Mario walked down the desolate streets. It was late at night and most places were closed, except for a few stores. The plumber stopped at a little corner store in a sketchy area of town, the flashing fluorescent lights advertising cigarettes and alcohol staring down at him. Mario heaved a sigh and turned the knob to enter the store. He had forgone his usual red outfit for a simpler jacket and jeans. His outfit was partly for comfort, but also because he didn't want to be recognized. Mario had become sort of a celebrity ever since he saved Peach from Bowser. He kept the hat, because well, the iconic red hat had become a common sight around town. The cashier's dead eyes stared him down as he walked up to the kiosk. Mario remembers having odd jobs like that in college.
"A pack of Marlboro Reds please." Mario's monotone voice uttered out. The cashier turned around to grab the pack of cigs and handed them to Mario. "10 dollars," the cashier muttered. Mario payed and quickly left. Reaching into his left pocket, Mario felt around for his lighter. "Ah there it is." Mario said softly. He lit the cigarette and brought it up to his lips as he walked around town. While he was walking, Mario was deep in thought. He knew something was weighing pretty heavily on his conscience, but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly. Suddenly an image of his brother popped into his mind. Mario hadn't spoken to Luigi in years. Luigi had always been in the shadow of Mario. Last time he spoke to Luigi it was because he was getting kicked out of the house.
Luigi had decided to become a mechanic instead of the plumber he had always been trained to be. Mario's parents were so upset, they disowned Luigi and kicked him out of the house. His brother had always been rebellious; Mario recalled a time where Luigi had snuck out late at night and pierced his septum. Mario thought hard about where his brother lived now. Suddenly, it popped into Mario's head, his eyes going wide. He decided he should pay his brother a visit.
