“You know – you gotta have money to play, but it’s the same thing over and over again. Always some big monkey or monster to kill…”

“Oh, like Kip? That big ape got knocked down a few levels today. He deserved it.”

“Yeah, I guess he did. I think that’s why I like arcades so much. I get to beat the bad guy and save the girl. It’s like I’m in the game. Sometimes I’d rather be there. I wish I could trade places with the characters.”

“Yeah, me too – that would be cool,” Pauline said as they both fell asleep.

When Mario awoke, red and white strobe lights flashed. The heat from a nearby fireball caused him to jump, and Pauline’s hot pink purse was a few meters away. His wish came true. He was in the game. Pauline was on the platform and Kip, not the giant gorilla, was standing next to her. Pauline glared at Kip, clutching her umbrella tightly.

“Dude, don’t spaz out,” Kip said. “and don’t look at me like that. I am NOT gonna be the gorilla. Besides, she’s got the umbrella. I’m not going through that again.”