Scene 1: A small café. A map of the United States is spread across the table. The three friends are planning a summer trip.
MARIA: (pointing at the map) Look at all these states! I can’t believe we finally decided to take a road trip across the U.S. So… where do we start?
JASON: I vote for California. We can begin in Los Angeles, enjoy the beach, and maybe visit Hollywood. Then we can drive north to San Francisco.
LENA: That sounds amazing, but California is huge. Are we sure we have enough time?
JASON: (smiling) Don’t worry. I made a schedule. See? Three days in Los Angeles, two days in San Francisco.
MARIA: Wait—only two days in San Francisco? I want more time there! I heard the Golden Gate Bridge is beautiful at sunset.
JASON: Okay, okay. We can add one more day. But then we’ll have to change something else.
LENA: What about Nevada? I really want to stop in Las Vegas. Not for gambling—just to see the lights and the shows.
MARIA: Yes! And we can drive through the desert. I’ve never seen a real desert before.
JASON: Good idea. After California, we’ll go to Nevada and spend one night in Las Vegas.
LENA: Only one night? I heard the city never sleeps.
JASON: Exactly. That’s why one night is enough.
They all laugh and look back at the map.
Scene 2: The same café, later. Coffee cups are almost empty. The map is full of notes and circles.
MARIA: After Nevada… how about going east to Arizona? I really want to see the Grand Canyon.
LENA: The Grand Canyon is on my bucket list too. But isn’t it really hot there in the summer?
JASON: It can be, but we’ll go early in the morning. Arizona is worth it. And if we have time, we can visit Phoenix too.
MARIA: What about the other states? I want to visit everywhere!
JASON: (laughs) Maria, the United States has fifty states. We can’t see them all in two weeks.
LENA: Maybe we choose one more. What about Colorado? Denver looks beautiful in pictures.
MARIA: Oh yes! Mountains, fresh air… I love it.
JASON: Then it’s decided. California → Nevada → Arizona → Colorado.
Scene 3: Outside the café, evening. The friends stand on the sidewalk, still excited about their road trip.
LENA: It sounds perfect. But… who’s driving the long desert highways?
MARIA: (raises hand) I will! I want to see the whole country through the windshield.
JASON: And I’ll handle the map and directions.
LENA: Good. I’ll bring snacks. Lots of snacks.
MARIA: Deal. The great American road trip begins!
ALL: (together) Let’s go!
— THE END —