1 January 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Pleased to meet you! My name's Luigi, and you're my brand-new secret diary! Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to document all of my deepest, darkest secrets and desires and to help me decompress after a trying day. No pressure, really.

Before that, however, let me tell you a bit about me. I'm just a simple mechanic, working from 9 to 5. I enjoy working with my hands, getting dirty and sweaty. My hobbies include listening to music, playing piano, jogging and playing sports. My apartment isn't what you'd call "upscale", but it's affordable, it's clean, it's comfortable, it gives me a nice view of the city, and most importantly, it's a roof over my head. I have a TV with good enough reception to watch my favorite sports teams, and I have a record player with a fair-sized shelf of records to match my current mood.

I'm not an only child, however. I have a twin brother named Mario. He's about ten minutes older than me, so I call him "Big Bro", and he calls me "Lil' Bro". We've gotten into our fair share of quarrels, but we've always made up in the end. I love him so much, and he feels the same about me. We live in the same apartment complex, so I make it a point to visit him at least once a day.

We've both recently graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Colombia University. While I pursued a major in Engineering and became a mechanic, Mario works as a carpenter, wearing a hard hat and goggles and sometimes strapping himself into a harness to work high above the city. I like to fix things, and Mario likes to build things. We're two peas in a pod.

Mario and I are just a pair of ordinary New Yorkers eking out a living. But there's a good chance that life will throw some curveballs in the coming years and decades. Who knows, right? Whatever lies in store, I'm glad to have you along for the ride!

Happy New Year!

Luigi

19 May 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Today was an interesting day. Let me tell you about it as best I can…

During my lunch break, I noticed a young man fussing over his car. The hood was propped open, and steam rose from the engine. A flustered expression was on the young man's face, framed by crew-cut, light brown hair. Something was wrong, and it wasn't just about the man's car.

Unhesitatingly, I ran over to help.

"Hey," I said to the man. "What's wrong?"

"This stupid car broke down," huffed the man. "I'd call for a mechanic, but my wife…"

He indicated the front passenger seat, where a lovely, heavily pregnant young woman sat, breathing deeply in a measured cadence. Her sandy-brown hair was in feathered waves, and her gray eyes were alight with urgency. Immediately, I understood what was going on, swiftly assessed the situation and leaped into action.

"You said you'd call a mechanic?" I addressed the man. "You're looking at one."

The man looked surprised. "Really?" he asked. "Can you fix my car?"

"Sure," I replied.

The man pulled out his wallet and fished out two $100 bills. "I hope this is enough," he said, offering them to me.

"No, keep it," I told him. "Your kid needs it more than I do."

The man visibly relaxed. "I'm Joshua Merrick, but you can call me Josh. I own a gym in downtown Manhattan. What's your name?"

"I'm Luigi," I replied.

"Nice to meet you, Luigi," said Josh. "I'll leave you to it."

I rolled up my sleeves and set to work as Josh tended to his wife, helping her into the back seat of the car.

As it turned out, the engine was just thirsty and needed a bit of lubrication. It wouldn't take long to get the vehicle up and running again. While I worked, I was slightly aware of Josh giving instructions, encouragement and affirmations to his wife as she huffed and puffed through the process of bringing their child into the world. My heart did flips and leaps in my chest, but my hands remained steady, handling tools like I was fixing any other car. Still, it was quite rare for someone to witness a birth.

"All right. Everything's good," I said soothingly when I was finished. "Would you like me to call the paramedics?"

"Yes, please," breathed Josh, sweat bathing his brow. "There's no way we're making it to the hospital now."

I practically sprinted to the pay phone and called for an ambulance, explaining that there was a woman in labor at my location, and she and her husband wouldn't make it to the hospital in time because their car broke down. After that, I bolted to the nearest store, washed my hands and purchased a few blankets and baby-sized hats for the parents-to-be.

By the time I rejoined Josh and his wife, a small crowd had gathered around them, trying to help.

"It's okay!" I called out, breathlessly. "I just called paramedics, and they should be here soon!"

Offering my purchases to the father-to-be, I continued. "These are for you. I didn't know if you were having a boy or a girl, so I got it all in white."

Josh beamed. "That's very nice of you, Luigi. Thank you."

I saw that Josh was cupping the baby's head in both hands, the tiny mass of chocolate-brown hair slick with fluid, and I felt a small twinge of joy. Unfolding one of the blankets, I gave one end to Josh while I held onto the other end, the two of us positioning the blanket under the head.

"That's our baby," gasped Josh, his eyes growing wet. "That's our baby."

Kneeling next to Josh, I heard sirens as the ambulance approached, followed by a great shout from the mother-to-be. I watched, awestruck, as the baby slid the rest of the way onto the blanket, wailing loudly to announce their entry into the world.

"Oh, honey, you did so good!" gushed Josh, sounding near tears. "You did so good! It's a boy!"

Triumphantly, Josh and I held up the newborn for the exhausted new mom to see. Instantly, her flushed face split into a [bleep]-eating grin.

"Oh, Josh! He's beautiful!" she breathed.

"Congratulations, you two," I said, nearly overcome with emotion myself.

Carefully, Josh and I laid the newborn onto his mom's chest, his cries gradually subsiding at the familiar contact. Tears rolled down the mother's face as she caressed and kissed her son.

Josh openly wept, too, as he held his wife's hand.

I was slightly conscious of commotion around us, of footsteps, clattering and rolling and authoritative voices. But I was immersed in the euphoria and the rush of helping to bring a new life into the world. I'll always remember the sensation of the baby slipping onto that blanket, of his warmth seeping through the fabric and onto my hands, and of the grateful look in Josh's eyes.

My reverie was broken with a firm but gentle hand on my shoulder.

I spun around to face the EMTs that had arrived on the scene.

"Thank you, sir," he said, "but we'll take it from here."

Nodding, I stepped away so the EMTs could examine the newborn and his mom. That was when I noticed that I was shaking a little. I sat at a nearby bench, taking slow, deep breaths, watching as Josh spoke to one of the EMTs. Once my shaking had died down to a manageable level, I glanced at my watch. My break was almost over.

I walked back to the pay phone and called my boss, explaining the situation.

"Well, that's very nice," he said, "but it's their problem now."

His bluntness stunned me. "Don't you get it?" I asked. "They were stuck on the side of the road with car trouble! Who knows what would've happened if I hadn't been there?"

"I'm sure they appreciated your help," said the boss, "but I need you back at 1p.m. sharp. It's time to get back to work."

"All right, then," I said bluntly. "I'm on my way."

I hung up and rejoined Josh, walking beside his wife and son as EMTs wheeled her into the waiting ambulance on a stretcher.

"Listen," I said. "I gotta head back to work, but…"

"I understand," grinned Josh. "You gotta earn your daily bread. They told us we're going to University Hospital. You can meet up with us there after you get off from work."

"Will do," I said, and the two of us shook hands.

"Hey," the wife piped up, still holding her newborn son against her chest. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Merrick," I said.

"Joan," she replied. "I'm Joan. And this…" she indicated the baby. "…is Julian. Julian Arnold Merrick."

"Jules for short," Josh added.

"That's a good name," I told them. "Congratulations again."

"Thank you, Luigi," Josh and Joan said in unison.

I nodded to them before reluctantly taking my leave.

For the rest of the workday, I gave my boss the silent treatment, still miffed by his indifferent reaction to Julian's birth. 5p.m. couldn't come soon enough.

Eventually, however, quitting time finally arrived. I said goodbye-for-now to my colleagues, swanned past my boss and headed home.

After a shower and a change of clothes, I visited Mario and told him about the new arrival.

"Luigi—that's wonderful!" gasped Mario.

"I'm about to visit them at the hospital," I said. "Would you like to come with me?"

"Absolutely," replied Mario.

So, Mario and I went to University Hospital and checked in at the front desk.

"Joshua and Joan Merrick, please," I said to the receptionist.

"I'll let them know you're here," said the receptionist, picking up the telephone and making the call.

"Hello? Yes, a Mr. Luigi Mario and a Mr. Mario Mario are here to see you. Okay, I'll send them over."

The receptionist hung up and smiled. "Third floor, down the hall to your right," she said. "They're expecting you."

"Thank you," I said, and then Mario and I proceeded to Josh and Joan's room.

When Mario and I arrived, we saw Joan resting comfortably in the bed, wearing a hospital gown and her hair in a ponytail. Josh sat next to her, holding her hand. The TV was on, showing the evening news, but nobody really paid attention to it.

"Hi, Luigi," Joan said softly. "It's so good to see you."

I smiled. "How are you guys doing?" I asked.

"We're doing great," replied Josh. "We see you've brought company."

"Josh, Joan—I'd like you to meet Mario," I said. "He's my Big Bro."

"Hi," said Mario.

Josh and Joan shook Mario's hand as the three of them exchanged pleasantries. Then, we got a good look at Julian.

He was nestled inside Joan's hospital gown, clean and wearing a blue hat, nursing as he studied his mom through half-lidded eyes.

"Is—this a bad time?" I asked.

"No—you're fine," Josh assured us.

One of Julian's tiny hands gripped Josh's pointer finger.

"He looks just like me," said the proud papa. "He's got my hair color, and he might wind up with my eye color."

"The doctors assured us that he's healthy," Joan piped up, "but they want to keep both of us for a week for observation."

"He's healthy—and he's hungry," laughed Josh. "Look at him go!"

Jules's eyes fell on me as he continued to feed. And indeed, the pupils were tinged with his dad's hazel.

"Hey, little guy," I said. "How're you doing?"

"Joan and I can hardly thank you enough for what you did for us this afternoon," said Josh. "In that spirit, I'd like to offer you a discounted membership at my gym."

"Sure," I replied. "I'd love to check out your gym."

"Great," said Josh, handing me a business card with the gym's name, phone number and address. "Feel free to stop by anytime, and I'll get you set up."

"Thanks, Josh," I said, pocketing the business card.

Mario and I spent about 90 minutes with Josh and Joan, watching the rest of the news, and then a game show. The new parents wouldn't let us hold Jules yet, though—it was still too early for that. We didn't hold it against them, though. In time, we'd earn that privilege.

"We'll see you round," I said as Mario and I prepared to leave.

"Yeah. See ya," said Josh.

"See ya," said Joan.

Mario and I ordered takeout at a nearby restaurant and headed home.

Eventful days like this tend to leave one a bit tired. I'd better turn in for the night.

Luigi

29 June 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Today, I checked out Josh's gym, and I'm glad I did! There were lots of treadmills, exercise bikes, weights and punching bags. Josh led me on a guided tour, introducing me to the regulars, before he led me into his office to discuss business. Membership required a six-month commitment, and after the discount, the price was quite reasonable. I decided to go to the gym at least twice a week, maybe over the weekend.

"Welcome aboard, Luigi," Josh said brightly once we'd concluded our business.

"Thanks, Josh," I replied as we shook hands. "Tell Joan I said hi."

Who knew that a random act of kindness would lead to me getting a gym membership?

Luigi

4 July 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

I was happy to celebrate America's 200th birthday with my bro and my new friends! First, Mario, Josh, Joan and I watched the Bicentennial Parade wind its way downtown, as Julian relaxed in his stroller. Then, we went to a festival in Central Park. There was face-painting and arts-and-crafts for the kids, live entertainment, burgers, hot dogs and an apple pie-eating contest! I participated in that contest, which was harder than I thought, since you couldn't use your hands, and your sole aid was a "helper" who could only rotate your plate. I finished third in the contest, but at least I got free pie.

In the afternoon, Josh and Joan had to go home, so Julian could take his nap. We arranged to meet up at the Brooklyn Bridge to watch the fireworks. Mario and I spent some more time at the festival, and then we went to a restaurant for dinner.

At 6:30, we took a bus to the Brooklyn Bridge, so we could secure the perfect viewing spot. The Merricks arrived half an hour later, and while we waited for the fireworks to begin, I was allowed to hold Jules for the first time. He wore a blue onesie, and his eyes had fully lightened into Josh's hazel. A curious look was on his little face as he gazed at me. Did he recognize me? Hard to tell.

It only lasted for a few minutes before I had to give Jules back to his parents, but that was what made it special. Shortly before the fireworks were about to begin, Jules yawned and began to fuss, so his parents put some earmuffs over his head before buckling him into his stroller.

Close to thirty minutes after sundown, the fireworks display lit up the night sky. Radiant sparkles of red, white, blue and other colors illuminated the Brooklyn Bridge as we watched in rapt fascination. Flowers, bells, hearts and stars seemed to fly at us, accompanied by whistles, booms and a soundtrack of patriotic songs. It all culminated in a stirring, explosive finale, starbursts of colors showering over us and over the city. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Josh and Joan kiss passionately as everyone else raucously applauded.

Jules stirred a bit while we were waiting for traffic to clear out, so Josh and Joan took turns holding and talking to their son. He dozed off again before the four of us went our separate ways.

Happy Independence Day!

Luigi

21 September 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Mario looked star-struck when I visited him today, a euphoric smile on his face. He got me situated with a plate of spaghetti before telling me the news.

"I met someone today," he said. "It happened during my lunch break. I was at my favorite café when I saw her. She was a knockout in her red dress, and she looked nervous, like she needed someone to talk to. So, I took a chance, joined her at her table and introduced myself. She explained that she had a singing audition later in the day, so she was a bundle of nerves. We got to know each other over hot chocolate and sandwiches, and she gave me her number before I had to head back to the construction site." He sighed dreamily. "Her name's Pauline, and I think I'm already smitten with her."

"Wow, Bro. I'm happy for you," I said. "Are you gonna call her later tonight?"

"No. I'll meet up with her again tomorrow," replied Mario. "I should give her some space following her audition."

I smiled. My bro was poised to start a relationship with someone. Maybe the two of them would settle down and start a family, and they'd live in a suburb in Albany, Buffalo or even Niagara Falls. As Mario talked on and on about Pauline, I allowed myself to envision the life they could lead together.

Am I settling down anytime soon? I'm not quite sure. Only time will tell.

Luigi

22 September 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

I think Mario's serious about his feelings for Pauline. When he visited my apartment earlier tonight, he was so excited that he was jumping about.

"She did it! She got the part!" Mario exclaimed. "We're gonna go out to dinner to celebrate. Wanna come with us?"

"No, thanks," I replied. "This is your special moment. I think you should enjoy it."

I gave Mario a big hug, and after he'd calmed down, he went back to his room to get ready.

Just as I was about to retire for the evening, Mario stopped by again, wearing a stylish coat over a classic tuxedo. Next to him was a statuesque, raven-haired woman, clad in a dark red coat.

"Hi," greeted the woman. "Are you Luigi?"

"In the flesh," I answered. "You must be Pauline."

"That's me."

Pauline held out her hand, and I shook it.

"Congratulations on your audition," I said.

"Thanks," smiled Pauline. "Mario and I are gonna watch some TV at his place for a while."

"Sounds like fun," I said. "It was lovely to meet you, Pauline."

"Likewise."

"Night-night," said Mario.

"Night-night," I replied.

Hand-in-hand, Mario and Pauline headed over to the former's apartment. After they left, I changed into my pajamas, climbed into bed and turned on the TV.

Okay, night-night!

Luigi

25 December 1976

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Today was Julian's first Christmas, and Mario and I helped his parents make it memorable. For Josh and Joan, Mario and I arrived with candy canes and a Christmas card each, plus a tin of holiday cookies. And for Julian, we brought a holiday-themed hat. Jules was quite happy to see us, smiling, laughing and clapping his tiny hands.

After a quick breakfast, we went to a photography studio, where Jules would have some holiday photos taken. The photographer was very patient, helping Joan and Josh soothe Jules as they dressed him up like a tiny Christmas tree. In that outfit, Jules looked quite adorable.

The session didn't last long, but Jules was well-behaved for a seven-month-old, maybe because he had his parents nearby. After the session was over and Josh paid the photographer, Jules got a little fussy. So, we drove back to the Merrick house, and Joan put Jules down for his nap.

While Jules napped, Mario and I sat with his parents in the living room, drinking cocoa topped with marshmallows and talking quietly as holiday tunes played softly on the radio. 45 minutes later, Joan headed upstairs to check on Julian, returning with the infant tucked under her sweater with just his head visible.

Mario and I watched as Josh and Joan doted on their son, the pair eventually slow-dancing in the middle of the room with Jules nestled between them. It was the most picturesque moment I'd ever seen.

Later that afternoon, the Merricks invited us for Christmas dinner, and we accepted. With Jules in a hi-chair enjoying his baby food, the rest of us feasted on ham, roast beef, baked potatoes, candied yams and green bean casserole, followed by pecan pie and ice cream for dessert. Plus, there was plenty of eggnog to go around.

Once we'd eaten our food, Josh and Joan stood in front of their Christmas tree, Jules in the latter's arms, while Mario and I took turns snapping Polaroids of them. Finally, Mario and I wished the family a happy holiday and headed home. We even got to take some leftover food home with us!

Merry Christmas!

Luigi

1 January 1977

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Diary,

Wow. I've actually had you for a year, and what a difference a year makes! I made two (or three) new best friends, and my bro is seeing someone. Speaking of which, Mario and Pauline's friendship could become something more. They go to the movies together, have lunch or dinner dates and dance at the local disco every weekend. Mario also makes sure to attend all of Pauline's performances. If that's not the definition of falling in love, then what is?

But I don't prod him about it. It's none of my business, anyway. And while I'm still happy for him, this is also making me nervous. If Mario settles down with Pauline, then where will it leave me in the equation? Will he still think about me, even when he's raising a family?

Maybe I shouldn't stress out about that too much.

Happy New Year, and happy anniversary!

Luigi

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