A journey of friendship, loss, and growing up – Stand by Me meets crime and drama.
Watch the original version of Stand by Me
Prologue
The story of Stand by Me takes us back to the summer of 1959, in the quaint little town of Castle Rock, Maine. It was a time when life was simple, and kids were free to explore the world around them without the fear of technology or the weight of adult responsibilities.
Gordie Lachance, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio, were a group of young friends, each with their quirks and qualities. Gordie was the bright, sensitive one, who had a passion for writing stories. Chris was the tough, street-smart one, who despite his rough exterior, had a heart of gold. Teddy was the fearless, impulsive one, who wore his father’s military dog tags like a badge of honor. And Vern was the loyal, somewhat dim-witted one, who had a habit of getting into trouble.
Their world was rocked when they heard about the disappearance of a local teen, Ray Brower, who was missing for days without a trace. Rumors were abound that Ray was hit by a train while picking blueberries in the forest, and his remains were scattered somewhere along the tracks. Curiosity got the best of the boys, and they decided to embark on a journey to find Ray’s body, in what would turn out to be a life-changing adventure.
Chapter One: The Decision
Gordie Lachance lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was a hot summer evening, and the crickets outside were chirping incessantly. He was lost in thought, thinking about the boys he once called his friends. He wondered what they were up to, and if they even remembered him.
Gordie was a quiet, introverted boy, who preferred the company of books and his own thoughts. He had a knack for writing stories, but no one seemed to notice or care. His parents were too busy arguing and drinking, and his older brother, Denny, was the only one who ever paid him any attention. Denny was the one who inspired him to write, and who believed in his talent. But Denny was gone now, killed in a car accident, and Gordie felt more alone than ever.
Just then, his best friend, Chris Chambers, appeared in his window. Chris was tall and tough-looking, with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He climbed in through the window, grinning mischievously.
“Hey, you wanna go see a dead body?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Gordie was taken aback by the question. He had heard about the missing boy, Ray Brower, but he never thought about actually going to look for his body. Chris noticed the hesitation on Gordie’s face and nudged him.
“Come on, man. It’ll be an adventure. We can bring Teddy and Vern too.”
Gordie thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. It sounded like a crazy idea, but he was tired of feeling like a nobody. Maybe this was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was capable of doing something daring and exciting.
The four boys met up the next day, bringing with them all the supplies they thought they’d need for their adventure. Teddy brought a hunting knife, Vern brought a comb, and Chris brought a gun that he had “borrowed” from his dad. Gordie brought along a backpack full of food, water, and a first aid kit, just in case.
They set off on foot, leaving the town behind and heading out into the woods. They talked and laughed, telling stories and sharing their hopes and fears. Gordie felt a sense of freedom he had never felt before. For once, he wasn’t the invisible one. He was part of a group, a team of misfits who were on a mission.
As they made their way deeper into the forest, they encountered obstacles and challenges. They had to cross a river, climb over rocks, and avoid getting caught in the thick underbrush. But they persevered, pushing each other to keep going, to not give up.
As the day wore on, they began to feel the weight of exhaustion and hunger. They took a break, huddled together in the shade of a tree. Chris pulled out a cigarette and offered it to Gordie, who hesitated at first but then accepted it. They sat there, smoking and talking, until Teddy noticed something in the distance.
“What the hell is that?” he asked, pointing at a dark shape on the horizon.
The boys squinted and saw that it was a train. A long freight train, moving slowly along the tracks.
Chris grinned. “I’ve always wanted to ride a train,” he said. “Let’s go check it out.”
The boys scrambled up the embankment, making their way closer to the tracks. They could hear the rumble of the train and feel the heat from the engine. They clambered up onto a flatbed car and rode it for a few miles, laughing and shouting as they felt the wind in their hair.
It was getting late, and the sun was starting to set. They knew they had to find a place to camp for the night. They walked for a while, searching for a suitable spot, before finally settling on a clearing near the river. They set up their tents, built a fire, and cooked some food. They sat around the fire, telling stories and singing songs, until they were too tired to stay awake.
Gordie lay in his tent, listening to the sounds of the night. He thought about his parents, about his brother, about the stories he wanted to write. But most of all, he thought about the adventure he was on, and the friends he had made. He had a feeling that things were about to get even more interesting.
Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
As the boys set off on their journey towards the woods, they couldn’t contain their excitement. They were thrilled at the prospect of embarking on an adventure that would take them far away from home, and for a brief moment, they forgot about all their troubles.
Gordie walked ahead with Chris, while Teddy and Vern trailed behind, bickering about who would find the corpse first. Gordie was lost in thought, thinking about his older brother Denny, who had been killed in a car accident. He had always felt neglected by his parents, who were still grieving over their loss. His emotions consumed him as he trudged through the wilderness, wondering whether his parents ever thought about him at all.
Chris sensed that something was wrong with his best friend, and he tried to lighten the mood by telling a joke. “Why did the tomato turn red?” he asked. “Because it saw the salad dressing!” The boys erupted in laughter, and for a brief moment, Gordie felt a sense of relief.
As they walked deeper into the woods, the path became increasingly treacherous. They had to navigate past steep hills, slippery rocks, and dense shrubbery. Teddy and Vern struggled to keep up with the others, panting and sweating profusely. “Are we there yet?” Vern whined, as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.
Chris turned around with a grin. “You sound like your little brother,” he joked. “Don’t worry, Vern. We’ll get there soon enough.”
The boys continued on their journey, their excitement slowly giving way to apprehension. They began to realize that they had no idea what they were getting themselves into. They had heard stories about the woods being haunted by the ghost of a dead man, and they couldn’t help but wonder whether they were walking into a trap.
As the sun began to set, they decided to set up camp near a small stream. They built a fire, roasted marshmallows, and sang songs. The boys felt a sense of camaraderie, bonding over their shared experience.
But as the night grew darker, their fears intensified. They heard the unmistakable sound of a wolf howling in the distance, and their imaginations ran wild. They huddled together, shivering with fear, wondering whether they would make it out of the woods alive.
Gordie couldn’t help but think about his brother Denny, and the time they went fishing together. They had made a pact to never lose sight of each other, but Gordie had fallen asleep, and when he woke up, Denny was gone. He had searched everywhere for him, but it was too late. Denny was already dead.
The memory of his brother’s death overwhelmed him, and he burst into tears. Chris put his arm around him, offering him comfort. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered. “We’re going to find the corpse, and then we’ll go home. I promise.”
The boys eventually fell asleep, exhausted from the day’s journey. The night was quiet and, for the most part, uneventful. But as the first rays of sunlight began to peek through the trees, they woke up to a startling realization.
They were lost.
Vern began to panic, his voice trembling with fear. “What if we never find our way back?” he cried. “What if we die out here?”
But Chris remained calm, as always. “We can’t afford to panic,” he said firmly. “We have to keep moving forward, and we’ll find our way back.”
And so they trudged onward, their stomachs rumbling with hunger, and their minds consumed with worry. They had no idea what dangers lay ahead, but they knew that they had to stay together if they wanted to survive.
As they walked deeper into the woods, the sense of foreboding intensified. They passed by a derelict cabin, its windows shattered and its door creaking ominously. Teddy suggested that they investigate, but Chris urged him to keep moving. He had a bad feeling about the place, and he didn’t want to risk getting into trouble.
Eventually, they stumbled upon an old railway track. It was overgrown with weeds and rusted with age, but the boys could still make out the faint traces of train tracks. They knew that they were getting closer to their destination.
Excitement was building inside them, driving them forward. They were determined to find Ray Brower’s corpse, no matter what it took. And as they trudged onward, they couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises were in store for them in the woods.
Chapter 3: Confessions
The sun was blazing down on the boys as they walked through the woods. They were sweating and tired, but still determined to find Ray Brower’s body. They wandered in silence for a while until Gordie spoke up.
“I have a confession to make,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“What is it?” Chris asked, turning to look at him.
“I’m scared,” Gordie said, his eyes darting around nervously. “I’m scared of what we might find out here.”
Chris put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared, Gordie. We all are. But we have to keep going. We made a promise to find that body, and we have to see it through.”
Gordie nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He knew that he could always count on his friends to support him. He looked at the others, wondering if they had any confessions to make.
After a moment of silence, Chris spoke up. “I have a confession to make too. I stole that milk money from Mrs. Hatcher’s class.”
The other boys looked at him in shock. “What?” Teddy exclaimed. “You stole from a teacher?”
Chris nodded, looking down at the ground. “I needed the money for something important. But I regret it now. It wasn’t worth it.”
The boys were all silent, unsure of how to react. They had never known Chris to be a thief. But they could see the pain in his eyes, and they knew that he was being sincere.
After a moment, Teddy spoke up. “Well, I have a confession too. My dad’s a loony.”
The other boys looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?” Vern asked.
“He’s a nutcase,” Teddy said, his voice rising with anger. “He’s been in and out of mental hospitals for years. He once held me and my ear to a stove burner.”
The boys were horrified, their eyes wide with shock. They had never known about Teddy’s troubled family life. They tried to comfort him, to tell him that things would get better. But they knew that there was nothing they could do to change his situation.
As the day wore on, the boys continued to share their deepest secrets with each other. Gordie told them about how his parents had always favored his older brother, and how he felt like he was constantly living in his shadow. Vern confessed to stealing money from his brother’s piggy bank, and being scared that he would find out.
But it was Chris’s confession that stuck with Gordie the most. He couldn’t believe that his best friend had been a thief. He wondered what other secrets Chris was hiding.
As the sun began to set, the boys realized that they were running out of time. They had to find Ray Brower’s body before it got too dark. They pressed on, their minds weighed down by their confessions.
But as they walked, Gordie began to realize something. Even though they had all made mistakes and had secrets that they were ashamed of, they were still friends. They still cared about each other, and that was what mattered most.
He looked at Chris, and he knew that he would always be there for him. They might argue and disagree from time to time, but they were still best friends. And nothing could change that.
Chapter 4: Close Encounters
As night falls, the boys find themselves on the outskirts of a small town. The street lights flicker on as they make their way towards the train tracks. The air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and pine, and the sound of crickets and frogs fill the silence.
Suddenly, they hear laughter and shouting in the distance. The boys exchange nervous glances, wondering who or what could be out there in the woods with them. They pause for a moment, but curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to investigate.
As they approach the source of the noise, they see a group of older boys gathered around a campfire. They’re drinking and smoking, and the smell of marijuana wafts towards the boys. The older boys look up and see the younger ones, and a sly grin spreads across their faces.
“What are you little kids doing out here?” one of the older boys asks, blowing a cloud of smoke in their direction.
“We’re just hiking,” Teddy responds, trying to sound confident.
The older boys snicker, clearly amused by the younger ones’ naivety. They tower over the boys, their faces twisted with malice.
“We don’t like strangers in our neck of the woods,” the ringleader says, standing up and walking towards the boys. “What do you think we should do with them, boys?”
The boys are frozen in fear, unsure of what to do. They can see the cold glint in the older boys’ eyes and know that they’re in trouble. The ringleader reaches out and grabs Teddy by the collar of his shirt, pulling him towards him.
“Maybe we should teach them a lesson,” he says, his breath hot on Teddy’s face.
Suddenly, Chris springs into action. He kicks the ringleader in the gut, causing him to double over in pain. Gordie and Vern follow suit, punching and kicking the other boys. Teddy picks up a stick and joins in, bashing one of the boys over the head.
The fight is short-lived but intense. The boys manage to fend off the older kids, but not without taking a few punches and cuts themselves. They stand panting, looking at each other in disbelief.
“We have to get out of here,” Chris says, his voice shaking. “Before they come back with reinforcements.”
The boys nod in agreement and run towards the train tracks, their hearts pounding in their chests. They run for what feels like hours, until they’re sure they’ve put enough distance between themselves and the older boys.
As they collapse on the ground, catching their breath, Gordie realizes something. They’ve strayed off the path that leads to the corpse. They’ve gotten lost in the woods.
“We’re screwed,” Teddy moans, cradling his bloody nose.
Chris looks around, taking in their surroundings. “We’ll have to camp here for the night. Figure out where we are in the morning.”
The boys grudgingly agree, knowing that they have no choice. They huddle together, their backs against a tree, watching the stars twinkle above them.
As they drift off to sleep, the boys can’t help but think about the danger they’re in. They’re miles away from civilization, lost in the woods, with no way of getting help. They’re scared, but they know they have each other. And that’s enough to keep them going.
Chapter 5: The Train Tracks
As the boys continued to search for Ray Brower’s body, they followed the train tracks that they believed the corpse was near. The sun was setting in the sky, and the boys were starting to feel the weariness of their long journey. Gordie was starting to feel the pressure of finding the body, and Chris was doing his best to keep the group’s spirits up.
As the group walked a few more miles, they spotted a small body of water, and decided to rest for the night. They built a small fire to keep warm, and Teddy, being the most energetic of the group, went off to find some food. The other boys rested and talked, with each one of them growing more introspective as the night wore on.
Chris started to feel the gravity of their mission, realizing that they were looking for a dead body, and that this was much more serious than anything they had ever done before. Gordie, who had always been a bit of a dreamer and a writer, started to think about the story he would write after this adventure was over. Vern, who was usually the jokester of the group, grew quiet and lost in his own thoughts.
Teddy finally returned with an armful of blueberries, but the boys knew that they couldn’t rest for long. They needed to find the body before anything else happened, and they knew that they had a long day ahead of them. They quickly ate some berries, put out the fire, and continued to follow the tracks.
The sun was beating down, and the boys were feeling the heat. They trudged on through the woods, keeping their eyes on the train tracks. But as the day wore on, they started to lose hope. They had been walking for hours, and they still hadn’t found the body.
Gordie was starting to feel despondent, thinking that they had wasted their time on this wild goose chase. Chris knew that they couldn’t give up, and he tried to keep the group’s spirits up. But the heat, the hunger, and the exhaustion were taking their toll on the group.
Just as they were about to give up hope, they heard the sound of a train in the distance. They raced down the tracks, hoping that the train would lead them to the body. As they got closer, they saw a glint of metal in the distance.
The boys ran towards the metal, their hearts pounding in their chests. And there, lying on the ground, was the body of Ray Brower. The boys were horrified at the sight, but they knew that they had to do something about it.
Gordie, who had always been a bit of a leader, took charge. He told the boys to find some branches to lift the body onto, and they quickly got to work. As they lifted the body onto the branches, they saw that Ray’s face was twisted in pain. The boys were horrified, but they knew that they had to get the body back to town.
As they started to carry the body back down the tracks, they heard the sound of a train in the distance. They knew that they had to get off the tracks before the train got there. Chris, who was always thinking on his feet, came up with a plan. He told the boys to lay the branches with the body on the side of the tracks, and then they all hid behind some nearby bushes.
The train rolled past, and the boys watched in silence as it disappeared into the distance. When the coast was clear, they picked up the body again and continued on their way. They didn’t talk much on the way back, their minds filled with thoughts of the dead boy and the consequences of their actions.
As they finally made it back to town, they realized that their lives would never be the same again. They had grown up in ways that they never thought possible, and they had seen things that no child should have to see. But they also knew that their friendship had been forged in fire, and that they would always have each other’s backs.
Chapter 6: The Tension Mounts
The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the trees. The boys had been walking for hours, searching for the corpse of Ray Brower. Gordie was tired and his feet were starting to ache. He was lagging behind the rest of the group, lost in thought. Chris glanced back at him and saw his expression. He sighed and slowed his pace, allowing Gordie to catch up.
“What’s on your mind, man?” Chris asked, putting a hand on Gordie’s shoulder.
Gordie looked up at him and sighed. “It’s nothing.”
“Don’t give me that,” Chris said, his voice firm. “We’re friends, remember? We tell each other everything.”
Gordie hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “It’s just…I feel like I’m always in your shadow. You’re better at everything than I am. You’re smarter, more popular, more athletic. Sometimes I wonder why we’re even friends.”
Chris looked stunned. “What? Gordie, that’s not true. You’re an amazing writer, and you have a great sense of humor. You’re my best friend, man. We’ve been through everything together.”
Gordie shrugged. “I guess I’m just feeling a little insecure.”
Chris grinned. “You’re always so serious, Gordie. Lighten up a little. We’re on an adventure! Let’s enjoy it.”
Gordie smiled back, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. Maybe Chris was right. Maybe he was taking everything too seriously. He looked around at the beautiful scenery and took a deep breath.
As they walked, the tension between the boys began to mount. Teddy was getting restless, and Vern was complaining about his feet. Chris was being his usual charming self, but Gordie could sense an undercurrent of frustration beneath his friend’s smile.
Finally, they reached a clearing and decided to set up camp for the night. Teddy immediately went off to explore, while Vern started a fire. Chris and Gordie sat down on a log and watched as the stars began to come out.
The two friends sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the peacefulness of the woods. Gordie couldn’t help but feel like something was off between them. He cleared his throat and spoke up.
“Chris, I don’t want to sound weird or anything, but…I feel like there’s something bothering you. Is everything okay?”
Chris looked at him for a long moment before speaking. “Yeah, everything’s fine.”
But Gordie knew his friend too well. “You’re lying.”
Chris sighed. “Okay, fine. I’m just…I’m worried. About the future, you know? We’re getting older, and I don’t want to end up like my dad. I don’t want to be stuck in this town, working at the mill for the rest of my life.”
Gordie nodded, understanding. He knew that Chris had dreams of escaping their small town and making something of himself. But he also knew that Chris had a tough upbringing, and his father’s reputation as a drunk and a loser had followed him around all his life.
“I get it,” Gordie said, nodding. “But you’re smarter than your old man. You’ll make something of yourself, I know it.”
Chris smiled tiredly. “Thanks, Gordie. I needed to hear that.”
The two boys sat in silence for a few more minutes before Teddy returned, grinning from ear to ear. He regaled them with a story about almost falling in a river, and Vern cooked up some dinner. They all sat around the fire, laughing and joking.
But despite the lightheartedness of their evening, Gordie could feel the tension between him and Chris simmering beneath the surface. He knew that their argument wasn’t over yet.
After cleaning up their campsite, the boys settled down to sleep. Gordon lay in his sleeping bag, staring up at the stars. He couldn’t help but feel like things were going to come to a head between him and Chris soon.
Suddenly, he heard a rustling noise nearby. He turned towards the sound and saw Chris sitting up, staring at him.
“What’s wrong?” Gordie whispered.
Chris hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I don’t want to fight, Gordie. You’re my best friend. But sometimes, it feels like you’re always trying to one-up me. Like you’re trying to prove that you’re smarter or better than me.”
Gordie was taken aback. He hadn’t realized that Chris felt this way. “I’m sorry, Chris. I didn’t realize that’s how you felt. I guess I can be a bit competitive sometimes.”
Chris nodded. “It’s okay. I just needed to get it off my chest. We’re still friends, right?”
Gordie smiled. “Of course we are. We’re better than friends. We’re blood brothers.”
Chris grinned back. “Yeah, we are. Blood brothers for life.”
The two boys lay back down, feeling a sense of relief. The tension had dissipated, and they were closer than ever.
As Gordie drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the bond he shared with his friends. They might not have found Ray Brower’s body yet, but they had found something even more important. They had found strength in each other.
After several days of hiking, the boys were beginning to lose hope in their search for Ray Brower’s body. They were tired and hungry, and their spirits were plummeting. The woods had seemed idyllic at first, but now they felt endless and unforgiving.
As they walked along the train tracks, the boys heard a distant whistle. They knew what was coming, and quickly jumped off the tracks and into a ditch. Within seconds, a massive train roared past, sending debris flying and the ground shaking beneath them.
Once the train had passed, the boys pulled themselves up and continued along the tracks. They were making good time now, and soon they reached a bridge that spanned a deep ravine.
At first, the boys thought nothing of the bridge. It was just another part of the landscape, another obstacle to overcome. But as they began to cross it, they realized just how dangerous it really was.
The bridge was old and rickety, made of rotting wood and rusty metal. The planks creaked and groaned underfoot, and the boys could see the murky waters of the ravine far below.
Gordie was the first to make it across. He was nimble and surefooted, and he crossed the bridge with ease. But as Chris followed behind him, the planks began to give way.
Chris stumbled and fell, his foot getting caught between the planks. He let out a cry of pain, and the other boys rushed to his aid.
Teddy and Vern managed to heave Chris up, but his foot was badly hurt. They sat him down on the side of the bridge, hoping to catch their breath and figure out what to do next.
As they sat there, they heard the distant whistle of another train. They knew they had to move fast, or risk being run over.
Gordie took charge, telling the others to grab hold of Chris and help him along. They began moving slowly and cautiously, inching their way across the bridge.
But just as they were about to make it to the other side, disaster struck. One of the planks gave way under Vern’s foot, sending him tumbling over the edge of the bridge.
The boys screamed in horror as Vern fell into the ravine, disappearing from sight. They thought he was gone for good, but then they heard his voice calling up to them.
Vern had somehow managed to grab onto a ledge, and was now clinging for dear life. The boys had to think fast, or risk losing their friend forever.
Without hesitation, Gordie crawled out onto a nearby beam, inching his way towards Vern’s dangling form. He reached out and grabbed hold of Vern’s arm, pulling him back up onto the bridge.
The boys were shaken and scared, but relieved to have made it across the bridge alive. They tended to Chris’s injured foot, and then continued on their way, more determined than ever to find Ray Brower’s body.
But as they walked along the tracks, they couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. They felt like they were being followed, like something dangerous was lurking in the shadows.
And then, just as they were starting to relax, they heard the sound of footsteps behind them. They turned around, and saw a group of older kids approaching, their faces twisted into sneers.
The boys knew then that their journey had taken a dangerous turn. They were in for the fight of their lives.
Chapter 8: The Body
The boys stood frozen in shock and horror as they stared at the lifeless body of Ray Brower. The body was hidden in the tall grass beside the railway tracks, and the boys had almost missed it in their search. Gordie felt sick to his stomach as he looked at the lifeless body, while Chris was the first to speak.
“Is that him?” Chris asked, his voice trembling.
Teddy and Vern walked over to where Gordie and Chris were standing, and the four boys stared at the corpse. The smell of death filled the air, and the boys could barely stand to look at the body.
None of them knew Ray Brower, but he was their age, and his death had affected the whole town. His parents had reported him missing a few days earlier, and the search had been going on for days. The boys had heard about it and decided to try and find him.
As the boys stood there in silence, they realized that they had accomplished their mission. They had found Ray Brower’s body, and now they could go home. But as they were about to leave, they heard footsteps approaching.
The boys turned around to see a group of older kids walking towards them. The leader of the group was Ace Merrill, a notorious bully who had been terrorizing the town for years. Ace was a tall, muscular boy with a menacing look in his eyes.
“What the hell are you guys doing here?” Ace asked, his voice laced with anger.
The boys didn’t answer, but Chris stepped forward. “We’re just hiking,” he said.
Ace walked closer and looked at the body. “You found him, didn’t you?” he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
“We didn’t do anything,” Gordie said, speaking up for the first time. “We were just hiking.”
Ace laughed. “Bullshit. You found him, and you’re going to hand him over to us.”
The boys were stunned. They had no idea what Ace was talking about, but they could sense danger in his words.
“We don’t have him,” Chris said, trying to diffuse the situation.
Ace walked up to Chris and grabbed him by the collar. “You’re lying,” he said, his eyes burning with anger. “Give him to us, or we’ll beat the shit out of you.”
The other boys in Ace’s group were starting to gather around, cracking their knuckles and making threatening gestures. The boys knew they were outnumbered, and they didn’t know what to do.
Gordie stepped forward, trying to reason with Ace. “We don’t have him,” he said. “We just found him like you did.”
Ace sneered. “Bullshit. You’re hiding him somewhere, and we’re going to find him.”
The tense standoff continued for several minutes, with Ace and his group getting more aggressive by the second. The boys realized that they had to do something, or things were going to get violent.
Suddenly, Teddy reached into his backpack and pulled out a gun. The boys were shocked by the sight of the gun, but Teddy held it steady in his hand, aiming it at Ace.
“Back off, or I’ll shoot,” Teddy said, his voice shaking slightly.
Ace and his group froze in fear, realizing that they were dealing with a serious threat. They backed away slowly, their eyes fixed on the gun.
The boys knew that the situation was escalating, but they had no idea what to do. They had never been in a situation like this before, and they were scared.
Just as things were about to take a turn for the worse, they heard the sound of police sirens in the distance. The boys breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they were going to be okay.
The police arrived on the scene and arrested Ace and his group. They found out later that Ace had been involved in a string of robberies and assaults in the area. The boys were lucky to have escaped unharmed.
As they headed back home, the boys felt a sense of relief wash over them. They had found Ray Brower’s body, but they had also experienced something that they would never forget. They had learned the importance of true friendship and had grown up in ways that they never thought possible.
The days that followed were tense and emotional for the boys, but they stuck together through it all. They knew that they had each other’s backs and that they would always be there for each other, no matter what. The experience had changed them forever, but they were stronger for it.
Chapter 9: The Final Showdown
The older boys stepped out of the woods, blocking the path of Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern. They demanded that the boys hand over the body of Ray Brower. One of the older boys held a knife while the others were armed with sticks and rocks. Fear was written all over the faces of the four boys as they stood there frozen, trying to decide what to do.
Chris took the lead and stepped forward to speak. “We can’t give you what we don’t have,” he said, trying to sound as confident as possible.
The leader of the older boys wasn’t convinced. “We saw you guys up there. You know where the body is. Give it to us.”
The tension was palpable as the two groups stood facing each other. Chris looked at Gordie for support, but his friend just stood there, silent.
Teddy was the first to react. He picked up a stick and stepped forward to defend his friends. “We don’t have the body. Leave us alone,” he said, his voice shaking with fear.
The leader of the older boys laughed. “You think you can take us on with that stick?”
A fight broke out. The four boys were outnumbered, but they fought with all their might. Gordie was hit on the head with a rock, while Teddy was kicked in the stomach. Chris managed to grab the knife from one of the older boys, but he was pushed to the ground and overwhelmed.
Vern stood there, frozen in fear, watching everything unfold. He didn’t know what to do.
In the chaos, one of the older boys was accidentally stabbed with the knife that Chris held. Blood oozed out of the wound as the boy fell to the ground, gasping for air.
The other boys froze, shocked at what had just happened. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do next.
Gordie quickly took control of the situation. “We have to go to the police,” he said, his voice steady despite the pain in his head.
The four boys ran off, leaving the older boys and the body of Ray Brower behind. They didn’t stop running until they reached the police station.
When they arrived, they were a mess. Bloodstains and bruises covered their clothes and bodies. They were taken in for questioning, but they stuck to their story. They had no idea who had killed the older boy, and they wanted to ensure that their innocence was heard.
After hours of questioning, the police finally let them go. The four boys walked out of the station in silence, each lost in their thoughts.
“We did the right thing, right?” Vern finally spoke up, breaking the silence.
Chris and Gordie turned to look at him, both nodding in agreement. “We had to do what we had to do,” Chris said.
Teddy added, “It’s not like we wanted to hurt anyone.”
Gordie looked around at his three friends, understanding the gravity of the situation. They had been through so much in the past few days. They had seen a dead body, been chased by bullies, and now they had been involved in a killing. This was not the kind of adventure they had planned for.
“I just want to go home,” Gordie said, his voice tired.
The other boys nodded in agreement. They walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, wondering how their lives were going to change after this.
Chapter 10: Moving On
Gordie walked along the train tracks, lost in thought. It had been months since he and his friends had found Ray Brower’s body, but the memories were still fresh in his mind. He missed Chris, Teddy, and Vern terribly. They had all gone their separate ways after that day, but they had promised to stay in touch. Gordie had written to Chris a few times, but he had never heard back. He wondered what his friend was doing now, and if he had made something of himself, like he had always wanted.
Gordie stopped and looked back at the spot where he and his friends had found the body. It was a peaceful place, but it held a lot of painful memories. He remembered the fight they had had with the older kids, and how one of them had been killed. He wondered if they had ever been caught, and if they were still out there somewhere.
As he stood there, lost in thought, he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see Chris walking towards him. Gordie was surprised to see him, but he was happy. They hadn’t seen each other since they had gone their separate ways.
“Hey, Gordie,” Chris said, smiling. “Long time no see.”
“Chris!” Gordie exclaimed, grinning. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you,” Chris said. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”
“Really?” Gordie asked, surprised. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” Chris said, shrugging. “I guess I’ve been thinking about the things we used to do, and the things we used to talk about. You were always the smart one, Gordie. You had big dreams, and you knew how to make them happen.”
Gordie smiled, feeling a warm glow in his chest. It was true – he had always been the one with the big ideas, the one who dreamed of writing books and seeing the world. Chris had been the one who kept him grounded, the one who reminded him that dreams were great, but they had to be backed up with action.
“I’ve been thinking about you too, Chris,” Gordie said. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Chris said, smiling. “So, what have you been up to?”
Gordie told Chris about his job at the newspaper, and how he had started writing stories in his spare time. Chris listened attentively, nodding and smiling. He was proud of Gordie, and he told him so.
“I always knew you had it in you, Gordie,” he said. “You were always destined for great things.”
Gordie felt a lump in his throat. It was like they were back in the woods again, talking about their hopes and dreams.
“What about you, Chris?” Gordie asked. “What have you been up to?”
Chris hesitated. “Not much,” he said. “I’ve been working odd jobs here and there. Nothing permanent.”
Gordie felt a pang of sadness. He had always known that Chris was destined for great things too, but it seemed like he was still searching for his place in the world.
“Hey, don’t worry about it,” Gordie said, putting a hand on Chris’s shoulder. “You’ll find your way, Chris. You’re too smart and too talented not to.”
Chris smiled, looking grateful. “Thanks, Gordie. You always know how to make me feel better.”
Gordie felt a surge of affection for his friend. It was like they had never been apart.
“Well, I should be going,” Chris said, glancing at his watch. “I have to get back to work.”
“Okay,” Gordie said, feeling a twinge of sadness. He didn’t want their conversation to end.
“Hey, Gordie,” Chris said, turning back. “Do you remember that story we used to talk about, the one about the boys who go on an adventure to find a dead body?”
Gordie laughed, feeling a rush of nostalgia. “Of course I remember,” he said. “We used to dream about turning it into a book or a movie.”
Chris nodded, looking serious. “I think we should do it, Gordie. I think we should write that story together.”
Gordie felt a jolt of excitement. It was like a dream come true.
“You really think we could do it?” he asked, feeling a little unsure.
“I know we could do it,” Chris said, smiling. “We’re the only ones who know that story, Gordie. We’re the only ones who can do it justice.”
Gordie smiled, feeling a surge of affection for his friend. It was like they had never been apart.
“You know what, Chris?” he said. “I think you’re right. Let’s do it.”
And with that, they both started walking towards their future, knowing that they had each other, and their memories, to guide them. The end.
Some scenes from the movie Stand by Me written by A.I.
Scene 1
Fade in:
EXT. JUNKYARD – DAY
GORDIE, CHRIS, TEDDY, and VERN, all around 12 years old, are hanging out in the junkyard. Gordie is smart, but looked down on by his father. Chris is a natural leader, but he’s always getting in trouble. Teddy is wild and unpredictable, while Vern is the goofball of the group.
VERN
Hey, did you hear about that kid who went missing?
TEDDY
Yeah, Ray Brower. He was picking blueberries when a train hit him.
GORDIE
(skeptical)
Do you really think we should go looking for him?
CHRIS
Why not? It’s an adventure.
The boys all agree and start making plans.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS – DAY
The boys are in the woods, carrying backpacks full of supplies. They’re excited, but also scared.
TEDDY
What do you think we’ll find?
VERNON
I don’t know, but we’ll find something.
CHRIS
We have to be careful. We don’t want to get lost out here.
GORDIE
Don’t worry. I’ve got a map.
TEDDY
(laughing)
You’ve got a map? Who brings a map on an adventure?
The boys continue through the woods, telling each other stories and enjoying the scenery.
CUT TO:
INT. TENT – NIGHT
The boys are sitting in their tent, eating canned food and talking.
GORDIE
You know, maybe we shouldn’t be doing this. What if we get in trouble?
CHRIS
(nodding)
I know what you mean, Gordie. But we have to do this. For ourselves.
TEDDY
Yeah, and for Ray Brower. He deserves to be found.
VERN
And we’re the only ones brave enough to do it.
The boys all cheer and high-five each other.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. A SMALL TOWN – DAY
We see four boys, GORDIE, CHRIS, TEDDY and VERN, walking along the railroad tracks, laughing and joking with each other.
GORDIE
(to Chris)
So, how’s your brother doing?
CHRIS
(sighs)
Same old, same old. He’s still hanging out with the wrong crowd.
TEDDY
(grinning)
Speaking of the wrong crowd, did I ever tell you guys about the time my dad went to jail?
VERN
(excitedly)
No, tell us, Teddy!
They continue walking, talking and laughing, as the sun beats down on them.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST – DAY
The boys stop to rest, taking a break from the heat. They sit on a fallen tree, eating sandwiches and drinking soda.
GORDIE
(to Chris)
Hey man, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Do you think we’ll find the body?
CHRIS
(sighs)
I don’t know, Gordie. It’s been days since that kid disappeared. The chances of finding him alive are slim to none.
TEDDY
(agitatedly)
But we have to find him! We promised!
VERN
(calming)
Teddy’s right, guys. We can’t give up now.
The boys finish their lunch and pack up their things, ready to continue their journey.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST – DAY (LATER)
The boys walk further into the woods, the trees getting denser and the shadows growing longer.
VERN
(nervously)
Guys, do you ever get the feeling that we’re being watched?
CHRIS
(turns, surveys the area)
No, Vern. We’re alone out here.
Suddenly, they hear the sound of footsteps and turn to see a group of older boys approaching them, led by the tough-looking ACE.
ACE
(sneering)
Well, well, well, what do we have here? A group of little boys out for a walk?
TEDDY
(angrily)
We’re not little boys! We’re on a mission!
ACE
(laughs)
Oh really? And what mission might that be?
GORDIE
(stands up, bravely)
We’re looking for a dead body.
The older boys laugh, but the atmosphere quickly turns tense.
ACE
(smiling cruelly)
I’ll tell you what, boys. You hand over whatever you’ve got and we’ll let you go.
CHRIS
(defiantly)
We don’t have anything to give you.
VERN
(timidly)
Please, just leave us alone.
ACE
(advancing)
I don’t think you understand, kid. This is our turf. You don’t belong here.
The tension builds as the two groups face off against each other.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Genre: Drama
Logline: Four teenage friends set out on a dangerous adventure to find a corpse, but realize that the journey is more important than the destination.
Characters:
Gordie: A quiet and introspective boy who dreams of becoming a writer.
Chris: Gordie’s best friend, a charming and confident boy with a troubled past.
Teddy: A reckless and impulsive boy, with a troubled home life.
Vern: The youngest member of the group, still innocent and naive.
Setting: A small town in Oregon, surrounded by dense forests and winding rivers.
FADE IN:
INT. GORDIE’S BEDROOM – DAY
Gordie sits at his desk, scribbling in his journal. Chris barges in, throwing himself onto the bed.
CHRIS:
What’s up, man?
GORDIE:
Not much. Just writing.
CHRIS:
What about?
GORDIE:
Just some stuff.
Chris picks up the journal and starts flipping through the pages.
CHRIS:
Come on, let me see.
Gordie hesitates, but eventually hands over the journal. Chris skims through the pages and stops at a passage.
CHRIS (CONT’D):
What’s this about feeling neglected?
Gordie snatches the journal back.
GORDIE:
It’s nothing.
CHRIS:
Come on, you can talk to me.
Gordie hesitates, but then begins to open up.
GORDIE:
My parents are always fighting. They never pay attention to me.
CHRIS:
That sucks, man.
GORDIE:
It’s whatever. What about you?
CHRIS:
What about me?
GORDIE:
You’re always so confident. You never seem to have any problems.
Chris’s face darkens.
CHRIS:
You don’t know shit about me, man.
Gordie looks surprised.
GORDIE:
What do you mean?
CHRIS:
Forget it.
Gordie persists.
GORDIE:
Come on, Chris. You can tell me.
Chris takes a deep breath.
CHRIS:
My dad was a drunk. He used to beat my mom and me. One day, I couldn’t take it anymore. I stole a gun from his closet and threatened to kill him if he ever touched us again. He got scared and never came back.
Gordie looks shocked.
GORDIE:
I had no idea.
CHRIS:
Yeah, well. It’s not something I like to talk about.
Gordie nods.
GORDIE:
I understand.
There’s a knock on the door. Teddy and Vern burst in.
TEDDY:
Come on, guys! We’re wasting daylight!
CHRIS:
Alright, alright. Let’s go.
They head out the door, ready to continue their journey.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
EXT. JUNKYARD – DAY
Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern are hanging out near a junkyard when Ace and his gang approach them.
ACE
(loudly)
Well, well, well, look who we have here. Four little boys playing in the junkyard.
The boys tense up, knowing that Ace and his gang are troublemakers.
ACE
(to the boys)
What are you doing here?
TEDDY
(defiantly)
None of your business.
ACE
(smirking)
Oh, it is my business. You see, this junkyard is our turf. And we don’t take kindly to outsiders.
CHRIS
(quickly)
We were just leaving. We didn’t mean to intrude.
ACE
(grinning)
Too late for that, pal. You’ve already stepped on our turf. And the only way to leave is by paying the toll.
The boys exchange worried glances, knowing that they don’t have much money on them.
TEDDY
(angrily)
We’re not paying you anything. We didn’t do anything wrong.
ACE
(scoffing)
Oh, you did something wrong alright. You see, you messed with us. And we don’t take that lightly.
Gordie steps forward, trying to diffuse the situation.
GORDIE
(pleading)
Look, we don’t want any trouble. We’ll just leave and never come back.
ACE
(shrugging)
Too late for that, kid. You’ve already crossed the line.
Ace and his gang start to move closer to the boys, who back up in fear.
TEDDY
(voice shaking)
What are you going to do to us?
ACE
(grinning)
Oh, I think you already know the answer to that.
Suddenly, a group of adults appears from out of nowhere, interrupting the confrontation. Ace and his gang quickly scatter, leaving the boys alone.
ADULT
(concerned)
Are you boys alright? Did those kids harm you?
Gordie and his friends blush with embarrassment, feeling like babies in front of the adults.
GORDIE
(awkwardly)
No, no. We’re okay. Thanks for your help, sir.
The adults nod and walk away. The boys grab their things and quickly leave the junkyard, deciding that it’s not worth the risk.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern are walking along the train tracks, searching for Ray Brower’s body.
TEDDY: I can’t believe we haven’t found him yet.
VERN: Yeah, this is getting frustrating.
CHRIS: We just have to keep looking. He’s out here somewhere.
GORDIE: (stops walking) Hey, guys. Look over there.
The boys walk over to a nearby clearing, where they see a small, abandoned campsite.
TEDDY: (excitedly) This has to be it!
VERN: (nervously) What if someone else found the body already?
CHRIS: (calmly) Let’s just check it out.
The boys walk over to the campsite, where they find a backpack and a small pile of blueberries.
GORDIE: (picking up the backpack) This has to be his.
TEDDY: (picking up the blueberries) And these must be the ones he was picking.
VERN: (pointing to the ground) Hey, look over there.
The boys see a trail of blood leading deeper into the woods.
CHRIS: (determined) Let’s follow it.
The boys continue to follow the trail of blood, which leads them to a small stream. There, they find Ray Brower’s body, lying face down in the water.
TEDDY: (horrified) Oh my god.
VERN: (covering his mouth) This is so messed up.
GORDIE: (kneeling down) We should call the police.
CHRIS: (nodding) Yeah, you’re right.
The boys stand around the body, unsure of what to do next.
Suddenly, they hear a rustling in the nearby bushes. They turn around, startled.
CHRIS: (suspiciously) Who’s there?
Out from the bushes comes a man, with a wild look in his eyes.
MAN: (breathless) You boys…you shouldn’t have come here.
The man lunges at the boys, but they manage to dodge out of the way.
CHRIS: (defensively) What do you want?
MAN: (maniacally) This is my territory. You shouldn’t be here.
The boys realize that they’ve stumbled upon something dangerous, and quickly make a run for it. The man chases after them, but they manage to outrun him and make it back to the train tracks.
CHRIS: (out of breath) That was too close.
GORDIE: (shaken) What do we do now?
TEDDY: (determined) We have to tell the police what we found.
VERN: (nodding) Yeah, we can’t keep this a secret.
The boys walk back home, still in shock from their discovery. The mystery of Ray Brower’s death has been solved, but the danger that lurked in the woods still haunts their memories.
FADE OUT.
