Back in Faggioli’s office.
Faggioli (cold, inquisitive): So… a submarine, huh?
Banani (cautious): It was just for the science fair…
Faggioli (interrupting, whispering): “Just” for the fair… classic misdirection tactic. You know, back in my years in the secret underwater agricultural division, we could smell guys like you from miles away. Always using the science fair as an excuse.
He stands, circling Banani with his hands behind his back.
Faggioli: Question: why a submarine? Why not… a kite? Or a garden bench? What was down there, Banani? What were you hoping to find?
Banani (confused): I… I don’t know… I just liked the idea of going underwater…
Faggioli (slamming his hand on the table): UNDERWATER! Exactly!
He widens his eyes.
Faggioli: Everyone wants to go underwater, Banani. But few ask themselves: “What if I find… myself down there?” Or worse… my father. 🤣
A long pause. Faggioli sits down again, writes something on a blank sheet, and stares at it for a moment.
Faggioli (calm): I’m adding this to your file. “Pathological aquatic interest. Tendency to hide emotions in the deep.”
Banani: But I—
Faggioli (raising a finger): Shh. No “but I”. Anyone who builds submarines at home has no right to justify themselves. Only to reflect.
He closes the file. Which is still empty.
Igor: Now explain this to me, professor: how exactly does going underwater in a submarine help me find myself or my father? 🤣
I mean… my father, maybe, if he happened to be on board the Titanic, sure, I might find him. 🤣
But myself? Wait… I got it! Let’s say someone was working on a cruise ship and dropped… a mirror overboard! 🤣