“So it’s decided then”
“Yeah, will start looking for tomorrow”
“Ok, meet me back here at the same time as tonight”
“Alright I’ll see you tomorrow”
I sprinted home under the veil of midnight. I was going to have to be quite sneaking back into my house. If my Mom found out I snuck out she’d ground me and our plans would be ruined. The old Oak tree Nate and I had met under wasn't too far from my house, the run only lasted about five minutes. I climbed the tree next to my bedroom and used its branch to get on top of the roof. I had left my window propped open, I slowly opened it. I had to be careful, it was old and creeky. After some careful maneuvering I made it in undetected.
It was hard to fall asleep, I mean how could I? Tomorrow night my best friend I were going to do what all the other kids at school only talked about doing. We were hunting for the legendary treasure of Hudson Valley. It’s rumored that there’s are great treasure hidden somewhere in the Hudson Valley on the outskirts of town. Some say there’s more gold than you can imagine, others say there’s the most beautiful jewels hidden there. Finding the treasure was going to be no easy task, it hasn’t been discovered for a reason. But Nate and I were going to find it, because unlike everybody else we have a map. I bought it from Calvin Burton at recess, he took it from Grandpa and he’s more ancient than this map.
The next night I left my house at 9:30 like we planned. We met under the same old Oak tree near Mr. Johnson’s farm. It was a warm summer night. I swear there were more stars in the sky than usual because I could see as if it was day time. Nate was already waiting for my under the tree. He said, “Are you ready to go”. I replied by nodding my head. We began heading east toward the Hudson Valley. We walked for a couple miles mostly in silence, it was hard to make smalltalk because this could be biggest thing to ever happen to us.  However, our silence was interrupted by an unexpected guest. Calvin Burton, the kid who sold me the map. He ran up to us from behind wheezing and coughing. He was carrying bag half the size of his small, frail body: “Do you guys have room for one more?” Nate and I looked at each other with looks of irritation and anger. Nate responded with an exasperated “Yes”.
It was late, probably around 12:00 when we decided to set up camp for the night. We hadn’t quite made it into the valley yet, but I could sense that it was close. Nate and I had set up our tents and sleeping bag. Right before I entered my tent I looked over at Calvin to see him laying on the earth with only a blanket. Calvin was always a clumsy kid, but I didn't think he could be this stupid.
The atmosphere following morning was electric. We were now only a half day’s walk away from the valley, according to the map. All three of us woke up at the crack of dawn. We had to walk roughly 18 miles so time was of the essence.Calvin was covered in dirt and grass, what an idiot. After we packed up we again embarked on the journey of our lives.
Today was much different from last night. Nate and I were enjoying eachother’s company. We had been friends for a couple of years, but most males aren’t very open and sharing, Nate and I were no different. We learned new things about each other's life and family. Nate told me his family used to have a three legged dog named Scooter. I told Nate about the time my brother dared me to lick a metal pole in winter and my tongue got stuck.  While exploring the vast countryside we searching for more than treasure. Without even realizing it we were discovering one another. Which I think is almost as valuable as any treasure we could’ve found. As magical as our journey was it was equal parts irritating. The biggest piece of luggage we carried was Calvin. His whining was as frequent as it was loud. We were only 5 miles into our journey and I’m surprised he didn’t use up all the air in world just by talking. He’d say things, “my feet hurt” or, “can we take a break, I’m so tired”. We were like the three musketeers out on our journey, except two of the musketeers wanted to kill the other. 
After some time we finally arrived at the valley. I had been there before, everyone in town has at least once. But never had it looked so beautiful, so unique. It looked different from when I visited it on family outings. The trees stood taller and were the most beautiful green you could image. I could smell the faint scent of flowers looming in the air. It was hard not be overwhelmed by it all. This valley was soaked in unlimited possibility and mystery. I was filled with determination and vigor, but traversing this landscape was going to be no easy task. The Hudson Valley is notorious for being dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. We were looking for a cave, the map said that’s where the treasure is hidden.
The valley was steep and untamed. The valley had few hiking trails or pathways. We walked through unpaved wilderness. Nate’s calves were cut and bleeding from walking through thorns. The valley was hard to navigate, but our map made it manageable:
“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” I aske
“Yeah I’m sure. The cave should be just past the ridge up ahead” Nate responded
“Alright I’ll take your word for it”
“Our parents are probably worried sick. Maybe we should head back” Calvin moaned
“Shut up Calvin” Nate and I yelled in unison
We walked over the ridge to discover discover the mouth of the cave. It was nuzzled in a small hill and tucked under a tree with its roots showing.
“Well… here it is”
“Let’s go inside” I responded.
The cave was very dark as you’d expect. It was like something out of a movie. The cave was wet, there was water trickling down the walls. The smell was horrid, it was similar to that of stagnant pond water. As we ventured farther into the cave, I could see that Calvin was scared. He had always been a coward and it was showing: “I’m out guys this is too spooky”. Calvin bolted out of the cave. It was now just Nate and I alone in the cave. We searched everywhere, but we couldn't find it. After hours of search Nate and I called it quits. We exited the cave discouraged and deeply disappointed.
The long walk home was spent mostly in silence. Both of us were deeply hurt by the realization that the treasure was nothing more than a folktale. But I did not cry or weep, I felt strangely satisfied even our dream was crushed. I lost a fortune but gained a close friend. Nate and I were now closer than ever before, and I think that was even more valuable than any amount of gold.