when you write a story, someone

can feel that all

through words and letters.

It's just crazy to me.

You know, it's not that

much different than photography

when you think about it.

How so?

Well, like, every photo taken is a moment

that can never be replaced, right?

So it's like one photo can

mean something completely

different to one person

than it does to another.

It's kind of like poetry in some ways.

So I guess we're just two poets laying

under the stars then,

huh?

You put it like that, it

sounds pretty romantic.

Maybe because it is.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

That must be him.

Hey, thanks for coming

by so quick, Stephen.

Hey.

Got Jackie and Callie right over here.

Hey, Nick.

Sorry not to meet you

guys like this, but here.

You want to tell them what's going on?

Hey, guys.

Now, you'd definitely

be the first one up.

No, no, no.

The strategy is to sit

back, let everyone else

create the drama, and then start making

moves after a merge.

And you think you could do that?

Now, you'd definitely be the first one

to start telling

everybody else what to do.

You know Garrett would k*ll you.

Hey, yo.

What's up, guys?

You should play it cool.

Follow me.

Hey, what's up, guys?

Hey, we weren't expecting to see any

other campers out here.

Yeah, yeah, I see they're.

We're just on a day hike.

So...

We all look a little lost.

Yeah.

Yeah, we kind of are.

What?

We get it.

KT Park is huge.

I mean, a small group of us were staying

here for a few days.

Yeah, we're actually just

getting some wood right now.

I'm going to cook up some dinner if y'all

want to come hang out a bit.

Oh, thanks.

Yeah, we would love to.

Yeah, we've just eaten

like a protein bar or so.

Hell, yeah.

Well, look, I'm Josh.

This is Kelly.

Dakota, this is Liam.

Cool.

How about you guys just head up to camp?

We're going to grab some firewood.

We'll be back there in a couple minutes.

OK, cool.

Awesome.

How about you guys?

Dakota, what are you doing?

What?

They were super cool.

Not everyone's out to get us, Liam.

How do you know that?

They literally asked us

to eat dinner with them.

I'm starving.

Are you not?

Yeah, but...

OK, then what's the problem?

I don't know.

Maybe that we're running away and people

might be trying to find us.

No.

sh*t.

Oh, and there was

something warm on his arm.

Yeah, it's like I could have sworn they

were playing a joke on me.

But it felt like somebody was trying to

spit on me for real.

Somebody just spit on me for something.

No, I sh*t you not.

Literally sh*t you not, as it happened.

Oh, don't give away

the punchline just yet.

So there's crows and

they're in these trees.

And so then everybody's

like, hey, Josh, look up.

Am I dumb-a*s?

I look up and literally one of them

takes a dump right in

the middle of the way.

Right on his forehead.

Right in the middle.

I'm like, what the hell?

Wait, why would you think

that someone would spit on you?

Not someone, me.

Like, I would randomly just throw me...

Because you're trying to get me back

after I pushed you in the lake.

And spit is white, is it not?

OK, OK, spit does not look like that.

And I guess God got the

payback for me anyway.

But I guess you guys

are crashing here then.

It's kind of late to try and hike out.

Yeah, I mean, you guys can take my tent.

We got some extra blankets.

And me and Patrick can sack up tonight.

[CHEERING]

I'll listen.

He wants to sack.

Whatever he's shacking.

Every time we go camping,

we're talking about shacking.

It's just because he's in there.

Yeah, we're calling

Patty sack for a reason.

Hey!

You're awesome.

That would be great.

Thank you.

I think I'm just going to head to bed.

I'm pretty tired.

Thank you, guys.

All right, dude.

Bye there.

Bye.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[LAUGHTER]

Yeah, I could have sworn

they were joking on me.

Like, if somebody spanned or something.

Oh, I didn't see you.

Hey, are you OK?

So Patrick and Mom comes

out into the woods, right?

And little Dina knows,

they take her off on her leg.

And next thing you

know, she's still telling.

Hey, sleepy boy.

Aww.

Well, you guys have any other stories?

Yeah, I've got a tick.

All right, check this out.

So Patrick and Mom

comes out into the woods.

Damn, you slept hard.

You must have been pretty tired.

Where is everybody?

Oh, they went on a hike

to a waterfall nearby.

But I said that we had to head out,

so they said to tell you bye.

Yeah, let's get on the road.

Hey, what's your problem?

Is it about us spending the night here?

Because, I mean, those

people were super cool.

They didn't even ask

us why we were there,

or anything like that.

Hey, I'm talking.

What's going on?

Nothing.

Come on, let's get a move on.

You're up with the June kids.

Oh, what this is about?

You don't really want to go anymore?

No, I want to go.

I just... I liked it better

when it was just you and me.

I could be myself.

Oh.

Do you think I would just leave you

once we met up with the June kids?

No, I just...

I don't know.

You're way better at this

than me, talking to people.

I'm not good with people like you are.

I mean, yeah, those

people were cool, I guess.

But like I said, I

don't like most people.

And this journey is about us, Liam.

I mean, I seriously

couldn't do this without you.

Yeah, right.

No, Liam, seriously.

I mean, in some ways, it doesn't really

feel like I'm running

away because you're here.

Yeah, it's more like...

An adventure.

Yeah.

I know.

I just... it's supposed to be our thing.

Like what you and me are doing.

And if we meet up with some other kids...

Then it won't change anything.

It feels safe with us.

It feels safe with us, doesn't it?

Yeah.

See, you get me, Dakota.

I didn't know I had this in me.

To run away and to try

stuff like this, I just...

I don't want things to change.

OK, then let's make a deal.

If we find the June kids and we don't

like them, screw them.

OK, we'll just keep

going until we find something

that we do like.

Or find a shitty job somewhere.

Really?

Really.

You know, it's just not like him.

Still having a hard time

wrapping my mind around this.

Officer Stan told me 90% of kids who run

away end up returning.

He's just going

through a phase right now.

All right, let's just

remember he did say that this happens

way more frequently

with kids than we realize.

I never really liked him.

He was a sophomore, but he

was just like not cute at all.

Oh, really? Yeah. Not cute at all.

Oh, really?

Oh my gosh.

Check it out?

You mean race to our hotel?

Hello?

He said hello.

What?

It's rude for someone to

say hello and no one respond.

Come on, Liam, no one's here.

Damn, we found the spot.

You don't think that...

No, of course not.

We're in the middle of nowhere.

Honestly, I think this

could be a pretty good setup.

Here, let me show you around.

Now, Liam, I know this may not be what

you consider luxury,

but we do actually have a few

items that could catch an eye.

For example, this top notch frying pan.

Wow, it actually is.

You know, actually, I think

that might be a cast iron.

One of the fine

luggiers of this establishment.

Oh my god.

One of those old record players.

Does it work?

I don't know.

Let me see.

Oh, sh*t.

It spins.

I mean, there's power in this place.

Hey, come here to look.

What?

So I guess you're treating

me to fine dining tonight.

Looks like I am.

Oh my gosh, it's so funny.

Such an original.

Oh, it was so good.

So hungry.

I know, me too.

Deserve would be so good right now.

It's a good thing we have it.

Where did you get that?

Dude, come on.

This place is like cram with goodies.

It's the good stuff too.

So it's a nice night, huh?

Your first drink and me the

bad influence to give it to you.

Pierre.

It was going to happen sooner

or later to our luxury hotel.

Go on.

Oh.

Took your first hit like a champ, bud.

Is your throat always

supposed to burn like this?

It gets easier the more you do it.

Then it just gets more fun.

That's me.

Oh, I have one more surprise for you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So miss, may I have this dance?

But sir, my prom day would be so angry.

But miss, please, I saw

you from across the room

and I thought you were the most beautiful

girl I've ever seen.

You must have this dance.

OK, it's one.

Do you really think that?

Think what?

That I'm the most

beautiful girl I've ever seen?

Yeah.

I always say.

It's a state I longed for.

You knew that poem was about you?

I mean, you used my name in a poem.

It's pretty obvious.

I just wanted to hear you say it.

Say what exactly?

That you liked me.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I like you so much.

I like you too.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I wouldn't be surprised

if they've already left.

I mean, I've been chasing our

homeless people around here.

How often do you have to take them?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Liam, Liam, wake up.

Wake up, wake up.

What's wrong?

Give yourself a look.

Give yourself a look.

We gotta go.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

This is the Chautauga River.

That means if we keep heading north,

we'll get to Hendersonville.

And then we just have to

keep heading north east.

Oh my god.

OK, well, that's the

sign of a good night.

OK, wait here.

This is what I call a recovery pack.

Water, and then dumb.

Can we just take the day off?

I mean, take a nap or something?

You know what?

Yeah, yeah.

Let's just get a little

further, and then we can.

Yes.

Maybe we can try to

travel on some wheels tonight,

catch up the time.

Let's go.

Hello?

Oh my god.

OK, thank you.

What is the address?

OK.

OK.

Thank you.

Steven.

Steven, get the keys.

They have a lead. So

your dad really wants to

send you to live with your mom?

Liam, he literally walked

into my room with a suitcase,

told me to start packing

and that he was sending me

to her house on Monday.

I don't get it, though.

What's so terrible about your mom's?

I mean, not that I would ever

want you to leave, trust me,

but like, why?

OK.

So basically, I'm going

to go to the bathroom.

Basically, my parents got

divorced when I was like five,

right?

And then my mom

remarried like a year later

and then started having kids.

And so every time I would visit her,

I just felt like super out of place

in her new perfect family.

I don't know.

I mean, obviously she tried

to get me to live with her,

but it never felt right, you know?

Maybe you just never

really gave her a chance.

Yeah, I don't know.

I guess it just feels

familiar with my dad, you know?

I don't know.

He just makes me into

this person that I'm not.

I mean, for my birthday

this year, he got me a dress.

Liam, the last time I wore a dress

was for like a funeral in fourth grade.

And the next time will be my wedding.

He literally told me one time that if I

don't go to college,

I'm going to end up homeless.

Which is actually kind of funny because

we kind of are homeless.

Yeah.

I'm sorry, Dakota.

I mean, I think you really

are just the type of person

that's really easy to be around.

You're fun and creative.

Maybe if your dad just got

to know you a little more.

Right, exactly.

He doesn't know me.

But you know you.

I think that's what's amazing about you.

You don't care about anyone else thinks.

I mean, I feel like I

don't really know who I am

or where I want to be.

That's why I like hanging around you.

Liam, I want to be you when I grow up.

No, I mean, you're

like a talented writer.

You're a good friend.

You're sweet.

It's just so weird to me that you think

no one would ever want to be your friend.

People just make me anxious.

I just feel like I always have to think

about what I say

before I say all the time.

And you can't be yourself at home?

My mom and dad, let's just say my dad

thinks I'm depressed

because I let him read one poem that I

wrote and it had a sad tone to it.

Dude, I'm sorry.

Our parents suck.

But that's their problem.

Please make a promise to me that you'll

never stop writing, okay?

I'm serious.

Like everything you

write just gets to me.

Thanks, The Cud.

The neighbors down the road said they

heard some music in here last night.

So I came down to check.

This is the photo we found inside.

This is them.

You got to be kidding me.

So what we're looking at right now,

misdemeanor trespassing and vandalism,

fortunately for the kids, Dale here is

not willing to press any charges.

Thank you.

Oh, I mean, look at this place.

We were getting ready to tear it down in

about a month anyway.

And I know it's hard, but the good news

is, is we know that they're

not kidnapped at this point.

I'm just shocked they

made it this far out of town.

All we can really do now, do

you have any photos of the kids?

I can send over to the

neighboring counties.

Yeah, yeah, honey, you got those info.

All right, we got

documents, photos, whatever you need.

That's great.

Just everybody stay close by because we

don't know what type of calls can come in

over the next couple days.

Yeah, we can do that.

Do you want us to know?

Hey, guys.

Um, me and my cousin were kind of lost.

I was wondering if you guys

could give us a ride into town.

Yeah, if you're heading up to Penrose,

maybe you could drop us off.

Yeah, sorry, we aren't

headed that direction.

All right.

See you guys.

I'm headed up near Penrose.

Could happily drop you guys off.

It'd be a pleasure.

Come on, Lamb, just trust me.

Those are some beautiful flowers.

Are they for your wife?

Yes, they are.

Roses are her favorite,

but they're not in season.

But that store always

seems to have them in stock.

You know, it's a pretty

long drive from Rocky Bottom.

Yeah, um, my cousin and

I, we got kind of lost.

We were going to take the

bus, but we missed it, so.

Well, I'm happy to help.

Looks like you two are on an adventure.

Yeah, guys, that's what we got on our...

Mike over here is a writer, and I'm a

nature photographer,

so we went on a hike

for creative inspiration.

Well, that sounds like fun.

What kind of stories

you like to write, Mike?

Well, don't laugh, but

children's stories mostly,

but not just for children.

It's like a fantasy stuff.

Oh, my granddaughter would love that.

She's got a huge

imagination for a six-year-old.

Oh, really?

What's her name?

Shirley.

Oh, it's a beautiful name.

Yes, it is.

She was named after my

wife, who passed from cancer

just before she was born.

Well, sir, it's OK.

You know, seeing you

two on your adventure

reminds me of the things

that Shirley and I used to do.

Every May, when the

flowers start to bloom,

we'd go to all the parks, pick flowers.

Shirley would make a beautiful bouquet,

and I would pick the honeysuckle just so

we could enjoy them.

Now I'd like to remind her

that this old man is still

getting flowers for her.

That's so sweet.

Seems like you guys

are kind of like a team.

We sure were.

And all that time, it

wasn't about picking flowers.

It's what we learned about

each other and ourselves.

Kind of sounds like you

two are doing that right now.

Yeah, I think we're trying.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Well, here we are.

Richard, thank you so much.

I mean, we really enjoyed your company.

Oh, it's been my pleasure.

Here, I want you all to take this.

It's my contribution

to your old adventure.

Oh, no, you really don't have to do that.

Now, you've got to call your parents soon

and let them know you're doing OK.

OK?

OK.

OK.

Of course.

Thank you so much.

Really, I mean...

No, thank you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Trade ourselves.

To a good night's sleep.

And pizza.

Come on.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

OK.

I'll be back.

I'll be back.

Hi.

We'll have the cheapest room you got.

One bed or two.

One.

$62.37.

OK.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Room number 159.

Check out time is 11 AM.

Press bound one if you have any questions

or if you need any time.

Cool.

Thank you.

OK.

Great.

Let me get a photo.

OK, wait.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I think I was dead.

Shake at you.

Let's see.

Was it good?

Oh, it is good.

Let me see it.

Can I keep this one?

No.

I want to keep this one.

No.

No, I'm going to keep this.

No way.

Please.

No, you've had everyone.

Fine, fine, fine.

OK.

You can keep that.

Thank you.

Hi.

What is this feeling?

I know.

I've never felt it before.

I know.

Describe it to me.

OK, I'll go first and then you go.

Deal.

OK.

OK, you know how

something in life can go so wrong?

Yeah.

Right?

Like we're sleeping on the floor or we're

hungry or something.

It's like none of that

matters because I have this feeling.

And this feeling just

makes everything better.

Yeah.

OK, your turn.

OK.

So time, right?

It's strange.

If you look at something like a wall,

time seems to move pretty slowly.

But if you look at

something like the mountains,

I could look at the mountains for hours,

and it feels like minutes.

Let's just say it feels like that.

When I'm with you, I'm

always looking at the mountains.

I wake up looking at the mountains,

go to sleep looking at the mountains.

And when I hold your

hand, I can see the streams

roll over the hills.

And when I kiss you, I fly.

OK, that was pretty cheesy.

No, no, no, I'm sorry.

It was cute.

It was so poetic.

OK.

Which makes sense because

you're like a writer, so.

What I guess I'm trying to

say is I think this feeling,

I think it's love.

I think I love you, Dakota.

I think I love you too.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

We're analyzing the elements of story

structure in the text

So turn to page 66.

And why don't you

begin reading for us, Liam?

Liam, are you paying attention?

Sorry, Mr. Williams.

What was the question?

Please begin reading

at the top of page 66.

All right.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Yo, I tried watching that

Mr. Totoro thing or whatever.

I don't know, dude.

It wasn't really my style.

I could not get into it.

Damn, bro.

Still can't stop thinking about it?

It's just everything's so different now.

Damn.

I think it's the worst

thing you've ever done.

The worst and the best.

I just... I didn't know

life could be so exciting

and then so boring.

Well, I wonder how she's taking it.

Yeah, yeah, me too.

Hey, you having thoughts?

No, not at all.

She lives on my end at this point, dog.

And my guess, she's probably doing

homework as she speaks.

But you know, bro, I'm glad you did it.

We all need low risk taking in our lives.

It's just that I

didn't think when I left,

I'd come back and feel this empty.

Well, bro, you still got me.

Look, my dog's dead.

It's coming over to

my house this weekend.

So come through, kick it with us.

We'll definitely get your mind off of it.

Yeah.

Yeah, let's do that.

You finish up that story for your final?

Yeah, I'm going to end up with only 1B.

And I finally finished

that makeup assignment.

Good.

Glad you were picking up

after that girl's mess.

By the way, we're headed

with Callie to the college fair

this weekend.

Tech is going to be there.

She wore that jersey that got you.

I'll think about it.

I might have plans of Gerrits.

You'll think about it?

Yeah, I'll think about it.

I just... I don't know if

college is for me or not.

I might want to take a year off and work

on writing or something.

I'll leave.

Mom, I'm not saying

I'm not going to college.

I'm just saying I'll think about it, OK?

OK, well, we can talk about this later.

Listen, your dad and I are going to

Callie's volleyball game

tonight, so it'll be just you.

Hey, there's some food in the oven.

Can you pick up the kitchen for me?

Yeah, sure.

Tell Callie I said good luck.

OK.

I love you.

Love you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

What's up, dog?

Hey, man.

Can you do me a solid?

Yeah, but you got that

look in your eye, dude.

What are you up to?

Can you give me your aunt's address?

Gerrit, I'll never ask

you of anything again.

Let me guess.

And you want me to

come for you this weekend?

Only if my mom asked.

I've already told you I'm

at your house this weekend.

I guess I owe you one

first intention, aren't you?

But damn, man.

That already about fireworks.

We're going to sh**t them at that

neighbor this weekend.

So I guess you'll have to miss that.

I'll go write it down

on my mom's address book.

Hey, thank you, bro.

So my plan?

I don't want to hear it, dude.

Just tell her I said hey.

All right.

I'll be right back.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Well, I think she just needs

to start considering it now.

I don't know.

I really like UGA.

I mean, it's got a great volleyball team.

Hey, you headed out?

Yeah.

Love you guys.

Have fun this weekend.

We love you.

You're not going to the college fair?

Nah.

Hanging out with

Garrett and some friends.

OK.

Are you wearing cologne?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Dakota.

Oh my god.

Oh.

Wait.

What are you doing here?

Grab your stuff.

Let's get out of here.

OK.

OK.

You meet me.

There's this

playground across the street.

Meet me there in 30 minutes, OK?

Yeah.

Yeah, OK.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Liam.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Oh my god.

What?

It's you.

I know.

You don't understand.

I've literally thought

about you every single day.

And I've been on these

strict orders not to contact you.

Same.

I can't do it anymore.

I just... it's not the same.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Can I just take a moment to

take in how beautiful you are?

It's only been three months, but it feels

like so much longer.

I know.

You've kind of changed.

You smell good.

You're wearing clothes.

I had to smell my best from a lady.

Hey, where's your stuff?

We got to go.

Um, can we sit?

Sit?

No, we got to get on the road, right?

No.

Can you just... let's just sit first.

I can just talk.

And just... let's just

come here for a second.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Do you not want to go?

It's complicated.

No, it's really not.

I love you, Dakota.

Damn, we're 15.

So what?

I love you, too.

OK?

I mean, I think about

you every single day.

And it's hard.

It's hard as sh*t.

Missing your stories and your jokes.

But it's... it's just different.

Different?

Different how?

I liked it here.

You know, that song, that's a good thing.

Tell me about it.

Well, um...

Well, I joined this photography class.

And my teacher's so cool.

I mean, she... she had us do

this abstract photo sh**t.

And... and she said my

style was like a risk taker.

Family.

Right.

Exactly.

And that's what you

taught me to see in myself.

A risk taker who also makes

the most of my opportunities.

And that's what it's like with my mom.

Ever since I moved

in, we've been talking.

And she's like pretty cool.

She bought me this new digital camera.

I've been learning how

to edit all my photos.

She's even got me

looking at art colleges.

That's great.

I'm really happy for you to come.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

But look at you, Liam.

I mean, you rode all the

way out here on your bike

just to see me.

Deep down, you're a freeborn too.

You're just a nully.

Can we just have one more night together?

Hell, that would be nice.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Well, hello, Liam.

Hey.

Sorry I'm running late.

Your brother's still here?

No, he left for the show early to set up.

Wow.

I'll see you look amazing.

Thanks.

Did the shoes work though?

I thought about wearing the brown ones.

I just couldn't decide.

No, trust me.

Those are... those are perfect.

Hey, stop being nervous.

Mark is going to love you.

OK?

Let's go.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, you must be the boyfriend.

Mark.

Hey, baby.

Good to see you.

Liam.

Yeah, thanks for coming early.

Of course.

Yeah.

Thanks for having us.

This is... this is amazing.

Thank you.

I mostly do Willow charcoal art, but this

is my first sculptural piece.

It is a celebration of a

life and death of love.

But I will get more to it.

Do you hear my presentation?

You're in a bit.

Nice.

Yeah.

Maybe you could have Mark draw

something for your next book.

Oh, I don't... I don't...

Oh, you're a writer.

Now you're a typical kind of writer.

I write children's fairy tales.

This is his book.

I'll say, do you just carry those around?

You gotta hand them

out to all my friends.

I actually like the

art on the front here.

It reminds me of fairy tales and legends.

Hans Christian Andersen.

Yes.

Yeah.

You know your stuff.

Yeah.

See you, Jen Spiration.

Yeah, good for you.

Maybe we could collab on

something in the future.

That would be amazing.

Yeah.

I would love that.

Hey, not to be rude, but

I gotta use a restroom.

Oh, hey.

No, not a problem.

It's right back through

those doors and into the left.

So OK.

Nice.

OK, good.

Yeah.

Good to meet you.

You too.

I like him.

Yeah?

It's amazing.

How'd you catch the comb?

Thank you.

It's just the longer

shutter speed on the camera,

so it gives a little bit more time to...

I'm so excited for you to stop by,

so thank you guys so much for showing us.

Thank you.

Oh my gosh.

Just leave him.

[LAUGHTER]

I mean, wow, this is...

this is amazing.

Is this all your work?

Yeah.

It's my collection of

pictures from the past

looking into the past.

You really did it.

Photographer.

And a wife and first skin on the way.

That's amazing.

Is it boy, girl?

Girl.

She's due in August, so two more months.

Wow.

I'm so happy for you.

Do you have a name picked out yet?

Yeah, we're going to name her Virginia.

Had to keep the state

for the family, huh?

Well, Virginia holds a

special place in my heart.

Mine too.

Dakota, this is Elsie.

Elsie, this is my girlfriend.

Dakota, Dakota?

It's so nice to meet you.

Leah told me so much about

you from high school, right?

Yeah.

I mean, Leah was sure to teach me a lot.

He's a keeper for sure.

Hey, you don't happen to have

any more of my books on you,

do you?

Yeah.

Your books of yours?

Yeah.

I guess you could say I

write fairy tales for children.

An author who is

published and a New York Times

bestseller.

Wow.

This is for you, for your daughter.

I hope I can read it to mine one day.

You really did it, huh?

Wow.

Well, hey, my brother is

about to open the doors

for his presentation,

and so we should get going.

OK.

Dakota, I was hoping this would...

It's nice to meet you.

Me too.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Yeah, it's so happy that you're happy.

And I'm happy you are happy.

Yeah.

Fine.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey.

I love your book.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for stopping by.

[BABY CRYING]

Yeah.

Yeah.

[BABY CRYING]

[INAUDIBLE]

All right.

And I get it.

[BABY CRYING]

[INAUDIBLE]

[BABY CRYING]

Once upon a time, there

lived an enchanted princess

who was imprisoned in a

tall castle by her father.

He feared of her safety, so the king

told her frightening tales of

life beyond the castle walls.

From her window, the princess could only

see the lifeless and

deserted land outside,

dreaming of the world

beyond her captivity.

One day, a fairy from the outside land

appeared to the princess.

With her mystical knowledge

of the world beyond the castle

walls, she revealed to the princess

that there were grand

adventures waiting for her

if she dared to leave.

The princess pleaded with the fairy

to take her away from her

dull and monotonous life.

Without hesitation, the

fairy whisked the princess away

from her tower, and together they

traveled to many towns and villages,

with a princess with a kind

and gentle people of the land.

She soon grew fond of them as she helped

with their everyday

tasks, and they, in turn,

taught her their own skills and crafts.

And so the king searched high and low for

his beloved daughter,

sending his most trusted

guards on a quest to find her.

As the days turned into weeks, the king

became increasingly

desperate, gathering any information

he could about her whereabouts.

One fateful day, as

she was lost in thought

tending to the garden in the village,

she heard a rustling in the bushes.

She turned to see the king's guards.

They seized her and

brought her back to the castle,

leaving behind the life

she had grown to love.

As the princess returned to the castle,

the king banned the fairy from entering

and ordered the princess

to tend to the gardens.

From the time she spent with the fairy,

she learned the

skills to love her garden.

Her love and care for

the plants were so great

that they began to grow bigger and more

beautiful than anyone

had ever seen.

Vines began to climb up the stone walls.

Trees grew taller

than the castle's towers.

And fields of flowers bloomed

in every corner of the land.

The king was amazed at

the sight and couldn't help

but soften his heart towards

his daughter and the peasants

outside the walls.

He invited the peasants

back into the castle grounds,

where they lived in peace and joy

alongside the princess

and her magnificent garden.

And so the princess was

beloved in all the land.

However, she never forgot the fairy,

knowing that their

Brief time had taught her that the risk

of adventure leads to living.

The castle that was

The castle that was once desolate and

dreary became a place

of life, love, and magic.