19 May 1977
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Josh and Joan invited me to Julian's first birthday party, and I brought Mario as my plus-one. The party was held at Central Park, and when we arrived, we saw that most of the bystanders who'd helped that day were also invited. We all spent the morning at the zoo, gawking at all of the animals, and then we crammed the picnic benches and enjoyed pizza and sodas. At 3:30p.m., two cakes were brought out—a small one for the birthday boy and a regular-sized one for everyone else. Joan and Josh led us in singing "Happy Birthday", and then they helped Jules blow out his candle, taking numerous pictures as he grabbed fistfuls of cake and put them in his mouth. Soon, his face and hands were a mess of frosting. His parents served up slices of the regular-sized birthday cake before fussing over their son.
After the cake, the guests handed out their birthday presents. My present was a pair of baby-sized sneakers, and Mario's present was a brand-new onesie. Josh and Joan received the presents with big smiles, and their acceptance of my present was especially warm.
As Julian's eyelids drooped, Mario and I joined some of the guests in helping to clean up.
"Thanks for coming," said Joan as she buckled Jules into his car seat.
"You're welcome," I replied.
"It was our pleasure," added Mario.
As the parents hopped into the car, I could swear I saw Julian smile at me.
Okay, see you tomorrow!
Luigi
24 June 1977
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
The day I've long anticipated finally arrived. Just as I was heading to work, Mario showed up, wearing a red, button-down shirt, blue slacks and a blue suit jacket. A bouquet of flowers was in his hand, his hair was neatly parted, his eyes twinkled, and a big smile was on his face.
"What's the occasion?" I asked, though I already knew.
"It's Pauline," Mario explained in a low, excited voice. "I'm gonna ask her to go steady with me!"
"All right! Way to go, Bro!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around him.
"My plan is to take her to the Windows on the World restaurant and ask her," said Mario. "Dio, I'm so nervous."
"Just breathe, Big Bro," I said soothingly.
Then, Mario's face became solemn. "Listen—I want you to know that whatever happens, you'll always be my Lil' Bro," he said.
My heart swelled. "Thanks, Mario," I said, hugging him again. "Good luck."
Mario smiled confidently, turned on his heel and left, and then I went about my day as usual.
That evening, I was watching the news when my phone rang.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Luigi…" breathed Mario.
"Hey—how did it go?" I asked, prepared to fix Mario's favorite pasta dish if Pauline rejected him.
"She said yes! We're officially a couple!" Mario's joy was palpable.
"Oh, yeah!" I laughed.
"We had dinner and wine and made small talk, and then I took her to the observation deck. That's where I asked her." Mario's voice shook. "The moment was so magical, the two of us framed by the stars. Someone even offered to take our picture for only $1. Luck was on my side tonight, Luigi."
"Are you coming home?" I asked.
"Nah—Pauline and I are gonna see a late-night movie and then go dancing," replied Mario. "You'll probably be asleep when you get back."
"Give Pauline my best," I said, and then we said our goodbyes and ended the call.
Now, my radio's on low, "More Than A Woman" by the Bee Gees playing, and I can imagine Mario and Pauline slow-dancing to that song. I know I'm getting a little ahead, but I can't wait to have Pauline as a sister-in-law. Yeah, I'm a bit of a romantic.
I guess that's all for today.
Luigi
3 January 1978
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
On our second anniversary, I can't help but reflect on how things have progressed since I started writing in you. I feel relaxed. Spilling my thoughts and various goings-on is therapeutic. Why did I think of keeping a diary sooner? I think there should be a program offering financial incentives to those who write in diaries or journals. But that's just me.
Mario and Pauline are still steady. The three of us saw Star Wars, and those two held hands throughout the film or fed each other popcorn. They dine at a swanky restaurant once a month, and every week, Mario treats her to Nathan's Hot Dogs. Mario told me that he plans to take her to the Met later this year. Wow—things are really heating up!
As for me, I'm content as a bachelor—for now. There's too much going on right now for me to make that kind of commitment. My job, working out a Josh's gym, my various hobbies—maybe in the future, I'll find "the One". But that's not my top priority at the moment.
Luigi
19 May 1978
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Mario introduced Pauline to Josh and Joan at Julian's second birthday party. This time, the festivities took place in the backyard of their house, with Josh's fellow gym employees, gym regulars and various neighbors in attendance. Pauline was dressed in a red peasant top and red skirt, black pumps on her feet. She gave Josh and Joan a floral arrangement and some baby lotion, and she was almost instantly smitten with Jules. Presently, the birthday boy was babbling happily as he enjoyed some toddler-safe finger foods, pop music wafting from a nearby record player.
After filling up on croissant sandwiches, potato chips and juice, we played a few rounds of family-friendly charades, and then we took turns knocking down a piñata. Once the mad scramble for candy ended, Joan and Josh brought out the birthday cake, lit two candles, and led us in singing the birthday song. Then, Julian blew out the candles, and his parents cut the cake into perfect squares before handing out slices.
Finally, it was time for Jules to open his birthday presents. My present to him was a set of non-toxic finger paints. Mario's present to him was a toy truck. Pauline's present to him was a plushie to keep him company at night.
"It was nice meeting you, Pauline," said Joan when it was time to leave.
"Ditto," smiled Pauline.
Jules wore a big smile as he waved goodbye. Hopefully, he won't be a "terrible two".
Luigi
10 July 1978
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Construction projects are starting to dry up, so Mario's taken a part-time job to keep his income steady. He doesn't enjoy it as much as being a carpenter. During our visits, he rarely has a positive thing to say about it.
My Big Bro has taken a job with the circus.
"The conditions there would make any animal rights activist faint," he said. "My job is to train animals, and they told me I had to—had to—whip them to get them to do tricks." He shook his head. "There's this one ape—hulking, broad-chested—who I can't get out of my head. He's supposed to be juggling while balancing himself on some barrels. He looks so—scared and confused, and I saw scars on him. I didn't want to hurt him, so I'd crack the whip to the side to get his attention. The circus owner—I talked to him about it, and—he was completely apathetic. These animals are just commercial products to him."
"So—why take the job?" I asked.
"Well, there was nothing else—the circus was the only place that was hiring," shrugged Mario. "The other employees have no qualms over mistreating the animals, but each time I go in, I pray to God for forgiveness. But it's that ape who's left a lasting impression on me. It's his eyes—those brown eyes. Every hour I'm on the clock, I feel them on me." He shuddered. "Hopefully, I won't have to work at that circus for long. The sooner the city gets new construction projects, the better."
I sat there quietly, letting Mario vent. When he was done, I wordlessly drew him into a tender embrace.
"Thank you, Luigi," Mario said quietly. "Thank you."
I also hope this lag in projects ends soon, because whatever upsets my bro upsets me, as well.
Luigi
20 October 1978
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Mario quit the circus today, and there's less tension about him now. He told me that a huge construction project is coming up next year, and that he couldn't wait to be part of it.
"I didn't even say goodbye to the circus owner or the other employees," said Mario. "I apologized to the animals—especially to that ape. He just gave me this intense look—like he'd always remember me." He took a deep breath. "I should've told you about this, but last week, Pauline decided to visit me at the circus, and she was equally appalled. But the ape—seemed to take a strange interest in her. I got her out of there as quickly as I could, and that was what pushed me to quit. I didn't want to be involved in that anymore."
"You did the right thing," I assured him.
"I just hope this episode doesn't bite me in the [bleep]," murmured Mario.
I smiled. "I'm sure it won't," I said.
We ate dinner at my apartment and played solitaire before Mario headed back to his place.
Like Mario, I'm glad his circus stint is over.
Luigi
2 January 1979
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Three years of filling your pages, and counting! The whole circus thing is further and further in the rearview mirror, and Mario rarely talks about it anymore. Why bother? There's so much ahead of the two of us, like Mario's romance with Pauline and my work as a mechanic. I haven't quite forgiven my boss for his attitude on the day Jules was born, so lately, I've flipped through the want ads, looking for someone else. But no other company catches my eye. Oh, well. I just have to make do with my current boss for now.
Luigi
25 March 1979
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Today marked another step for Mario and Pauline. I spent almost all day helping Pauline move in with my bro. As the three of us worked, Mario and Pauline chatted excitedly, planning the rest of their lives together. I just let them be, interrupting only to ask Pauline where she wanted to put this item and that item. There was no question in my mind as Pauline made Mario's apartment her new home—she was "the One" for Mario.
Once Pauline was almost completely moved in, she, Mario and I shared a bottle of sweet wine, and then I took several pictures of them in their shared abode. When I returned to my own apartment, I was suddenly overcome with emotion, and I sunk onto my couch, bawling like a baby. I had no idea that this moment would be so bittersweet.
I've calmed down somewhat, and I can faintly hear Mario and Pauline—christening—their new home. But in due time, I'll get used to the noise.
Luigi
19 May 1979
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Julian's third birthday party was once again held in Central Park. Instead of the zoo, Joan and Josh took their son to several museums, and then they rode with him on the tire swing. Mario, Pauline and I got in on the fun by blowing bubbles with him. By now, Jules has come to regard me as an uncle of sorts, and I wear that title like a badge of honor. But we're getting a little off-topic here.
"Bubbles!" Jules cried happily.
That afternoon, it was time to eat. We sat on a large blanket spread out on the grass and ate turkey and cheese sandwiches, with the crusts cut off for Jules. Then, we had cake, ice cream and fruit punch, and finally Jules opened his presents. This year, we gave him some toys, drawing paper and non-toxic, washable markers.
"Thank you!" chirped Jules.
"You're welcome," I said.
Mario and Pauline wanted to walk around Times Square for a bit, so I went home and watched TV programs for the rest of the day.
Jules is growing up before my eyes. It won't be long until he starts preschool!
Luigi
31 December 1979
Times Square, New York City
Dear Diary,
I only have enough time to jot down a few nots before the ball drops, so here we go.
This decade was full of its ups and downs. There was the end of a controversial war, a presidential resignation, a presidential klutz and lowered trust in the government. But personally, things started looking up in the latter part of the 70s. I watched Mario fall in love, helped deliver a baby and started keeping a secret diary. The seeds I planted during the 70s could start to sprout in the 80s. I'll continue to be an unofficial uncle to Julian and build on my friendship with his parents. I'll stand by Mario's side as he creates a love story with Pauline. I'll keep fixing things as a mechanic. Most of all—I'll keep an eye out for more opportunities and more adventures.
Well—that's about it. Sayonara, 70s—hello, 80s! Happy New Year!
Luigi
19 May 1980
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Mario, Pauline and I volunteered to help out at Julian's fourth birthday party, this time held at a pizza place. Julian's entire preschool class was there to celebrate, so we had to join several long tables together. Josh, Joan, Pauline, Mario and I, along with Julian's preschool teachers, split the bill for three large cheese pizzas, which we cut into small pieces for the kids. For the drinks, there was a choice of lemon-lime soda or fruit punch. Once the kids were situated, we helped ourselves to the pizza and beverages.
Later, the employees brought out a cake for the birthday boy. Jules closed his eyes and made a wish before his parents helped him blow out the candles. I joined the other adults in helping serve the cake, making sure every guest had a slice before offering seconds.
Toys and books made up the bulk of Jules's birthday presents, but Pauline, Mario and I had pooled our money together to buy him a Game and Watch, that nifty new handheld gaming console. On this console was a variety of simple games, starring a monochrome, two-dimensional character. Jules's eyes went wide when the three of us gave him our present.
"Awesome!" he gushed. "You're the best, Uncle Luigi!"
Once all of the presents were open, Jules and his fellow preschoolers headed to the pizza place's small arcade to burn off some calories.
The festivities wound down at around 5p.m. As always, Mario, Pauline and I stayed behind to help clean up, and we each took home two slices of pizza and a piece of birthday cake.
Luigi
5 June 1980
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
I decided to stop by Josh's gym on my way to work, and he told me that today was his and Joan's fifth wedding anniversary. The two of them were going to have a night on the town, and they hoped that I'd be able to watch Julian while they were gone.
"Can my bro and Pauline come, too?" I asked.
"Why not?" replied Josh.
"Okeydokey. We'll watch Jules tonight," I said.
Josh grinned. "I knew you'd come through for us!"
During my lunch break, I passed along the news to Pauline and Mario, and they agreed to help me babysit Jules.
After I got off from work, I took a quick shower and met up with Pauline and Mario, and then off we went to the Merricks' house, armed with books and board games.
Joan and Josh met us at the door, dressed to the nines.
"There are plenty of leftovers in the fridge," said Joan. "Jules's bedtime is at 9p.m. sharp, and make sure he brushes his teeth before then."
"Will do," I said.
"Have fun, you two!" added Pauline.
"Goodnight, Mommy! Goodnight, Daddy!" Jules chimed in.
Jules hugged and kissed his parents, and we waved goodbye as they drove off.
"So," I said to Julian, "what kind of board games do you like?"
"I'm pretty good at checkers," boasted Jules.
Pauline put on a soft rock record, and then she, Mario and I took turns facing Jules in a round of checkers. He soundly thrashed us almost every time, but if he lost, he was a good sport, even if he pouted a little. An hour later, we were all hungry, so we grabbed some random leftovers and heated them up. After we ate, the four of us read books until it was time for Jules to get ready for bed.
"We should do this again sometime," Jules said sleepily as we tucked him in.
Mario, Pauline and I retired to the living room, where we agreed to watch the house in rotating shifts. I took the first shift, Mario took the second and Pauline took the third. This cycle was on its third repetition when Josh and Joan returned.
"He's asleep," I assured them.
"Did he behave himself?" asked Joan.
"Indeed, he did," replied Pauline.
"He really creamed us at checkers, though," said Mario.
"You three are very dependable," said Josh. "Thank you."
The three of us were paid $20 each for our time, and Josh and Joan sent us off with some cookies and brownies.
It was great to spend time with Jules, but babysitting is still hard work. I'm beat!
Luigi
1 January 1981
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Happy 5th anniversary! To mark the occasion, let me give you an update on where things currently stand.
Pauline and Mario are still an item. I think he's gonna propose to her soon. I've seen the look on his face when we come across a jewelry store. He's started browsing through catalogs. And Pauline's definitely made herself at home, not just in his apartment, but in the apartment complex. She comes along whenever Mario visits, and we have game nights. Or, we watch TV together. The three of us are becoming a family—I can feel it.
Remember that big construction project Mario talked about earlier? Well, it started up several months ago. Every weekday, Mario gets into a harness and helps lay down girders and I-beams, stretching high above Manhattan. I like to visit the construction site thrice a week. Sometimes, I simply watch my bro at work, but most of the time, I wait till he's on his break so I can bring him a snack and chat him up. He tells me that while he's in a precarious position most of the day, he's where he belongs—doing what he loves.
Julian is almost five years old, and his parents are about to enroll him in kindergarten. The funny thing about kids—they grow up quickly! I still remember the sight of his head in Josh's cupped palms, seconds before he slid out onto that white blanket and into a busy New York afternoon. Now, he's poised to start school. Where does the time go?
As for me—I've never been happier. I'm still working as a mechanic from 9 to 5 and resting up over the weekend. I still go to Josh's gym, lifting weights and pounding away at the punching bag. Life is pretty good—routine and ordinary, but good.
Here's to the next five years!
Luigi
12 April 1981
Cape Canaveral, FL
Dear Diary,
What a day! I got to see the nation's first space shuttle, Colombia, lift off into space! Mario and Pauline were also present to savor this slice of history. Best of all, the first female astronaut, Sally Ride, was aboard. That's breaking the glass ceiling in more ways than one!
The three of us sat in the front row of the stands as Mission Control counted down. We saw the engines ignite and heard them roar to life. Then, we watched the Colombia alight from the launchpad and soar toward the final frontier of space, leaving a magnificent plume of exhaust in her wake.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Pauline rest her head on Mario's shoulder, a huge smile on her face and her hand entwined with his. I noticed the other spectators wearing matching looks of wonder. And I, too, was transfixed by the shuttle propelling herself higher and higher into the atmosphere.
I began to imagine that shuttle as a metaphor for stepping out of my comfort zone, like Dr. Ride and the other astronauts aboard. I'm satisfied with my current lot in life, and I'm happy with my routine, but after a while, routine becomes boring. Maybe I should go on an adventure, try something I haven't tried before, see new places and meet new people. Maybe I ought to take a break from the smog and frenetic pace of New York, even if I only do so once. Will I meet up with a special someone, and will I become more than just a mechanic? I'll never know unless I try.
My eyes met Mario's, and I knew that he and his paramour were thinking the same thing.
An adventure can wait, though. We're heading back to the city tomorrow.
Luigi
19 May 1981
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Julian's fifth birthday party was held at the local arcade, and a mix of his fellow preschoolers, his dad's regular gym attendees and their families attended. Mario, Pauline and I helped chaperone the little ones, setting limits on how much could be spent on arcade tokens. Julian's favorite arcade games are basketball and air hockey, with racing games a close second. I glimpsed him challenging his preschool friends, and then his parents, to a friendly game of air hockey, a huge grin on his face. When the other guests were done playing arcade games, I accompanied them and their parents to the prize area, helping them pick a treat to take home.
At 3:30p.m., the arcade's employees led the guests and chaperones into the dining area, where they served up piping hot slices of fresh cheese pizza, with ice cold fruit punch to wash it down. When the pizza was almost eaten up, the employees carefully wheeled out a birthday cake with five candles on top. We sang the birthday song, Jules made a wish and blew out the candles, and slices of the cake were distributed among the guests.
We were still enjoying the cake when Jules started opening his presents. His parents had gotten him an Atari gaming console, and I decided to give him some popular Atari games, such as Pong. Jules loved these presents, but he was also partial to the electric race car set with several racecars included.
"This is the best birthday ever!" Jules exclaimed when he was finished opening his presents.
The party ended at around 6p.m. Josh and Joan handed out goodie bags to the departing guests. As always, Mario, Pauline and I helped clean up and got to take home some cake as a token of thanks. Before we left, Joan happily told us that she and Josh had found the perfect elementary school for Jules, and that he'd be ready to start in the fall.
That's all for today. Time to get some shut-eye!
Luigi
2 July 1981
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
It was a normal day, until I got home from work and turned on the evening news. Apparently, a gigantic ape had escaped from a traveling circus, and he was headed for the city. Officials warned that this ape was more intelligent than your average ape, and that he appeared to harbor a grudge against someone.
Didn't Mario had a brief stint in the circus, working with an ape? This wasn't the same ape—was it?
I was getting ready to call Mario when the phone rang. Turns out, he'd beaten me to the punch.
"Luigi, you need to find somewhere to hide, and fast!" he said urgently. "It's him! It's the ape I told you about! They showed his picture on the screen, and the memories came rushing back! I'll never forget his face—or his eyes!"
"Bro…" I started to say.
"What if he comes after you to get to me?" Mario was audibly struggling to stay calm. "I can't take that risk! Start putting a shelter together, and stock up on food and supplies. Pauline and I are doing the same thing as we speak."
"Don't worry—I'll be fine," I assured him. "Just look after Pauline, okay? This ape could target her, too."
Mario gasped. "I remember! I told you how I she visited me at work one day, and he wouldn't stop staring at her. Oh, Dio. There's no telling what he could do to either of you, and I can't let that happen. I won't. Luigi—just be careful over these next few days. Take care."
We said our goodbyes, and then I hung up.
Having an angry ape on your back is unsettling, but should I really be worried? It's not like he knows where we live, right? Right?
I'll sleep on it.
Luigi
21 July 1981
Brookly, New York
Dear Diary,
It's been nearly three weeks since news first broke of the ape escape. I've taken steps to ensure my safety, such as traveling with others, keeping my doors and windows locked at night and training at Josh's gym. Mario also warned Josh and his family to stay vigilant, as the ape might also be aware of their association with him. All of us continue to follow the story on TV and radio, and authorities assure us that animal control is working round the clock to catch the ape as soon as possible.
"I hope they don't hurt him," said Mario. "That'll only make things worse."
At work, my colleagues also express concern for my well-being. Unfortunately, my boss doesn't seem to care. He accuses us of "making a mountain out of a molehill" and even insinuates that Mario deserves to have an ape breathing down his neck! It's all I can do not to give him a piece of my mind, because while he's difficult at times, I still enjoy my job.
Mario was in a bit of a panic when I visited him today. He ushered me inside, where Pauline sat at the dining room table, clutching a cup of tea, looking rather pale. After I took a seat, Mario gave me a folder with the words "LET'S PLAY A GAME" in big, block letters. With trepidation, I opened the folder, and inside were photos—of me.
Slowly, I looked at Mario. "Do you think…?" I started to ask.
"Do I even want to say what I think?" Mario retorted. "It has to be him! Who else has a reason to toy with me?"
"All right," I said breathily. "I know what I have to do—I know what I have to do. Where's the phone?"
I phoned Josh and explained the situation to him, and he was more than ready to help.
"Our place has a basement," said Josh. "You can stay there until this mess is over."
"Thank you," I said.
Pauline and Mario helped me pack a suitcase, and then we drove to Josh's house, where he and Joan greeted us on the front lawn. While the two of them explained to Julian that they'd have a guest for a few days, Mario and Pauline helped me get situated in the basement.
"Will you two be okay?" I asked.
"Hey, we're New Yorkers," said Pauline. "Of course we'll be okay."
"Yeah," added Mario. "We're ready for whatever comes our way."
The three of us shared a big group hug, and then Mario and Pauline headed home, arm-in-arm.
Think of this as an extended slumber party. Once the ape is captured, I'll be back in my apartment. But for now, let me take the time to take in a new normal.
Luigi
29 July 1981
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
I've been Josh's guest for over a week, and he's done everything to make me feel at home. We watch sports together, and I even get to spend time with Jules. But I try to follow my normal routine as much as possible, because wherever that ape is, I want him to know that I won't cower from him.
Mario's checked in on me twice a day—when I wake up and before I go to bed. It seems that he and Pauline are also keeping a positive outlook on things, and we even manage to joke about the situation. How often does the city have to deal with an ape on the loose, anyway? Didn't such a thing only happen in the movies? We have a good laugh about the absurdity of it all, and then we exchange well-wishes and hang up. Once everything's back to normal, the three of us plan to eat dinner at our favorite restaurant.
All in all, I try not to worry about this ape too much. Maybe we're letting our imagination run away from us. Maybe this ape doesn't mean any harm and just wants to scare us.
I mean—what's the worse that can happen?
Luigi
Stay tuned!