BERNARD BROWN IS MISSING. The unassuming college athlete prone to bouts of solitude becomes a regional news story when he disappears for four straight days. No one has seen or heard from him-not even the hodgepodge group of four that has become his closest circle of friends. While the student body of the small town college gathers in a night vigil for Bernard, his four unlikely friends huddle in their routine study room-this time to process their fifth member's absence and surmise his whereabouts. As the night darkens, their conversations deepen, revealing more of each male undergrad. Mike, the biggest and most bottled-up, has a heavy secret. Rico, the group's enigmatic joker, has big notions-some metaphysical. Philip, an idealistic heartthrob, is aching from unrequited love. And Daniel, resentfully indignant, could use a hug.

Taking Laps follows Bernard's day leading up to his disappearance and the soul-searching discussions of his friends four nights later.