Schraff Anne - Ghost Mountain

1
MAN UP

Winston Lawson, Dad yelled in his big voice. What're you doing, boy? You've been in that room for two hours.

I'm playing a cool game, Dad, Winston yelled back. Doomscape. The alien warriors got us cornered. We got these new lasers. My friend from school is playing on his laptop too. But I'm helping our guys more.

Winston was eleven. He was in sixth grade. There was nothing he liked more than playing action games. He played on his laptop and cell phone.

The sun is shining out there, Dad shouted. Dad never talked in a low voice. He talked loud. He talked very loud when he was angry. Like now. Sun shining. Birds singing. Folks out on bikes. Jogging. Shooting hoops. Some of them walking their dogs. It's Saturday. No school. What're you doing playing silly games in yourroom?

Dad swung open the door to his oldest son's room. Hey, Winston, shut that thing off. Get moving!

But, Dad, Winston groaned. We're in the middle of a game. I'm winning. The aliens are on the run.

Shut that thing off. Get moving, boy. Or you're gonna be on the run from me, Dad shouted again.

Mom came down the hall. Oh, honey, give Winston a break. He's done all his chores. He's been doing his homework, Mom said. No harm in him having a little fun. Mom was a lot nicer than Dad. Winston thought so anyway. He wished Dad was more like Mom.

Bella, Dad said. The boy likes adventure, right?

Yes, he's playing his favorite adventure game, Mom said. It's called Doomscape.

Yeah, Winston said eagerly. He hoped Mom was winning Dad over. It's really exciting.

I like adventure too, Dad said. Adventure in the real world. Climbing hills. Meeting wildlife. Crawling over rocks. Getting sore and dirty. That's what we're doing today. He pointed at Winston. You. Me. And your brother, Nelson. I got the truck all packed. Sandwiches, fruit, cold drinks.

Awww, Dad, Winston groaned.

Come on, boy. Get your jeans on. Your hiking shoes. I just bought them for you. The great outdoors is calling, Dad said. He walked down the hall to his younger son's room. Nel! Nelson, he shouted, knocking on the door. What's up, boy?

I'm sleeping, Nelson said in a groggy voice. It's Saturday. No school. Nelson was eight years old. He was in third grade.

Sleeping? At this hour of the morning? Dad yelled. Up and at 'em, boy. We got big plans. You. Me. Winston. We're going to have an adventure. Put on your jeans. Your hiking shoes. You boys are going to man up today. And in a big way.

2
BUNNY ATTACK

Mom was in the hall behind Dad. I'm worried. Boys as young as Winston and Nelson hiking in wild places. I mean, it can be dangerous in the hills. What with snakes and wild things. One little slip? You can be badly hurt. They're just little boys, she said.

Bella, I went hiking with my dad. And my brothers. And my sisters in Arkansas when I was four years old! Four freakin' years old. We're raising wimpy couch potatoes. I won't stand for that. I want strong boys. Outdoor boys. With a feel for nature. I don't want them playing video games twenty-four seven. Hiding in their rooms. Sleeping away the day.

Where are you taking them hiking? Mom asked. She still looked worried. She grew up in the city. Mom's idea of wildlife was a chipmunk in the front yard. I don't want the boys falling off a cliff. I don't want them attacked by wildlife.

Bella, we're going to the Anza Borrego Desert. Nice easy trail. Maybe a couple bunnies. But I'll protect the boys if they attack. I mean, I know those bunnies got big teeth. But we'll be okay. I never heard of a bunny eating a boy.

Now you're making fun of me, Mom grumbled.

Luke Lawson was a big, burly man. He looked a bit mean. But his eyes danced when he smiled. He looked jolly. Now, he grinned. And grabbed Mom. He swung her around.

Girl, I love those boys with all my heart. I'll bring them home safe and sound. Promise, Dad said.

Winston came slowly from his room. I hate this, he said.

That's too bad, Dad said. You know what I hate? I hate a boy of mine wasting his time on stupid video games. You know why I named you Winston?

Winston rolled his eyes. Yeah, Dad. You told me a million times. Some fat, old English dude. Winston Churchill. Died a million years ago, Winston said.

You just got an F in history, Dad said. Winston Churchill was a great man. He helped save the world from evil. And I named your brother for Nelson Mandela. Because Mandela suffered so much to bring freedom to his people. They were great men. They were active. They didn't waste their time playing stupid games. They were doers. These are your heroes. Not comic book freaks in video games.

An hour later, the three of them were in the truck. They were heading east.

I hate these jeans, Winston said. They're stiff as boards.

Yeah, mine too, Nelson said. And these shoes hurt my feet.

What's the stupid place we're going to? Winston asked.

The Anza Borrego Desert. And it's not stupid, Dad said.

The desert? Nelson said. I bet there's a bunch of rattlesnakes out there. Just waiting for us.

I hate snakes, Winston said. They make my skin crawl.