Three scientists — Papaia, Banani, and Ravioli — and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, begin to take an interest in creationism. Alarmed, their superiors send them to see a psychologist: Professor Faggioli — a shady character determined to get them fired by making them seem insane.
We’re in Professor Faggioli’s office, and it’s Banani’s turn.
FAGGIOLI
The figure of your father seems very important in your adolescence. Did you spend a lot of time with him?
BANANI
My father was a handyman, and he fixed things. Sometimes he had free time, and we’d go fishing together.
FAGGIOLI
Sorry, one question. Can I ask if you like fish?
BANANI
Yes, fish is tasty and good for your health. It’s my favorite food.
FAGGIOLI
(admiringly)
Very good, Banani! Correct answer! Your attitude toward fish is the right one!
BANANI
But once, my father, at the river, called me over and showed me a gun he had.
FAGGIOLI
A gun?
—
FLASHBACK — Exterior, late afternoon. Deserted river, cloudy sky.
Banani, twelve years old, gets out of the passenger seat. His father is already outside, opening the car’s trunk.
FATHER
Come on, I have a surprise for you.
BANANI
A surprise? What kind of surprise?
FATHER
Something every man should know. Trust me.
The father pulls a black bag from the trunk. Banani follows him along the dirt path leading to the river. The two stop on a muddy, isolated riverbank.
FATHER
This is good.
The father kneels down, opens the bag, and pulls out a gun wrapped in a black velvet cloth. Banani’s eyes widen.
BANANI
A gun?! But… you have a gun?
FATHER
Yes. I don’t carry it around to look tough. But in life, you have to be ready for anything.
BANANI
Like… being attacked by a bear?
FATHER
Like… protecting you and your mother if necessary.
(he looks at Banani)
I’m not telling you that you need to have a gun, too. But at least, you should know how to use one.
The father stands up, grabs a handful of empty cans from a plastic bag, and arranges them on a log about ten meters away.
FATHER
Watch carefully.
He raises the gun, aims, and… BANG! First can hit squarely. Then another. And another.
BANANI
Wow…
FATHER
Now it’s your turn.
He carefully hands Banani the gun. Banani takes it awkwardly.
FATHER
Feet steady. Breathe. Don’t rush. Aim calmly.
Banani aims. He shoots. The shot barely misses the target. Banani grimaces.
FATHER
Not bad. Try again.
After a few tries, a can falls. Banani lights up. The father smiles with pride.
FATHER
Good. See? Calm, concentration, confidence.
Silence. Just the sound of the river. The father looks at the horizon, then speaks in a lower tone.
FATHER
Banani… in life, you never know what’s coming. But if you keep a cool head, and do a little preparation, you can usually handle it.
BANANI
Will you get me my own gun?
FATHER
(smiling)
No. But one day, you might want to learn for real. And if that happens… I want you to remember this afternoon.
Banani nods, serious. The father passes him a cookie from his pocket.
FATHER
Now, no more shooting. It’s time for river snacks.
The two sit on the log, looking at the fallen cans.
—
BANANI
Yes, I was surprised too. I didn’t think he’d have one.
FAGGIOLI
(terrified)
And he gave you a gun? You’re not armed right now, are you?
BANANI
No, sir.
FAGGIOLI
(relieved)
You really admired your father, didn’t you?
BANANI
Yes, and even today I want to follow his example.
IGOR
Banani? With a gun in his hand? Take cover! The shot could bounce from the past and end up in his feet!
🤣🤣🤣