My story “ Detour” is about an ambitious young man, Jay. who comes to New York to follow his dream. However, he fails and his arrogance leads to his best friend, Lin, committing suicide. Jay feels very guilty and loses his confidence and life’s goal. With a vagrant Shang’s help, Jay runs away from New York and starts a journey to cross the United States by hitchhiking. On the road, Jay meets many interesting people. He gradually opens his heart. On the road, Jay meets many interesting people. He gradually opens his heart. He learns how to roll a cigarette; how to hitchhike; and how to survive in the wild environment. Then Jay encounters a white monk, Tony. Tony’s weird clothes and behavior remind Jay how he “killed” his friend, Lin. Jay realizes the only way to stand up again is to face himself. On the steep mountain Angle Landing, Jay almost falls from a cliff. Facing death, Jay finally takes off his mask and confesses his mistake.

Detour preview by Jie Ren from MFA Visual Narrative at SVA on Vimeo.