Mario's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Mario stands at the gate with a bouquet of fire flowers in his hand. The steward blocks the archway with his body, arms crossed. The man's face shows no anger, only duty. He says Mario's visits are no longer welcome here. The words land flat and final. Mario looks past him to the courtyard where he has stood so many times before, always alone, always hoping. The backpack on his shoulder weighs more now. Inside is a gift wrapped in brown paper, green and white spotted fabric peeking through a tear at the corner. He bought it three towns over because it made him think of her smile. But the steward does not move. Mario shifts the fire flowers to his other hand. He wants to ask why, or when things changed, or if she knows he is here. Instead he nods once and turns away. The gift will go home with him, still wrapped, joining the others he never got to give.