Eurotrip
September 9th, 2020
Starring: Jeremiah (male, college-age), Derek (male, early 50’s)
Jeremiah’s room. He’s zipping up a large hiking backpack. A knock on the door. Derek, dressed in a flashy neon cycling outfit (including helmet mirror, polarized sunglasses and clip-in shoes), pokes his head through the door.
DEREK
Hey champ.
JEREMIAH
Hey Derek.
DEREK
All packed up for the airport?
JEREMIAH
Just about.
DEREK
Eurotrip! First time out of the country! Ready to get out from our grasp for the month?
JEREMIAH
Like you wouldn’t believe.
DEREK
Oh, I can. I too was fresh-faced and craving independence once.
Went on a similar trip myself.
JEREMIAH
Really?
DEREK
Sure did. Three weeks seeing all the sights. You’re gonna love it!
JEREMIAH
I’m excited.
DEREK
You uh...planning to go out a little?
JEREMIAH
Oh yeah. A lot of museum visits.
DEREK
Any party hostels on the itinerary?
JEREMIAH
Bed and Breakfasts.
DEREK
Bars?
JEREMIAH
For mineral water.
DEREK
Clubs?
JEREMIAH
Come on Derek. There’s too much culture there, why go to party? You’re the one always telling me “bohemianism is the scourge of youth.”
DEREK
Yes. And that’s a beautiful mindset, buddy.
But I will say, you can find yourself in a variety of ways. Putting yourself out there, seeing the culture, meeting people, that’s all very transformative.
…
You know, I was a much different guy, when I was younger. Bit of a socialite, hehe.
I went overseas with long hair, the clothes on my back, and an intention to partay. Blacked out after landing in Berlin. A three week bender. Woke up the day before my flight in a converted warehouse loft in Amsterdam with four others in my bed and blackberry jam in my belly button.
JEREMIAH
You’re joking.
DEREK
No. And the jam was delightful.
...
The whole experience showed me that sometimes you need to embrace that party animal inside.
If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have felt the immense sadness and guilt that left an unfillable void in my soul, gone home, cut my hair, got sober, started biking, found cold brew, found God, and met your mother at cycles, coffee, and christ bible study. If I didn’t go out and party, I wouldn’t be here right now, talking to my stepson.
Derek hands Jeremiah an envelope neatly stuffed with Euro bills.
DEREK
Here.
A little extra something something from me. Don’t tell your mom.
JEREMIAH
That’s a lot of—
DEREK
Shh. But you can only use it on something “social.”
JEREMIAH
“Social?”
DEREK
Something that will make you feel so disgusting inside you’ll realize why it’s fun to be the fine young man you are. You’ll know it when you see it. Ok?
JEREMIAH
...ok.
DEREK
Alrighty then. I’m off for my morning loop. Travel safe, ok slugger?
JEREMIAH
Thanks Derek.
DEREK
No prob, kiddo.
Enjoy.