The Backpacker

- What's a nice boy like you doing in a dump like this?

- Looking for a girl and a drink.

Looks like I come to the right place.

You're a week late.

- A lot of people come in for this?

What are you trying to say?

What you think I'm saying?

Bastard.

Problem?

- You're not in Afghanistan now, mate!

This is a quiet town.

Best be getting out of here.

Come on, Ben.

They're not worth it.

She's right.

Go while you can.

I'll get my backpack.

Meet you out front.

He reckons the next town's about 100k.

You up to it?

I'm game if you are.

You sure you're warm enough?

- Probably not, but you'll take care of that.

So, what's up?

what's the plan?

Hey!

Thank you.

All right.

Okay.

You know, a girl has a much better chance

of getting a lift on her own.

Hang on a minute.

Oh, God.

See?

I rest my case.

You can't be serious.

You don't listen, Ben.

I'm telling you.

This is a girl's game.

We work better alone.

You want to bet?

Sure, okay.

The next town we get to, I'll prove it.

Whatever.

You're gonna pay, Ben Cross.

Mark my words.

We'll see.

Let's go.

- You can't take another night like that, Ben.

I nearly froze to death.

- You're European, for God's sake.

- We don't sleep in the snow, Ben.

God damn that Vincent.

He told me this was a big town.

Vince?

Who's Vincent?

The guy in the wheelchair.

- Looks like I got here just in time.

- To save me from a long country ride

with a harmless Austrian in a wheelchair?

Be my guest.

Hi.

You again.

- Not having a good night there, soldier.

Looks like your friend jumped ship.

You don't say.

Went off in a silver van.

You don't miss much.

Fun guy.

Looked like she knew him.

Even worse.

Look like you need a ride.

So, what exactly did you do in the Army.

Hold your horses, Riley.

I'll be up in the forest shortly.

Going shooting?

Something like that.

Are you getting in?

Nice gun.

Does the job.

Do yourself a favor.

Stay off the back roads.

Lot of people go missing around here.

I got it covered.

I'm sure you have, soldier.

Well, I'll see ya.

Maybe.

Nina, where are you, babe?

- Want to find out what happened to your girlfriend?

Start hitching.

Hi.

Slept well?

What's going on?

Who are you?

Talk to me!

What do you want to know?

What have you done, you sick--

Don't worry.

I haven't touched you yet.

I was looking for you money belt.

You backpackers are so predictable.

You all keep your valuables deep in the woods.

Cut this rope.

All in good time.

First, we have to come to

some kind of understanding.

Understand this.

Screw you.

- Somehow I don't think you'll get the chance.

Besides, I'm not your type.

Shit, shit!

So what have we here?

Hmm, well, well.

A patriot.

Let me go.

- It's not that simple, I'm afraid.

Ben, isn't it?

Funny, I don't see a Ben.

Only thing I see is a psycho.

- Choose your next words very carefully, Ben.

I'm an excellent shot.

Easy, easy.

That's better.

Now you need to listen.

I'm going to give you a chance

to get out of here, Ben.

And if you really care about your pretty little Nina,

you'll shut the fuck up and listen to what I have to say.

We're alone in a forest, Ben.

We all find our purpose amongst the trees.

You'll see.

A forest can be a sanctuary

from the things society rejects.

Who knows?

Perhaps you'll find purpose out there.

Can I have my shoes?

I don't think so.

Asshole.

Listen to the forest, Ben.

Not so cocky now, are we?

Huh?

Jesus!

Just to show you I'm not all bad,

I've given you back Nina's cigarettes

for when you two meet up, of course.

Here, let me help you.

Didn't hurt nothing?

Now what?

10 hours of sunlight.

Half an hour, it's dark.

How's that?

It's crazy.

Isn't it?

Let's go.

As you backpackers like to say, let's keep in touch.

Take heart, Ben!

You're not alone out there.