"You know, Bro," began Luigi, "I think it's about time we cleared some of our stuff away."
He didn't notice Mario was napping, so it took a moment before he repeated the comment. Then after a second long pause he glanced at his brother's armchair and saw Mario dozing.
"He ought to wake up. After all, it's a beautiful day out. Mario. Mario!" He shook Mario's shoulder gently.
"Hm...oh?" Mario opened one eye and gave a sleepy curious glance at his younger sibling.
"C'mon. I'm getting ready to a-clean up and I want a-your help!"
Mario struggled to his feet and tried to blink himself awake as Luigi tapped his foot impatiently.
"I mean it, Bro. New year, new opportunities, time for new organization! We've let enough stuff pile up around here to fill Peach's storehouse! Let's clean this disaster area up."
Mario continued to blink and shake his head until he noticed Luigi walking towards the attic and
stumbled after him.
"Luigi..." he finally managed to say, "Whaaaa-" he broke off into a yawn.
"Mario! For heaven's sake! Wake up! We're cleaning out the attic and having a yard sale!"
That jolted Mario into full consciousness. "What?"
"Don't you think it's a-time? Look in the attic!"
Mario ascended the latter and began peering through the first box he saw. Medals he'd received from sports tournaments, star dust, and old photographs were all packed into the same space. Another box had old postcards, ancient relics, and a recipe for spaghetti he'd once got from someone named Taste T. It was a hodge-podge of old memories and adventures.
Luigi had begun searching a different box. "Mario! I don't even remember competing in this Olympic Event, let alone winning the silver medal! Let's face it- we don't even know all the stuff we have! Let's begin sorting- things to keep, to throw out, and to sell. We may have the biggest yard sale in the history of the Mushroom Kingdom!"
Mario glanced at his box uncertainly. Perhaps he could get rid of a few things. After all, some stuff was completely unnecessary from a practical point, right? What good was a Spear Guy's tribal shield or a random key that used to open doors in Bowser's castle?
"Okay," he said, turning to Luigi.
"Then let's get started. Say, I wonder if we could get some help. Maybe the Princesses?"
Mario shook his head.
"Another diplomacy meeting, huh? Well, what about Yoshi and his friends?"
Another head shake.
"They're celebrating the New Year still? Boy, Yoshis sure know how to party. Well, who's left and nearby?"
"I am!" came a voice from the door.
"And me!" came another.
The brothers looked at each other and Luigi groaned. "Why on earth are they here?"
(continued next week)
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