Three scientists \u2014 Papaia, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, start getting interested in creationism. Their superiors, worried, send them to see a psychologist, Professor Faggioli \u2014 a shady character determined to get them fired by making them look insane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We’re in Faggioli\u2019s office, where Papaia is undergoing a psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever tried saying no to your mother?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, yes. Once\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback \u2013 Shopping mall, Christmas season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia is still a university student. He\u2019s walking through the mall with his mom and his three siblings, Mino, Nino, and Chantilly. The mall is full of Christmas decorations, music, and bustling people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look at that lovely window display! Those snowmen look so real!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, but they also look poor. I\u2019d totally remake them with rhinestones and sequins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh no! I left the house keys in the freezer! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026again! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And now what do we do, Papaia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five-star hotel? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Careful! Your shoes are untied!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oops! You’re right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia ties his shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah, look at this! I had them in my right sock! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That gave me a scare!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did they end up there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know! I put them in my pocket…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sticks his hand in his pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Ah! That\u2019s why! The pocket\u2019s got a hole! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait a second… what\u2019s that crowd over there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bet they\u2019re giving something away! Or maybe it\u2019s a panettone giveaway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They move closer, curious. A crowd has gathered around a stage decorated with red and gold lights. In the center, on a rotating platform, there\u2019s a shiny Ferrari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (with his nose pressed to the glass)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s… beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s my color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia always left the keys in the freezer. He could\u2019ve just put up a little key hook and made it the official key spot. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 2 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Form<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping mall. Christmas Ferrari raffle stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Info Attendant (smiling from a booth with forms and pens)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Would you like to enter the Ferrari raffle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does it cost anything?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attendant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, it\u2019s free. You just need to fill out the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free?! Hand me a pen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can we each enter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attendant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course. As long as you\u2019re over 18. The draw is on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They crowd around the small table to fill out the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll find the pens in that container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That one right there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Nino points at the container, he knocks it over, spilling dozens of pens all over the floor. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, Nino! Look what you\u2019ve done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll pick them up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No need. Already done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah, thank you so much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry about that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly lets out a dramatic cough. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That poor assistant didn\u2019t know the Papaia family had just arrived to brighten her day. Not just one Papaia, but five of them! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 3 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Attendant Loses Her Patience<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping mall. Christmas Ferrari raffle stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While filling out the form, Papaia has a doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excuse me, in the \u201cCustomer Code\u201d field, should I write the supermarket loyalty number or the parking pass one? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither. The customer code is obtained online, from the mall\u2019s website. If you don\u2019t have one, don\u2019t worry… the system will assign you one automatically\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia, what do I write in the \u201cFirst Name\u201d field? \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Write \u201cMino,\u201d obviously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry, what were you saying? What do I put in \u201cCustomer Code\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leave it blank. If you don\u2019t have one, the system will assign it automatically…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Papaia, what do I put here in the \u201cLast Name\u201d field? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your last name, obviously, Nino!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, right! And what is it? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t know your last name? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s \u201cPapaia\u201d… right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What did you say I should write in the \u201cCustomer Code\u201d field again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant (sighing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I said, if you don\u2019t have a code, the system will assign one… automatically\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia… It says \u201cOccupation\u201d here. Does \u201cclothes tryer\u201d count? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Put \u201cstudent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, right… does it count even if I go to school but don\u2019t study? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So… as we were saying. What do I put in \u201cCustomer Code\u201d? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you have a membership card?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have my bus pass. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, that doesn\u2019t count. You can leave the field blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which field? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, Papaia? It says \u201cEmail Address\u201d here. If I use my sister\u2019s, does that still count?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom, you have an email! Use yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but I don\u2019t remember the password…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any personal email is fine, as long as it\u2019s valid. You can create a new one if needed… for free… online…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (again)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry\u2026 one more thing\u2026 about the \u201cCustomer Code\u201d\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant (shouting, losing her temper)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
YOU DON\u2019T HAVE TO WRITE ANYTHING! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stunned silence. A crying child stops out of shock. A man starts clapping softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino (whispering to Papaia)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ha ha!\u2026 you made her mad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (quietly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d agree with her\u2026 but I don\u2019t want to sound poor. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (embarrassed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Can I still take part?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The assistant pulls herself together, embarrassed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I apologize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No problem\u2026 so yes, where were we\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCustomer Code\u201d\u2026 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all finish filling out their forms. And head off, dreaming, toward the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do we put in the \u201cCustomer Code\u201d field? The supermarket card number? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…or the bus pass number? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…or maybe just a random number? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…the first one that comes to mind! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Without Papaia, his family can\u2019t even remember their own names. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…But there\u2019s one number they can remember \u2014 especially at the mall \u2014 the pin to his card! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Chantilly isn\u2019t sure what profession to list: professional clothes tryer, or student without books. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…What she does best in life is spend her parents\u2019 money! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…in the most useless way possible! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…But if I had to name one job for her, I\u2019d say: \u201cgardener.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…Because they say money is the root of all evil! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 4 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meeting with Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family is heading toward the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excuse me\u2026 I\u2019m just going to the bathroom for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walks away. As soon as he leaves, one of the mall managers approaches them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Alfred, Papaia\u2019s cousin, who works at the mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hi, auntie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look who it is\u2026 Alfred!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How are you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All good! Just a bit of tendinitis\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still training for baseball?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only when someone rings the doorbell. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you guys, how are you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good. But I\u2019d feel better with that Ferrari. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah, you saw it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, she saw me! Her future owner\u2026 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you fill out the form?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes! I even put my last name. Hope it\u2019s the right one. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah\u2026 I see\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you? How\u2019s work here at the mall? Must be stressful this time of year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can say that again. I\u2019ve been here six years. And when Christmas comes around, it\u2019s always the same story. People seem to go completely mad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apparently, Mama Papaia\u2019s \u201ccertified smackdown\u201d policy was well-known and approved by the whole family. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Mino thinks he\u2019d feel better with a Ferrari \u2014 I don\u2019t think so! Neither would the pedestrians! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Nino, after filling out that form, was proud of himself. He\u2019d finally learned how to write his last name! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026maybe! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 5 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meeting with Alfred \u2013 Part 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping Mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family is chatting with Alfred, Papaia\u2019s cousin who works at the mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Papaia has returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia! Hey little cousin! How are you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uh\u2026 I\u2019m good, thanks\u2026 cousin\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t you recognize him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course I do\u2026 and you? Still flying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uh\u2026 yeah\u2026 sometimes\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your job must be pretty adventurous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uh\u2026 not really\u2026 I mean, maybe in a way…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah, I get it. You must be used to it. The night calls, helicopter flights\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well! Actually yes, I flew recently with the boss\u2026 but how did you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s obvious! Isn\u2019t that what a pilot does? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No way! Really? Alfred flies a helicopter? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are you talking about? I\u2019ve flown a couple of times with the boss \u2014 as a passenger! Just to impress some suppliers! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred? Ah\u2026 right! Sorry! I thought you were Maurizio\u2026 the hospital helicopter pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, Papaia, that\u2019s Robert. Maurizio runs the deli downtown. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, really? Isn\u2019t it Jeff? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeff?! Where did that name come from? We don\u2019t have any relatives named Jeff! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeff was the main character in the movie we just saw! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah ha! Classic Papaia and his usual mix-ups! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You guys really went big this year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, yeah! The boss\u2019s idea. They even mentioned it on the news!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that form was not easy to fill out! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I still haven\u2019t figured out how the \u201ccustomer code\u201d part works\u2026 \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026the girl at the booth seemed a bit stressed. But\u2026 I get it. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, and I used Uncle Luigi\u2019s email\u2026 is that going to be a problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No worries, auntie! If your form gets picked, I\u2019ll know exactly who to give the prize to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And I\u2019ll be doing the first burnout! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No way, I\u2019m doing the first burnout! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nope! Forget it! We\u2019re selling it and paying off some bills!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you prepared Christmas Eve dinner?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course. And you\u2019re invited. You can\u2019t say no. I made the timballo. The one you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh! I\u2019d love to come, but I\u2019ll probably have to travel abroad for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s a shame! But if you\u2019re still here, the door\u2019s always open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks, auntie! Now I have to go. Gotta get back to the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone says goodbye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred turns to Papaia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you, little cousin! Always sharp! Always the pillar of the family! Take care of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can count on me\u2026 Mauro\u2026 I mean\u2026 Gianfred\u2026 I mean Alfred!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bye!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred shakes Papaia\u2019s hand and walks away, as the group exits the mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn Papaia\u2019s mind, Maurizio flies helicopters, Robert slices salami, and Alfred sells vacuum-sealed landings. One day we\u2019ll probably find a ham under a cloche!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 The Ferrari is nice. But that entry form? Way too hard to fill out! Mino didn\u2019t get past the \u2018Name\u2019 field! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 The Ferrari. Who\u2019ll burn rubber first? Mino, Nino, or Jeff\u2026 the relative who doesn\u2019t exist? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 One thing\u2019s for sure! The giveaway desk assistant will need every single day of Christmas vacation to recover from just ten minutes with the Papaia family! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 6 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon-14 Dating Anomalies<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What else can you tell us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve got anomalies in the carbon-14 dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon-14? I think I\u2019ve heard of that before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, it\u2019s super famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon-14 (or radiocarbon) is a radioactive form of carbon that scientists use to date fossils. But it decays so quickly \u2014 with a half-life of only 5,730 years \u2014 that you wouldn\u2019t expect to find any in fossils after just a few hundred thousand years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So in really old fossils, we shouldn\u2019t find any at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly. And yet, carbon-14 has been detected in \u201cancient\u201d fossils \u2014 supposedly hundreds of millions of years old \u2014 ever since radiocarbon dating was first used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another mystery for secular geology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And another piece of evidence for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 7 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unexpected Responsibility<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior, Mom\u2019s house. It\u2019s Christmas Eve afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The doorbell rings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino peeks out the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guys\u2026 it\u2019s Alfred! With the Ferrari!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone rushes to the door. Mom opens it abruptly, still holding a ladle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred! What a surprise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred is there, wearing a long coat and holding a suitcase, the red Ferrari parked behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hi everyone! Sorry for the unexpected visit, but\u2026 I need a favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are you doing here with the Ferrari?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had to take it out of the mall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They called me this morning. A work trip abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the Ferrari?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, Papaia, I\u2019m the one responsible. The boss is on vacation in the Bahamas, and my deputy \u2014 the only one I\u2019d trust with the task \u2014 broke an arm and a leg falling off a roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Really? Another rooftop decoration incident? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can say that! It\u2019s been a real disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, who\u2019s going to keep watch over the Ferrari?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred pulls the Ferrari keys from his pocket. He walks up to Papaia, seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re the only one I trust! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Me? Okay\u2026 I\u2019ll keep it safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But these are the gym locker keys. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh sorry! They\u2019re here somewhere\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred digs through his pockets, pulling out a sandwich, used tissues, a wallet\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a sec\u2026 I had them right here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh no! I left them at home! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have to go get them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, I\u2019ll be right back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gets in the Ferrari. Starts it. Drives away. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Then, after a few moments, comes back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did I start the Ferrari if I didn\u2019t have the keys? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You just did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh! Right! They were in the dashboard\u2026 sorry\u2026 work\u2019s been stressful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He finally hands the keys to Papaia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ll guard them with my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One more favor, cousin\u2026 the prize drawing\u2026 I need someone trustworthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can\u2019t one of the employees do it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, Papaia. See, there\u2019s a lot of money involved, and that can go to people\u2019s heads. It has to be someone reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay. You can count on me. What do I have to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Super simple. The drawing is done automatically by the system. Just press a button\u2026 and that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I don\u2019t work there\u2026 what if someone says something?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t worry. The mall\u2019s closed tomorrow. No one will be there. Just you and the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I already talked to the guard\u2026 Freddy\u2026 a good friend. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ah, Freddy! He\u2019s friends with my dad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go there tomorrow morning. He\u2019ll help you with the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay. I go, press the button, and it\u2019s done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly. Press the button, the system picks the winner. You don\u2019t have to do anything else. No way to mess it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turns to Mom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merry Christmas, Auntie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least have an appetizer\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wish I could. But I\u2019ve got a plane to catch in two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alright, I\u2019ll save you some timballo for when you come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks. Merry Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The relatives kiss and hug him goodbye. Then Alfred gets into a taxi waiting outside the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the driveway, the red Ferrari shines like a magnet for trouble. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A high-altitude accident? A disaster? Are you telling me people falling off roofs while putting up Christmas lights is a common thing around here? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Yeah, decorations are nice. But based on the stats, I\u2019d settle for a couple of blinking lights on the front door! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Actually, better just some colorful baubles. You know\u2026 less risk of electrocution! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Alfred should consider expanding his \u201cinner circle,\u201d seeing as the only person he could rely on is a cousin who can\u2019t even remember his name! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026But apparently, that\u2019s just a minor detail for the Papaia family. Just like losing the keys\u2026 in the Ferrari\u2019s dashboard! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Freddy the guard? The same guy who\u2019d sell Banani to Faggioli to save his job? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Like I said, Alfred really needs to rethink his trusted people list. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026No, Papaia. If you ask me, this Freddy isn\u2019t friends with anyone \u2014 except himself! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 8 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia and the Keys<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior. Papaia\u2019s house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred has left, entrusting the Ferrari and the prize draw to Papaia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The car is parked in front of the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can\u2019t just leave it out here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (excitedly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh-oh-oh! So, who\u2019s putting it in the garage? I volunteer! I\u2019ve got a light touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He approaches Papaia with an open palm, ready to receive the keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, thanks. I\u2019ve already seen where your \u201clight touch\u201d gets us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino pretends to be offended but walks away mumbling something about \u201cno trust in this family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit down, watch a movie, relax. I\u2019ll take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino, Nino, and Chantilly shuffle off to the living room, visibly disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia slowly walks down the driveway steps, carefully opens the door, sits behind the wheel, and starts the Ferrari. The engine purrs \u2014 quiet, but powerful. With surgical precision, he parks it in the garage. He gets out, closes the hood, then slowly lowers the garage door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pauses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the silence of the garage, he looks at the Ferrari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (to himself)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve got eyes that shine like the Christmas tree\u2026 But I know you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These keys aren\u2019t leaving my side. Not even a millimeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He slips the keys into his pocket and heads back into the house, determined to let no one get to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he walks up the short staircase, he realizes he\u2019s entered the neighbors\u2019 house. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, he turns back and finally parks the car in the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia should have left the Ferrari in the neighbors\u2019 garage. It was a great idea. At least his brothers would never have found it there\u2026 maybe! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 9 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon-14 Paradox<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s consider a paradox. Even if every atom on Earth were carbon-14, it would decay so quickly that not a single trace would remain after just 1 million years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yet that\u2019s not what we see\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contrary to expectations, between 1984 and 1998 alone, the scientific literature reported the presence of carbon-14 in 70 samples taken from fossils, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and marble \u2014 all from the fossil-bearing portion of the geologic record, which is thought to span over 500 million years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of them contained radiocarbon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, analyses of fossilized wood and coal samples \u2014 supposedly between 32 and 350 million years old \u2014 gave carbon-14 ages between 20,000 and 50,000 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That doesn\u2019t make sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even diamonds, believed to be 1 to 3 billion years old, have yielded carbon-14 ages of just 55,000 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But nobody talks about this stuff!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 10 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino Takes the Keys<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior, house entrance \u2013 shortly after dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino, Nino, and Chantilly are dressed up and ready to go out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino is calling a taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino (on the phone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, yes\u2026 three people. Via dei Cedri, 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026pause\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you mean \u201call booked until midnight\u201d?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (worried)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now what? We\u2019ll never get there on foot in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guys\u2026 we don\u2019t need a taxi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, really?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No! We have a Ferrari in the garage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment of silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sis\u2026 you\u2019re a genius!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a little spin. No one will know. And we\u2019ll be back before midnight, like Cinderella. Come on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Christmas. And I want to impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And I want to burn some rubber! Ha, ha ha!\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Papaia is snoring in his room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino tiptoes in. He approaches the bed. He sees the keys sticking out from under the pillow, clutched in his brother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (whispering)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry, little bro\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With very careful movements, he tries to slip the keys from the closed hand. Papaia mumbles in his sleep:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zzz\u2026 no mom\u2026 I haven\u2019t finished my homework\u2026 zzz\u2026\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino freezes, holding his breath. Then, slowly, he manages to free the keys. From his pocket, he pulls out a small TV remote and places it in Papaia\u2019s hand, closing it over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turns and sneaks out of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (whispering, keys in hand)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (excited)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perfect. Let\u2019s make our grand entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino wanted to impress, Mino wanted to burn rubber, and Chantilly wanted a grand entrance. Then they took the Ferrari secretly. Mino burned rubber, Nino made an impression on a streetlamp, and Chantilly made her grand entrance in an ambulance!\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 11 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon-14 and the Earth’s Magnetic Field<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So it\u2019s a totally unreliable method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d say yes. And those values are also too high, considering that these ages are based on the assumption that the Earth’s magnetic field has always been constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in the past it was stronger, better protecting the atmosphere from solar radiation and reducing the production of radiocarbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, creatures in the past had much less radiocarbon in their bodies, and their deaths happened much more recently than reported!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the radiocarbon ages of all fossils and coal should be reduced to less than 5,000 years, consistent with their burial during the Flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the age of diamonds should instead be reduced to the approximate time of biblical creation \u2014 about 6,000 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 12 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Accident<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior \u2013 starry night. The red Ferrari speeds through the half-empty streets on Christmas Eve, headlights on, engine roaring like a wild cat freed from its cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Papaia\u2019s room. He sleeps peacefully, the remote tightly clenched in his hand, dreaming of piloting a rocket that smells like lasagna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut to exterior \u2013 in front of an elegant villa, full of lights and loud music. A crowd of teenagers chats by the entrance. The Ferrari screeches to a stop in front of the gate with a dramatic roar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Girl in the crowd<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is that\u2026 a Ferrari?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boy with a glass<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who\u2026? It\u2019s the Papaia brothers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The doors open. Mino steps out with a movie-star expression. Nino stumbles on the sidewalk, already half drunk. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly exits gracefully, wearing a white coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (whispering to her brothers)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I told you we\u2019d make a scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut to later. Party\u2019s over. The parking lot is half empty. Mino and Nino, staggering, lean on each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can\u2019t\u2026 I can\u2019t even see the keyhole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything\u2019s spinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (annoyed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay, that\u2019s enough. I\u2019ll drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She gets behind the wheel. Buckles her seatbelt. Then, as she presses the accelerator to start\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2014?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zoom on her foot: her 20-centimeter heel is stuck between the floor mat and the pedal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ferrari shoots forward like a missile. The headlights cut through the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slow down, Chantilly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m trying. The heel\u2026 it\u2019s stuck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do something, hit the brake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m trying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all scream. Chantilly tries to brake, but the car won\u2019t respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know what else to do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JUMP!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JUMP!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With desperate effort, they open the doors and throw themselves out, rolling on the asphalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wide shot, the Ferrari keeps racing uncontrolled. It approaches an overpass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence. Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CRASH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ferrari flies over the guardrail like in a slow-motion dream. The nose points toward the void. A second later, it disappears beyond the horizon of the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Splash. Water everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dead silence. The three, sitting on the roadside, watch the rippling river water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe\u2026 we won\u2019t get back before midnight. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handbrake\u2026 we could have pulled it! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oops! We lost the Ferrari in the river! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly! The handbrake\u2026 that lever they invented just for these cases! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 The Ferrari is now at the bottom of the river. No worries, Chantilly\u2026 just wait until midnight and it\u2019ll turn back into a pumpkin! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 13 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Return Home<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior \u2013 in front of the house. Late at night. A taxi slows to a stop and the three get out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (staggering)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Never again… never again heels, sports cars, and Gigi\u2019s party all in the same night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino (looking around paranoid)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shhh! If mom wakes up, we\u2019re dead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 entrance. The three quietly open the front door like professional thieves. Everything is dark. From the living room comes the sound of the TV left on and the deep breathing of mom asleep in the armchair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the hallway, Papaia is heard snoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino (whispering, distressed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now what? We lost the keys! Papaia will find out! He\u2019ll kill us! Or worse\u2026 he\u2019ll give us a loooong lecture! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What keys? These?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly pulls the keys from her pocket and shows them to her brothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino and Nino look at her as if she performed a miracle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You took them?! When?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (smiling, proud)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just before opening the door. My brain works even under stress. Unlike yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Papaia\u2019s room. Dim light. He sleeps on his side, still holding the remote in his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino tiptoes closer. Gently opens his hand, removes the remote, and slips the keys inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia mumbles in his sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (murmuring half-asleep)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026how was I supposed to know\u2026 they set it on fire…\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino holds his breath. Then turns to the others and gestures: \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three vanish into the darkness. Absolute silence. The house sleeps. As if nothing had happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino\u2019s right! Please, do whatever you want to me! I\u2019d even rather be sentenced to the electric chair… than listen to one of Papaia\u2019s never-ending speeches! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 with all those boring moral rules weighing on your conscience, and blah, blah, blah! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 okay, Papaia! Don\u2019t bother us, we stole the Ferrari and drove it straight into a river! So what! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 these things happen! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 we just wanted to burn rubber and impress! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and make a grand entrance\u2026 but not into the river\u2026 obviously! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 While dreaming, Papaia talks in his sleep and says the phrase \u201c\u2026how was I supposed to know\u2026 they set it on fire\u2026\u201d. Is this a dream or a memory of Papaia\u2019s? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 considering his stories, the latter is more likely! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 who set fire to what? And, most importantly, the fundamental question\u2026 why was Papaia supposed to know? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 14 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What geologists say about carbon-14<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what about secular geology? How do they explain all this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Supporters of an old Earth always repeat the same two worn-out arguments, even though they were thoroughly disproven years ago. The first objection is: \u201cIt\u2019s all contamination.\u201d Yet, for thirty years AMS radiocarbon labs have subjected all samples, before carbon-14 dating, to repeated and severe treatments with strong acids and bleaches to eliminate every trace of contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if it\u2019s the instruments?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When instruments are tested with \u201cblank\u201d samples, they return zero radiocarbon, so there can be neither contamination nor instrumental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That excuse doesn\u2019t hold up at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second objection is: \u201cNew radiocarbon formed directly in fossils when decaying uranium nearby struck traces of nitrogen in the buried fossils.\u201d It\u2019s true that carbon-14 can form from this nitrogen transformation, but actual calculations conclusively show this process does not produce the levels of radiocarbon that world-renowned labs have detected in fossils, coal, and diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry, I didn\u2019t understand a thing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fossils contained some nitrogen. And near the fossils there was radioactive uranium emitting particles during decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emitted particles would hit the nitrogen present in the fossils, transforming it into carbon-14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, the physical process exists. But calculations show the amount of carbon-14 produced this way is too low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So this can\u2019t explain the relatively high amounts of carbon-14 actually found in the samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 15 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia wakes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Papaia\u2019s bedroom. Dawn. A ray of sunlight filters through the curtains. Papaia slowly wakes up, stretching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looks around, then feels something in his hand. He opens his fingers: the keys. Intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (whispering, relieved)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still here\u2026 incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he walks while staring at the keys, he walks straight into the closed door. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 kitchen. Christmas silence. The scent of pandoro and coffee fills the air. Papaia pours himself some milk, then takes a bite of one of Mom\u2019s cakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior \u2013 bus stop in front of the house. Papaia is neatly dressed, with his crooked scarf and his usual oversized coat. He\u2019s waiting for the bus, clutching the keys in his pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turns toward the house. Glances at the garage. The shutter is shut tight, perfectly in place, as if no one had ever touched it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (to himself, surprised)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas miracles, huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bus arrives. Papaia gets on, still wearing that na\u00efve smile, unaware of the disaster that has already taken place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time passes, but the mall stop doesn\u2019t come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excuse me, driver, how long until the shopping mall?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driver<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the 21, goes to the industrial area. For the shopping mall, you need the 36. Totally different route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oops! I got on the wrong bus. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Papaia says \u201cstill here, incredible\u201d right before slamming into the door\u2014was he talking about the door? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026maybe he rammed into it on purpose. To prove to himself the door was still there? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026though the impact seemed to last right up until he realized he was on the wrong bus! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 16 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia runs the drawing<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior \u2013 Alfred\u2019s office, decorated with a few red ribbons and a crooked wreath on the door. Muffled silence. It\u2019s Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia has finally arrived at the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He\u2019s alone, sitting at a desk with a computer on. On the screen in front of him, the Christmas lottery system is ready. A large button flashes: \u201cDRAW WINNER\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phone rings. It\u2019s Alfred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred (on the phone, cheerful but rushed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hi Papaia, all set? Look, it\u2019s super easy: just press the button, the system picks a random entry and automatically sends a confirmation email. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (sweating a little)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Super easy\u2026 yeah, sure. Ok. Here I go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hangs up. Looks at the button. Takes a breath. Then presses it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The system quickly processes the request, then a message appears on screen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top Seller of the Month Selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Panfilio Arzilli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Double year-end bonus credited. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026wait, something\u2019s off here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He closes the dialog window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh right, I misread. I was in the \u201cSeller of the Month\u201d section \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026now what? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026well, at least someone scored a double bonus! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026hope they earned it! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia opens the correct window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we go. This is the right one now\u2026 \u201cChristmas Lottery Draw\u201d section\u2026 \u201cdraw winner\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now we can\u2019t mess it up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He presses the button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A process starts, marking all warehouse stock as \u201cdepleted\u201d and notifying suppliers to place an automatic reorder. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oops\u2026 Wrong one again! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He reads more carefully: \u201cwarehouse lots section,\u201d button \u201cextract inventory\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did I mess that up so bad? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 oh well, sooner or later we\u2019ll hit the right button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At last, Papaia finds the correct one: \u201cFerrari Drawing\u201d section, button \u201cdraw winner\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He clicks it, but just as he does, the lights flicker and turn off briefly due to a blackout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s going on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Screen: \u201cCONNECTION ERROR \u2013 EMAIL NOT SENT\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The connection\u2019s down! Must be the blackout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After Papaia failed to press the right button not once, but twice, the mall officially had a new Santa Claus, one lucky employee, and twelve thousand panettones on their way for a flash sale! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Merry Christmas to you too, Alfred! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and thanks for the trust! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 maybe next year we\u2019ll press the button for a surprise coupon \u2013 a hundred bucks for all registered customers. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 17 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connection Error<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping mall. Administrative area. Alfred\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia has completed the Ferrari drawing, but due to a brief blackout, something has gone wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winner\u2019s name still appears on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look at this. We have a winner. But the email wasn\u2019t sent. I need to call Alfred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He starts rummaging through his pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He gave me the number\u2026 where did I put it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He finds a crumpled piece of paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here it is\u2026 Alfred\u2026 emergency number\u2026 717273\u2026 what\u2019s this? A 3 or an 8? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia dials the number with a 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hello?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, this is the Sports Bar. No Alfred here. But we do have a drunk guy who says his name is Jeff! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hangs up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay, then it must be 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He dials the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cheesy Crust Pizzeria. Want to place an order?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, no! Wrong number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He tries other combinations, but all wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few minutes go by. Papaia is still in front of the screen. The message keeps flashing in red:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cConnection error. Email not sent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe if I follow the cables\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the modem cables, he ends up at a control box in a small room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He presses a random button. Suddenly, a loud \u201cJingle Bells\u201d starts playing, performed entirely using car horns, echoing through the empty hallways. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia quickly presses the button again and the music stops instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(sighing in relief)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better not touch anything else!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any situation, you can always count on Papaia to have the wrong number with him! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026in every possible combination! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and apparently even the impossible ones, since among them he also managed to reach Jeff\u2014his imaginary drunk relative\u2014at the Sports Bar! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026when the connection drops, Papaia uses the same strategy Banani uses during a flood\u2026 he follows the electric cables! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026but in the end, he got lucky! If Papaia had pressed one more random button, he probably would\u2019ve triggered the fire alarm and the automatic sprinklers! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 18 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Winner<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback. Interior. Shopping mall. Alfred\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a failed attempt to restore the connection, Papaia sits back down in front of the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winner\u2019s name, along with their email address, is displayed in large letters on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wonder who they are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driven by curiosity, Papaia opens a new browser tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It shows their email here. Let\u2019s try searching it in a search engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia pastes the winner\u2019s email into the search bar and hits enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the first results is a fundraising page. He clicks it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A photo appears: a man, a woman, and a pale-faced child in a wool cap, sitting in a wheelchair. The title of the campaign reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s Help Luca \u2013 A Hope for Our Little Hero\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia scrolls through the page. He reads phrases like \u201cextremely rare genetic disease,\u201d \u201cexperimental treatment abroad,\u201d \u201cno healthcare coverage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He clicks on a video. The child\u2019s mother sits in a modest living room, with dark circles under her eyes and a trembling voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mother (on video)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good morning everyone\u2026 my name is Martina. This is my son Luca. He\u2019s eight years old and has had an extremely rare genetic disease since birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a medicine\u2014experimental\u2014that can slow the progression of the illness. But it costs more than any normal family could afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government doesn\u2019t cover the expenses. My husband lost his job to take care of Luca, and I do what I can\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re not asking for miracles, just for help. Every euro can make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you to anyone willing to support us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia sits still in front of the video. Then he removes his glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A single tear slides slowly down his cheek. He looks again at the winner\u2019s name on the lottery screen. He whispers to himself, with a small smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They deserved it. All of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did that family deserve the prize? Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did Panfilio Arzilli deserve that double holiday bonus? Who knows? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Did Alfred deserve the tidal wave of chaos caused by Papaia? \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Of course! That\u2019s what happens when you trust Papaia with something important! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 19 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusions on Carbon-14<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, we\u2019ve seen that there are inexplicable anomalies in Carbon-14 dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly. The numbers don\u2019t add up. We find too much Carbon-14 in ancient fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And none of the explanations given by mainstream geology hold up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If radiocarbon only lasts a few hundred thousand years, why is it found in all the Earth\u2019s diamonds, which are supposedly billions of years old?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And this shows us that the Earth isn\u2019t as old as they claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paco<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly. If the Earth were billions of years old, we shouldn\u2019t be finding the amounts of Carbon-14 that we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the contrary. We should be finding fossils with no trace of Carbon-14 at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 20 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cIndecent\u201d Proposal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene: Alfred\u2019s office \u2013 a few minutes later<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s phone rings. He quickly wipes away his tears and picks up. It\u2019s his mom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (furious, on the phone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PA-PA-IA! Get home right now! We need to talk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut. Papaia rushes home. The door is wide open. His mom is waiting with her arms crossed. His siblings sit silently, avoiding eye contact. The garage is open. Empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (confused)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where\u2026 where\u2019s the Ferrari?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your brothers sank the Ferrari in the river\u2026 and it\u2019s all your fault! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (shocked)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026 I\u2026 the keys\u2026 how\u2019s that even possible\u2026?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mom briefly recounts the story of the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino! Nino! Chantilly! How could you?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we go again! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get ready for a super long speech! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh no! Not that \u201cblah blah blah\u201d again! I can\u2019t take it! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No long speeches, Papaia! It\u2019s your fault you let yourself get fooled! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (firmly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No \u201cbut\u201ds\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now fix it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How? I don\u2019t have money to buy another Ferrari!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not buy\u2026 but win…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you asking me to\u2026 rig the mall\u2019s Christmas lottery?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no other way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Alfred? He trusted me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then do it right\u2026 so he never finds out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how? The system is fully automated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My sweet little Papaiuccio\u2026 I know you can do it! You\u2019ve got the brains! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uhm\u2026 maybe there\u2019s a way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia tells his mom about the technical glitch during the draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen carefully: go back there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disconnect the system and hit that button until our name pops up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we win, no one will ask us to pay for the car. Got it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silence. Papaia doesn\u2019t respond. Then, slowly, he nods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ferrari\u2019s in the river\u2026 at least now it\u2019s parked in the safest spot in town! \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and mom\u2019s right. After everything those poor brothers went through\u2014stealing a Ferrari and launching it off a bridge\u2014they still have to listen to Papaia reminding them about this annoying thing called\u2026 morals! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 get ready, Nino\u2026 another one of Papaia\u2019s \u201csuper long speeches\u201d… what\u2019s it about? No one ever knows. The good news is\u2014I brought a tent and a sleeping bag! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 maybe let\u2019s do it outside, so we can light a campfire too! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 it is Papaia\u2019s fault. He should\u2019ve given the ethical lecture before it all happened. That way, his brothers would\u2019ve fallen asleep first! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 it\u2019s Papaia\u2019s fault for letting the keys slip from his hands while he was sleeping\u2026 It\u2019s not theft\u2026 his brothers couldn\u2019t not take it. When a Ferrari calls, you answer. They just listened to their hearts. And the engine. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 \u201cMy sweet Papaiuccio, you\u2019ve got the brains,\u201d says mom. Not for long, ma\u2019am\u2026 at least not after Alfred gets back from his trip! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 21 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia\u2019s Dilemma<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene: Alfred\u2019s Office \u2013 a few minutes later<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia returns. He sits at the desk. Looks at the monitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One window shows the winner\u2019s info. Another shows the video of the woman asking for help for her sick son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A beep sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The system app now displays the message: \u201cConnection Restored\u201d, with one button saying: \u201cConfirm Winner\u201d, and another: \u201cRun New Draw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia stares at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His hand finds the network cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I unplug the connection\u2026 maybe I can keep drawing until one of our entries wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He unplugs the cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The screen changes to: \u201cConnection Error.\u201d The \u201cConfirm Winner\u201d button disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good! Now I just have to redraw\u2026 until we win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hesitates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No! I can\u2019t! It\u2019s not right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He plugs the network cable back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another beep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The message changes again to: \u201cConnection Restored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cConfirm Winner\u201d button reappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia looks at the button. Then closes his eyes. He breathes. And speaks softly, only to himself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (monologue)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One click, and no one would ever know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom would be proud. Mino and Nino would leave me alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe\u2026 maybe this time I could be the one who fixes things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But\u2026 what kind of person takes away a gift like that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A miracle, for someone who truly needs it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred trusted me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said, \u2018I only trust you.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m here\u2026 wondering whether to betray him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always cleaning up someone else\u2019s mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always saying yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes to Mom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes to Mino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes to Nino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes to Chantilly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what if this time\u2026 I said no?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No to this lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No to this scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And maybe, just this once\u2026 the greatest gift<\/p>\n\n\n\n
is doing the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia opens his eyes. Stares at the button:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cConfirm winner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His hand trembles. Moves toward the mouse\u2026 then stops halfway. He doesn\u2019t have the courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room stays still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The button keeps blinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Papaia doesn\u2019t click it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apparently Papaia forgot the Ferrari already had a winner\u2026 the city river! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 22 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Nightmare<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene: Alfred\u2019s Office \u2013 late afternoon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia, exhausted, steps away from the desk and drops onto the couch in the corner. He runs a hand across his face. Closes his eyes just for a moment\u2026 and falls asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dream sequence \u2013 dream\/nightmare<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dark hallway. Voices echo from all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred\u2019s voice (stern):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I only trust you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mother\u2019s voice (irritated):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Keep pressing that button until our ticket comes up!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice on the phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Formaggiosa Pizzeria. Would you like to place an order? \ud83e\udd23”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino\u2019s voice (sly):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come on, you’re always the one who fixes everything, right?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino\u2019s voice (laughing):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Someone like you never says no!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly\u2019s voice (annoyed):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If you mess this up, I\u2019m not talking to you again.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woman from the video (desperate):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We need that help… we can\u2019t do this alone.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice on the phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Would you like to place an order? Would you like to place an order? \ud83e\udd23”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mother:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“My little Papaiuccio!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voice on the phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“…no, but we\u2019ve got a drunk guy here saying his name\u2019s Jeff\u2026 \ud83e\udd23”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The voices overlap, getting louder and louder, until they\u2019re deafening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia grabs his head with both hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suddenly, silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In front of him stands a man in an old Christmas sweater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Same nose, same eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s his father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiles\u2014kindly, but firmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father (serious):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Papaia\u2026 you can\u2019t please everyone. You have to choose.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A flash. Everything disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
End of dream \u2013 back to reality<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia wakes up with a start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His phone vibrates and rings. On the screen: \u201cAlfred.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (tired):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHello\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred (concerned):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPapaia? Why haven\u2019t you run the draw yet? I didn\u2019t get the email.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia looks around, still groggy. Then answers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cConnection issues\u2026 But I\u2019m fixing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred sighs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet me know as soon as it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hangs up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Wait\u2026 the number!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dial tone from the speaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia stays frozen a moment. Then gets up. Looks at the still-lit monitor. The button keeps blinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI need to talk to Mom!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He throws on his coat. Takes a deep breath. His expression shifts: he\u2019s determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walks out confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slams into a glass door. \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opens it and leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I were Papaia, I\u2019d have just ordered that pizza! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Formaggiosa Pizzeria? If Ravioli had been there, he would\u2019ve totally approved! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026maybe the nightmare was just guilt for not ordering the pizza! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026now that number? Gone up in smoke\u2026 in the wood-fired oven! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Formaggiosa Pizzeria? The name says it all\u2014it was the perfect escape plan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow me, Banani\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia already had half a stomachache from Christmas dinner, and the nightmares prove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If he\u2019d ordered that cheese-loaded pizza, he would\u2019ve gotten sick, ended up in the hospital\u2026 and wouldn\u2019t have had to do the draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He\u2019d be off the hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genius plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too bad Papaia didn\u2019t think of it! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what about Jeff?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s my theory. It\u2019s possible Papaia never really called the sports bar by mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh yeah? Then what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was hallucinating\u2026 from the Christmas timballo! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026And Alfred wasn\u2019t really traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No? Why would he lie?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid\u2026 eating his aunt\u2019s Christmas timballo! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026famous in the whole family for its hallucinogenic effects! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026that timballo was so heavy, Alfred used its sauce to lubricate the Ferrari! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 23 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Fake Illness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback: Mom\u2019s House \u2013 Evening<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The door bursts open. Papaia walks in with determination. In the living room, the whole family is gathered: Mom on the couch, Mino leaning against a cabinet, Nino pacing nervously, Chantilly filing her nails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (immediately):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nino (anxious):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTell me you did it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (cold):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A sudden silence falls over the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (rising, shocked):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo? What do you mean, no?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI saw the winner\u2019s name. He\u2019s a father. His son is seriously ill. That Ferrari could change their lives. And we\u2026 destroyed it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantilly (under her breath):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTechnically, it ended up in a river.\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (serious):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t rig the draw. I can\u2019t steal that car from them. Not this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (voice trembling):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, so now you\u2019re abandoning us? Leaving us to drown? After everything I\u2019ve done for you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (firm):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMom\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (dramatic):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI raised four children all by myself! And now, for some college-level moral nonsense, you want to throw us under the bus?\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not nonsense. It\u2019s the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (exploding):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh! My heart! My heart!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She slowly collapses to the ground, pretending to faint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (screaming):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m dying! At Christmas! On this very day! It\u2019s my last wish: rig the draw!\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia bends down to her, confused. Mino moves in close, whispering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (serious):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust promise her you will. That\u2019s the only way to calm her down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (hesitant):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMom\u2026 I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom (smiling faintly):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood boy\u2026 my little angel\u2026\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut to \u2013 Hospital, shortly after<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia and his siblings wait in the hallway. The doctor comes out of the room, calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doctor (reassuring):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust a slight drop in blood pressure. Nothing serious. She\u2019ll be able to go home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The siblings breathe a sigh of relief. Mino glances at Papaia with a smirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (barely holding back laughter):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow you\u2019ve promised. And promises must be kept\u2026 genius.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia looks down. Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technically, Chantilly, you\u2019re the one who put the Ferrari in the river! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026technically, Alfred doesn\u2019t think it\u2019s funny! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Mom\u2019s final wish? Rig that draw! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026or come up with another nice little fraud! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026Papaia was such a good boy\u2014at four years old, he already knew how to cheat at bingo so Mino and Nino could win! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026those are the milestones in a child\u2019s growth! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026learning to talk, to walk\u2026 and to rig a charity raffle! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 24 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Right Thing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene \u2013 Backyard \u2013 Late Afternoon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside, the sky is already dark. Christmas lights twinkle here and there along the street. Papaia paces back and forth in silence. His phone rings. It\u2019s Alfred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfred (on the phone, worried):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPapaia! We need to move immediately. If we don\u2019t confirm today, we risk getting sued by the consumer association. It\u2019s already late!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, yes\u2026 I\u2019m done here! The connection just came back. I\u2019ll do it right away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shortly after, Papaia rushes into the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What a run! Even with this cold, I\u2019m sweating! But hey, no time for the bus! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The monitor is on, the winner\u2019s profile still open. The big button flashes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCONFIRM WINNER\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia steps closer. He hesitates. He looks at the video still open on the second screen: the sick boy\u2019s mother, the smiling child. He closes his eyes. Takes a deep breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, in a low, steady, almost solemn voice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat kind of Christmas would it be\u2026 if we didn\u2019t do at least one right thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He presses the button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CLICK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A cheerful jingle plays from the computer. On the second monitor, a message appears:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWinner confirmed. Email successfully sent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia stands still for a moment. Then his eyes widen\u2014he\u2019s just had a sudden realization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (under his breath):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOops\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He looks around. Growing panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd now\u2026 where do I find a Ferrari to give that family?\u201d \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zoom on his worried face. Christmas lights blinking behind him. End scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course there was no time for the bus. If he took the wrong one like he always does, it would\u2019ve taken longer than walking! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 and Papaia knew that! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Papaia basically spent all of Christmas Day trying to decide who to give a Ferrari to\u2014one he didn\u2019t even have anymore! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 where do you find a Ferrari to give to the winner? Maybe he could rig another lottery! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 or try to sell Alfred\u2019s boss\u2019s helicopter! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Where do you find a Ferrari, Papaia? In the river! That\u2019s where! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 right next to a knockoff 20-inch heel! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 25 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia Solves the Situation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene \u2013 Outside, Evening \u2013 In Front of Mom\u2019s House<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia returns home. The atmosphere is tense. Everyone stares at him in silence as he walks in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mino (anxiously):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo? Did you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (lying):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. I\u2026 I made our ticket win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An explosion of cheers from the siblings. Mom pretends to hold back tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell done, my son. You saved the family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah. Now just one thing I\u2019m curious about\u2026 where exactly did the accident happen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashback \u2013 Outside, Night \u2013 A Bridge Over the River<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia arrives alone by taxi. The area is deserted, only the sound of water beneath the bridge. He leans over, scanning the riverbed. The streetlights dimly illuminate the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He notices a bent section of the guardrail. He leans over as far as he can. And he sees it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The red silhouette of the Ferrari is there, on the bottom. Barely visible. Half-buried in silt, but intact. The logo still visible. The windshield unbroken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (under his breath):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still there\u2026 it\u2019s a miracle!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lets out a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright! Now\u2026 we just have to pull it out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too late\u2014Papaia has fallen into the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we pull out the Ferrari, let\u2019s pull out Papaia! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 no, Papaia! The saying goes \u201cwe\u2019re all in the same boat,\u201d not\u2026 \u201cin the same river\u201d! \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part 26 of 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone Happy\u2026 Almost<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scene \u2013 Indoors, Day \u2013 Downtown Caf\u00e9<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia is sitting at the counter with a coffee. On the stool next to him is the village mechanic. On the TV above the counter, a news report is playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Journalist (on TV):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd here they are\u2014the winners of the mall\u2019s Christmas lottery! A brand-new Ferrari, delivered just this morning!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The footage shows the family from the video: the father, the mother, and the child. The car sparkles in the parking lot, surrounded by red balloons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Journalist (voice-over):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat will you do with this beauty?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father (smiling at the camera):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to sell it. With the money, we can finally buy the medicine our son needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Journalist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you know your video went viral?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes\u2026 and thanks to that, a non-profit already helped us. But this prize\u2026 really sets us up for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bartender turns up the volume. The mechanic whistles quietly, impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mechanic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA real miracle, you know? The water barely did any damage. Just had to replace the electronics and fix some bodywork.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sips his coffee, then looks at Papaia with respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mechanic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGetting it out of that river though\u2026 what a job. But now it looks brand new.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia (with a tired half-smile):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd all thanks to the mall\u2019s insurance. Damages fully covered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment of silence. Then, from a table nearby, a dry, sarcastic voice is heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor (without looking):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s happy. But technically\u2026 it\u2019s insurance fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia sighs. He stares out the window. But says nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—<\/p>\n\n\n\n
End of the flashback<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli\u2019s Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faggioli:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd what have you learned from all this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Papaia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNever say no to Mom again! \ud83e\udd23\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerfect! Ferrari repaired. Needy family rewarded. \u2026 now all that\u2019s left is fixing Papaia\u2019s head! \ud83e\udd23\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Part 1 of 26 Three scientists \u2014 Papaia, Banani, and Ravioli \u2014 and their assistant Igor, who work at NASAL, start getting interested in creationism. Their superiors, worried, send them to see a psychologist, Professor Faggioli \u2014 a shady character determined to get them fired by making them look insane. We’re in Faggioli\u2019s office, where … 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-5483","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-episode"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5483","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=5483"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5483\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5485,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5483\/revisions\/5485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5483"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5483"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5483"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}