Three scientists \u2014 Papaya, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, start showing interest in creationism. Alarmed, their superiors send them to a psychologist, Professor Faggioli, a shady character determined to get them fired by making them look insane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are in Faggioli\u2019s office, where Papaya has just begun his psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good morning, Mr. Papaya. Please, have a seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good morning, Dr. Faggioli. It\u2019s an honor to be… uh… evaluated! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good. Today we\u2019ll conduct a behavioral and decision-making assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll ask you to answer a series of questions with complete honesty. Your answers will be carefully analyzed and sent to your superiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I understand. I\u2019ll be as honest as I can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me also inform you that the entire session will be recorded for transparency purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t worry… it\u2019s going live on social media! Haha! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(freezing pause, then he corrects himself)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I meant: it\u2019ll only be seen by your superiors, with the utmost privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes… sure… privacy… right…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please sign here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya takes the pen and signs the logbook. At that moment, from behind the desk, Tony the sock slowly pops up, worn like a puppet on Faggioli\u2019s hand. His button eyes sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tony<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(singing in an off-key little voice)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfb5 If you tell a lie… you get a spy…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
and the next rocket launch you\u2019ll watch from your couch! \ud83c\udfb5 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait… the sock… sings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ignore Tony. He\u2019s just a therapeutic aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(to himself)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m not ready for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfect! Now even Papaya\u2019s jumped on the Freudian slip trend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be… uh… evaluated\u2026 uh\u2026 I meant\u2026 fired!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026speaking of trends, Papaya\u2019s session is going live on all socials, right? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll go viral in no time! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026at least, if they don\u2019t keep him as an astronomer, they can keep him as a clown! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026pretty sure NASAL would get more value that way! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026maybe we should add Faggioli\u2019s number too, the guy pretending to make his sock sing! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026at this point, Faggioli\u2019s office has become a circus! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re in Faggioli\u2019s office, where Papaya has just begun his psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alright, Mr. Papaya. Let\u2019s proceed with a simple memory test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll give you a set of directions. You must listen carefully and then repeat them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alright! I\u2019m ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(reading from a sheet)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow then: exit the NASAL building, turn right onto Galvani Street, go straight to the traffic light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then turn left onto Discovery Street, go past two roundabouts, at the third intersection turn right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The square will be in front of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you repeat that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exit NASAL, right on Galvani Street, straight to the light, left onto Discovery Street, two roundabouts, third intersection right. And… square!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Silence. Faggioli grabs another sheet.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom the square, go back, take the second left onto Archimedes Street, pass the bakery,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
turn right after the cinema, go down the tree-lined avenue, then take the fourth exit at the roundabout.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he reads, Papaya\u2019s phone vibrates. A short buzz, then another. Papaya looks at the screen. He turns pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alright. Please repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uhm… from the roundabout… the bakery goes left, then you go back to the square…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
there\u2019s a cinema… and… trees… I mean avenues… no, wait… I go straight to the bakery… and…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(pause)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…is NASAL there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You forgot everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m sorry\u2026 was that call from you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, your memory works\u2026 until something distracts you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The distraction interfered and reversed the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now I know what I needed to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So… it was an experiment?! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t get distracted because of lack of ability, but because of external worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phone is a breach between your role and… your personal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it perhaps a family issue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then tell me everything. In detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya discovers that the phone call that distracted him was part of Faggioli\u2019s experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But why are you surprised, Papaya? Haven\u2019t you figured it out yet? Here at NASAL, everything is an experiment! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026especially the one about your firing! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re in Faggioli\u2019s office, where Papaya has just begun his psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2026 family problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Care to explain?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s my siblings. Or rather\u2026 my sister, to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like\u2026 yesterday she bought a sofa shaped like a pink swan. Something no one asked for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She didn\u2019t even ask for a discount. Then she called me in tears because\u2026 \u201cher card had expired.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, I paid for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And does your sister work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes\u2026 of course\u2026 they all do. But as soon as they get their paycheck, they blow it on\u2026 on useless stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shoes with flashing lights. Mechanical cats. A subscription to a magazine on how to pet cactuses. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then they remember they have bills, fines, dentists\u2026 and it\u2019s on me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And why do you feel obligated to help them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always been that way. Since I was a kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom always says, \u201cMy little Papayuccio, you\u2019re the responsible one, take care of your siblings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2026 every time they mess up\u2026 they call me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And I fall for it. Every time. Otherwise, Mom gets mad. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(A long silence. Faggioli slowly scratches his chin, almost theatrically.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the drawer, Tony the sock puppet rises on Faggioli\u2019s left hand. He imitates him, scratching his own \u201cchin\u201d with the hole in his heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tony<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaiuccio myyyyy\u2026 Go back to mommy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahahaha! Papaya the mama\u2019s boy! Ahahaha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is the sock judging me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He\u2019s just helping. In his own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A magazine called \u201cHow to Pet Cactuses\u201d? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026how do you pet cactuses? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026with welding gloves? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026and why, most of all? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026and there\u2019s a whole magazine for this? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026is it monthly or weekly? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026wait a second! I\u2019m turning into Faggioli! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaya\u2019s siblings make him pay all their bills. And Papaya says, \u201cI always fall for it, or Mom gets mad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, Papaya: either you fall for it\u2026 or you pretend to fall for it! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026we wouldn\u2019t want to make Mommy mad, would we? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Ravioli and Banani are waiting in the lounge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, how did it go?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani shrugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know. Faggioli suspects something. I\u2019m not sure he really wants to help us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Me neither. Especially that sock\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tony!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Tony! I don\u2019t trust that guy at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I have my book back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here it is, I\u2019ve got it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani flips through the book and gets angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I knew it! You ruined it! Look here\u2026 covered in tomato stains!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oops! I didn\u2019t notice. You know how it is\u2026 a little accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A little accident, huh? Looks more like you used the pages to wipe your hands and face! Like they were napkins!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really, let me see\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani shows Ravioli the stained pages. A real disaster. The pages are unreadable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Come on\u2026 it\u2019s just a few little spots\u2026 you can barely see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh yeah? Then besides a diet, you might need an eye exam too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can you say you can\u2019t see these stains?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli goes silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay! Sorry, sorry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m never lending you a book again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s another book ready for the used-book stall, section\u2026 \u201cUsed and Also on Sale\u201d! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026The cheapest section\u2026 and Ravioli\u2019s favorite! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026I bet half the books over there, Ravioli\u2019s already bought! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026And the other half\u2026 he\u2019s the one who donated them! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Papaia and Ravioli are talking about a book Banani found, on the geological evidence of Noah\u2019s Flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So? What do you think?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve got six clear pieces of evidence in the rock layers all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you remember what they are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. First\u2026 fossils found on high mountains. Thousands of meters above sea level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They ended up there because of the flood and the rapid movement of the continents, which formed the high mountains!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second\u2026 we see evidence of the rapid burial of millions of animals of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which is impossible over millions of years. But it\u2019s exactly what we\u2019d expect from a global catastrophe that covered everything in water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third\u2026 a massive amount of material deposited in the same way all around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we call megasequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly! The rock layers appear to have been deposited quickly, one on top of the other, and they stretch across areas so vast, they span continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whereas, if it had taken millions of years, we\u2019d expect more uniform layers everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth\u2026 what we see is sediment carried in enormous amounts and over long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And we find evidence of that in materials present in certain layers, whose source is nowhere nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth\u2026 sharp boundaries between different layers. With no signs of erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which shouldn\u2019t be there if we\u2019re talking about millions of years. But we\u2019d expect it in the case of Noah\u2019s Flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sixth\u2026 many layers deposited in rapid succession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we can tell from the layers with bent rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly! In fact, for rocks to bend, there are two possibilities: either the rocks were still soft like mud and thus malleable, or they bent slowly due to heat, through metamorphosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the second case isn\u2019t ours, because if it were, we\u2019d find metamorphic minerals\u2026 which we don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani, the Flood is real history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I agree. There\u2019s no other explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor looks totally shocked. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay\u2026 okay\u2026 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, in Faggioli\u2019s office, Papaia\u2019s session continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How many brothers and sisters do you have, Professor Papaia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three in total. Mino and Nino, who are older, and Chantilly, my younger sister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three in total, huh? And you, Papaia, are you the oldest of the four?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. On the contrary, I\u2019m the youngest of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yet, your mother believes it\u2019s your job to take care of your siblings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, exactly! More than believes, I\u2019d say!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FLASHBACK \u2013 Mama Papaia\u2019s House \u2013 Interior, evening<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A typical dinner. The table is a battlefield. Mino and Nino, already teenagers, are laughing loudly while throwing meatballs and spraying ketchup everywhere. Plates clash, glasses wobble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia is also at the table: six years old. He can barely reach the table. Tiny compared to the others. He clenches his little hands, trying to stay calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino\u2026 Nino\u2026 please, stop. You\u2019re making a mess\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shut up, snot-nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(throws a piece of bread at him)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pretending to be our dad now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A forkful of spaghetti hits the wall. Mom walks in from the kitchen, apron still wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What a disaster! And YOU, Papaia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2026 I tried! I told them to stop!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You failed. Now clean everything. Right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026 why me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom leans down, looks him straight in the eyes. Her voice is grave, solemn, like she\u2019s announcing an irreversible destiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God gave you responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now it\u2019s your duty to take care of your brothers\u2014because they sure don\u2019t have any! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino and Nino snicker, help themselves to more mashed potatoes. Mom walks away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia picks up a rag and starts wiping the greasy floor, head down, eyes glassy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scene closes on Papaia silently collecting the remains of dinner, alone, while the others keep eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli (off-screen):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interesting\u2026 and useful\u2026 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eh, Papaia! Not all that glitters is gold! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Like this gift from God, called responsibility! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 No thanks, Lord! I\u2019ll take another gift instead! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Maybe a nice singing voice for church! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And sorry, Mrs. Papaia! But I didn\u2019t quite get this business of giving responsibility to those who don\u2019t have any! What is it, like a loan? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And I didn\u2019t know responsibility was something you\u2019re born with! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Like, \u201cAh! Mino was born with a birthmark on his head, Nino with a mole on his shoulder\u2026 and Papaia? He was born with responsibility!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Excuse me, but I thought responsibility was something you learn from your parents. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 But clearly, you\u2019re right! Papaia\u2019s brothers were born completely lacking responsibility. The doctor even saw it in the ultrasound during the first trimester! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 \u201cMa\u2019am, I\u2019m sorry, but this second child also shows no signs of responsibility. But who knows, maybe in the next scan we\u2019ll see at least a little speck!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 For Faggioli, it\u2019s interesting and useful! Yeah, to get Papaia fired! Or maybe just to make him clean the office at the end of the session! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Papaia, looks like you were born with more responsibility than I was! So go grab that broom from the closet and start sweeping! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Don\u2019t forget! NASAL is counting on you! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back to Faggioli\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026 you were just a child. You couldn\u2019t possibly handle such a big responsibility. Couldn\u2019t your mother see that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, my mom had a\u2026 how should I put it? A strong personality! Once she got something in her head, it was very hard to change her mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And how do you know that? Did someone ever try?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, of course! I remember one time\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FLASHBACK \u2013 Mama Papaia\u2019s Living Room \u2013 Afternoon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A living room filled with doilies, religious paintings, and the stale scent of lavender. Papaia\u2019s mom pours tea for her three friends, who sit straight as soldiers with their teacups in hand. Papaia walks by in the background with a laundry basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(in a solemn tone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The secret to a united family is simple: whoever has more\u2026 helps the others. Always. No questions asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friend 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But your son Papaia is only six, poor thing\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly! He\u2019s the most responsible one! See? He\u2019s already folding the tablecloths! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friend 2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what if one day he can\u2019t take it anymore?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh please, don\u2019t start with this modern nonsense. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If his brothers mess up, it\u2019s because he didn\u2019t guide them properly. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friend 3 (skeptical):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry, but aren\u2019t your other sons older?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (clearly irritated):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what?! Duty has no age! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mood shifts. The friends glance at each other, uneasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friend 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seems a bit extreme to me\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (in a cold voice):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh really? Extreme?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She slowly stands up and walks to the corner of the room. She lifts a cushion. And pulls out\u2026 a baseball bat. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me show you what \u201cextreme\u201d really looks like!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The friends jump up, spilling tea everywhere, and bolt out the door as Mom chases after them, swinging the bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Out of my house! Go give your parenting lessons to someone else, sweethearts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See? Papaia is obedient and responsible! He\u2019s even folding the tablecloths! How do we reward him? We let him clean the bathroom too! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Thanks, Mom! I wanted a remote-controlled car, but now that I think about it\u2026 cleaning the bathroom is way better! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Sorry, but at some point I lost track! Mom says, \u201cPapaia is folding the tablecloths.\u201d The friend asks, \u201cAnd what if one day he can\u2019t take it anymore?\u201d Sorry, but that day was today! Papaia already couldn\u2019t take it anymore! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and then Mom replies, \u201cModern talk.\u201d Like\u2014what, in the past, people never had moments of \u201cI can\u2019t take this anymore\u201d? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 or maybe talking about it was taboo! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Like a worker in the early 1900s carrying a 50-kilo sack of cement. And the boss asks, \u201cHow\u2019s it going? You managing okay?\u201d And the guy wants to say, \u201cI can\u2019t take it anymore!\u201d But he can\u2019t! He\u2019s too ashamed. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 That\u2019s too modern a statement! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 So what does he say instead? \u201cOf course I\u2019m fine! Go ahead and throw another 50-kilo sack on my back!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Modern talk! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And maybe in the \u201950s, there was even a revolutionary leader who one day, in front of the crowd and journalists, shouted: \u201cYou know what? I CAN\u2019T TAKE IT ANYMORE!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Imagine the scandalized faces in the crowd. \u201cWh\u2026 what did he say?\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 But Papaia\u2019s mom was old-school! And the phrase \u201cI can\u2019t take it anymore\u201d was definitely not allowed in her house! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Little Papaia just had to tough it out! Or else\u2026 punishment! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And if Papaia\u2019s brothers messed up, it was because he hadn\u2019t guided them properly, right? Maybe Papaia should\u2019ve followed Mom\u2019s example and gotten himself a baseball bat too! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Not sure it would\u2019ve helped. But at least it would\u2019ve been fun! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Especially for the neighbors! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Eh, Papaia! Why didn\u2019t you ever think of that? Good ol\u2019 insurance policy, goalkeeper-style, like at the Sunflowerr! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 But maybe the problem was your size, smaller than your brothers\u2019! No, wait\u2014that can\u2019t be! According to Mrs. Papaia, in her infinite wisdom: \u201cDuty has no age!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Really? So even a newborn has duties to fulfill! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 And here I thought the saying was \u201cLove has no age\u201d! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Love? Oh, there was plenty of that in the Papaia house! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re in the waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the book finished, Ravioli and Banani wait for Papaia\u2019s session to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suddenly, footsteps echo in the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli looks through the open entrance door. His old friend Paco is passing by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Paco!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco stops and turns around!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Long time no see! What are you doing around here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco looks for a second, then recognizes Ravioli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Ravioli! It\u2019s been years! Since high school!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: You haven\u2019t changed a bit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Well\u2026 you might\u2019ve gained a few pounds?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Eh! Maybe one too many lasagnas! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 But what are you doing here? Do you work at NASAL too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: I used to, Ravioli. I used to. Long story. I just came to pick up a few things I forgot months ago when I left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: I can\u2019t believe it. We worked at the same place and never ran into each other?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: That\u2019s because I worked in Sector C. It\u2019s on the other side of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Ah, got it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor: Or maybe because Paco actually showed up to work on time. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: So what about you? How long have you been working here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: It\u2019s been ten years now. I got in thanks to my great friend and colleague: Professor Papaia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor: Most people call that \u201cconnections.\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Papaia? Never heard of him. Is he in Bart Bluejeans\u2019 group?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: No. Have you ever read Supernovae and Mental Voids? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Can\u2019t say I have. Sounds like a… unique title. But what are you doing at a psychologist\u2019s office? Don\u2019t tell me you questioned the Big Bang too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Well\u2026 kind of. It all started with a book I found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Ah, okay! I get it! The same thing happened to me. I also discovered the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: The truth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Yes, Ravioli. Don\u2019t be afraid. I went through the same thing. That\u2019s why I left NASAL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: You left on your own?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Yes. And it was the right choice. Trust me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: I don\u2019t know if I\u2019d have your courage. But I\u2019d like to show you a book we found about the evidence for the flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: It\u2019s clear that Noah\u2019s flood really happened! Don\u2019t be fooled by the millions-of-years narrative. See, if you start with the truth of the Bible as your foundation, everything else follows. The evidence speaks for itself. These are facts, not fiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: But how did you manage? I mean, financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: I found another job in my field. With my r\u00e9sum\u00e9, it wasn\u2019t hard. The salary\u2019s the same as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli thinks for a moment. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: Sorry to interrupt\u2026 but so you also believe the Bible is right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: Of course! See, the Earth is only a few thousand years old. That\u2019s clearly revealed in God\u2019s Word. So we should expect to find a lot of evidence of its young age. And that\u2019s exactly what we find \u2014 in geology, biology, paleontology, and even astronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: Are you in a hurry? Why don\u2019t you sit with us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco: No, I\u2019m on my lunch break. Sure! I\u2019d love to sit with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor: Well, well! Ravioli bumped into his old buddy Paco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Paco is still in shape, Ravioli has added a few pounds! Sorry, Paco, but was that just a polite way of saying it? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 you know how they count the years of a tree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: Yeah! You count the rings. Each ring is one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 well, it\u2019s the same with Ravioli\u2019s age. Except instead of rings, you count the kilos on the scale! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 one year, one extra kilo! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: So 20 years ago, Ravioli weighed\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: \u2026120 kilos! He\u2019s right! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor: The famous book by Papaia, Supernovae and Mental Voids! He didn\u2019t mean to call it that. It\u2019s just that, when he finished the book, he forgot to save the file! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Paco left NASAL and found a new job with the same salary, thanks to his r\u00e9sum\u00e9. No point pondering that, Ravioli! That\u2019s not how it works for someone who got in through connections! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 if you change jobs, the best outcome for you would be working at an Italian restaurant! At least you\u2019d never run out of lasagna at lunch! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Part 1\/9 Three scientists \u2014 Papaya, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, start showing interest in creationism. Alarmed, their superiors send them to a psychologist, Professor Faggioli, a shady character determined to get them fired by making them look insane. We are in Faggioli\u2019s office, where Papaya has just … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-episode"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5466"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5467,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5466\/revisions\/5467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}