The sun hangs in the midday sky. You could call the day ‘mostly sunny’ or ‘partly cloudy’ depending on your worldview. The beige brick wall on the East side of the building provides shelter from the beating of the sun’s rays. The shadow stretches across to a set of gray concrete stairs. Leaning ever so nonchalantly on the metal railing running alongside of the stairs is the familiar silhouette of Antonio Ricci, who stands looking over at the school in the distance. Next to him is his partner, Michelle. He takes her hand for a moment, still gazing off into the distance.

“You know, I went to Level Up for one reason and one reason alone. I understand that I haven’t gone out of my way to make friends, but I am treated as an outcast… an outsider… a pariah. Even though I have proved myself by stepping up at each and every time opportunity has presented itself. The boys in the back treat me like I owe them something or like I don’t deserve to be in the same locker room as them. Why? Because I haven’t been in this business as long as Don Tirri and the nearly, dearly departed Jack Michaels? What do they expect me to do? No one seems to believe in me because I haven’t proven myself to them.”

“You haven’t exactly gone out of your way to make friends. In fact, I think you’ve gone out of your way to separate yourself from them. You’ve got a huge chip on your shoulder.”

“Babe, you know me. I want to be, no, I am going to be a mold breaker. I am a history maker here in the VWF. I am the first man to wrestle multiple matches on multiple shows. I am the man that set the bar on eliminations in the Last of Us gauntlet match. I am going to win this match so I can go on and show Magdalena Lockheart that her win over me was sheet luck. I want to be a legend. I want to say that I have wrestled the world over from the hallowed Tokyo Dome to the World Famous Plaza Mexico in Mexico City. I want to have graced the stadiums in the United Kingdom then travel to face the savage crowds in Puerto Rico. I feel like I have already proven myself to the Level Up locker room and there isn’t a single member of the locker room that respects that.”

Ricci turns to the side and adjusts his glasses so the sun isn’t in his eyes. He smiles widely as he turns back towards Michelle.

“You’re the only person who believes in me.”

“I’m not. I just happen to be the person closest to you that believes in you. You are juggling school and wrestling and you’re killing it. How many people do you know that are doing both of those things?”

“Before Last of Us, I was nothing. I might have been on some people’s radar, but not many. One of them, I know, was Magdalena. Magdalena might be holding the Final Boss Championship for the time being, but I am the man who every man, woman and child that watches the Level Up Wrestling is talking about. I have gone from not even being a blip on the radar to being the man with the target on my back. I am the buzz. I am number one with a bullet… I am the reason that once Level Up Wrestling comes on the channel never changes.”

“You know, you don’t have to promo me. I’m not your opponent.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just get so worked up because people like Bert have been picking on my my entire life. That’s kind of why we’re here. April 20th, 1999… at 11:19AM… Mountain Daylight Time… it is a time that will forever be remembered in the hallways, the classrooms, the cafeteria, and most certainly the library of this school.”

Ricci points to the name of the building: Columbine High School.

“Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were initially viewed as two quote unquote nerds. Because they weren’t in with the ‘cool kids’ they were ostracized and openly mocked by muscular, moronic, meat headed jocks. Those two kids… I could have been one of those kids. It wasn’t until I hit my growth spurt before my senior year that I wasn’t a target. It’s like those that are bigger or more physically gifted in the world that feel that they can push the little guy around just because he’s smaller or different. The problem is that sometimes, the little guy pushes back. The constant bullying, constant harassment will only be condoned for so long. You can control a dog by fear, but if that dog doesn’t respect you then it will bite you the first chance it gets. The problem is, when this is done to a creature as evolved as a human, there is a certain amount of feral instinct, granted. The gears in your head begin grinding and turning until you have a plan, next thing you know, BAM! They turn on you in the blink of an eye.”

Ricci stands upright, and begins walking away from the school. He pauses and motions for Michelle to follow him.

“It sounds like you’ve been working on one of your psych assignments.”

“No, I haven’t. But I get where they came from. I’m just a little more well adjusted than they were. What made Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris so dangerous wasn’t being young and angry. It was the fact that they felt that their twisted version of reality was their cause, and they were willing to become martyrs for that very cause. While a wrestling match doesn’t warrant such a lethal use of force, what is a man to do when the world refuses to hear him? What is a man to do when the locker room looks down upon him like a pimple on the face of their sport? Look at Bert, he acts just like those assholes did when I was a kid. Shit, he lost his first two encounters with me. With one simple kick, I emasculated the man. Yet, he still acts like he’s better than me. I’ll tell you what he thinks he is supposed to do. Bert thinks that he needs to exact his revenge against me. He thinks that he needs to punish me to atone for his inability to beat me before. The problem is, he has never encountered anyone stubborn as I am.”

“I’ll give you that. You’re the most stubborn guy I’ve ever met.”

“I just feel like I still have something to prove. I think that a man is supposed to stand his ground. When it’s you against the world, as Klebold and Harris thought it was, like it is for me, the end justifies the means. I’m not saying that I would commit murder. But I will use whatever tactic is needed, legal or otherwise, in order to win this match. And just as Klebold and Harris tore through the halls of Columbine High School I will tear through each and every member of the locker room until I dethrone Magadela and take the Final Boss Championship.”

The two continue walking. The school slowly grows smaller behind them.

“And you think that’s healthy behavior?” Michelle asks.

“Maybe not. For some people, it’s easy enough to disengage, and to disassociate themselves from a situation. The reasons people are able to do this range from being desensitized to it simply being a coping mechanism. Most people find that it’s easier to forget or ignore a situation than to face the reality of it. The realization of it is that, no, I can’t just ignore Bert. He pushes my buttons in a way no one else does.”

Ricci stops and turns Michelle towards him, looking directly into her eyes.

“This match is something I have to win. I am going to show the Level Up execs that they were right in giving me this opportunity. I am not going to come up short like I did against Tirri and against Maggie.”

Ricci gets a momentary look of frustration across his face.

“I know I’m on the defensive because this is Bert’s big chance. He can prove to the wrestling world that he deserves this shot by getting one over on me. I could care less if I beat him twice already. I think he’s a lamb being led to slaughter because he is facing me. But, Combat Evolved could just be the day that he wakes up without his manhood tucked between his legs and he realizes he’s suddenly grown a set. He’s a Chihuahua trying to bark like a big dog and he’s only embarrassing himself. Your words mean nothing when you fail to back them up. I have to back up my words with my actions. When I say I am going to do something, I do it. You had better believe that.”

“I know that. At least you realize that he might be a little more amped up for this than usual.”

“Because he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am the one everyone expects to come out of this match with that title shot. It’s like when Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson.”

“Who?”

“Mike Tyson was a 42 to 1 favorite. Buster Douglas not only beat Tyson, he knocked him out. So I have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

”Just know that I have faith in you.”

“At least someone does.”

Ricci takes Michelle by the hand and walks off, leaving Columbine High School behind them.

Antonio Ricci stands in front of the camera wearing a black suit, black shirt and a blood red tie. His hair is tied back and he looks every bit the part of the teacher he is currently studying to be. Behind him, is a whiteboard, currently blank. He takes a sip of water from a bottle on the podium before turning his attention to the camera.

“Henry Ford once said “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when we take your eyes off your goals.” Everyone is different, but we all have obstacles. We need to never give up, but instead stay focused on the journey and direction to keep on going. The variety of general early childhood texts reveal nothing is impossible, obstacles are just opportunities.”

“From the book, Where The Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein short poem, “Listen to the Mustn’ts,” majority of the text is about limitation, but at the end of the poem with an empathetic whisper it expresses how possibilities are endless. In the beginning of the poem, “Listen to the Mustn’ts,” Silverstein explores the restrictions that are depicted in our world:”

Ricci turns around and spins the whiteboard over, revealing the poem on it.

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES

“The uppercase words are vitally important at the beginning of this poem, conveying the idea how numerous limitations are expressed throughout everyday life. As the poem continues, Silverstein finishes the poem by writing, “Then listen close to me- / Anything can happen, child, / ANYTHING can be”. The ending of the poem overpowers the beginning by the confident whisper. The speaker of this poem is someone who speaks from experience. The significance of the speaker and the words used suggest how to see opportunity where others see obstacles. This poem, “Listen to the Mustn’ts,” supports the idea that anything can happen; obstacles are not a reason to give up just a chance for something else. So, Bert, there is hope for you.”

Ricci takes another sip of his water then turns and back to the whiteboard, pushing it over to reveal the cover of a children’s book with an pink owl and unusually large eyes.

“Furthermore, in the children’s book, in the early childhood chapter book, Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival, by Rebecca Elliot Eva is about an owl who just wants to throw a successful Bloomtastic Festival for her class. Bert, I know this is a chapter book, but I’m fairly certain it’s on your reading level.”

Ricci smirks, knowing he is repeating himself while talking down to Bert.

“So, students, the point is that Eva has different hurdles she has to overcome throughout the story, but in the end all of her hard work pays off. After Eva’s teacher, Miss Featherbottom, liked her idea about the festival. Eva goes to tell her best friend, Lucy, about her excitement and worries. Eva is at a loss for where she will start and how to get everything done in time. Lucy tells her to, “Make a to-do list. Then you’ll know what you need to get done”. Instead of looking at this as a problem, the author is showing how there are solutions because nothing is impossible. Throughout the story, Eva has challenges with one of her classmates, Sue. As Eva is presenting her idea to the class, Sue chimes in, “What are YOU in charge, Eva? Who made you festival queen?”. It’s like every time that you interrupt someone and call them a bitch. Still most of us are more composed than a small child.”

Ricci wipes all of the information of the whiteboard.

“As a result of this, Eva finishes up her thoughts, nervously, with her class. She just wishes Sue would mind her own business. Now that is something we all feel when you speak, Bert. We all wish you would shut up and mind your own business. We also know that you are simply incapable of doing so. But that’s not the point. As the story continues on, Eva realizes all of this work is entirely a lot to take on alone; she is not sure how she will get it done until the next day. So Eva is thinking of what to do and then she remembers what Miss Featherbottom had said. Share the work!” Eva did just what Miss Featherbottom had suggested. I realize that you are more than likely going to have to call in some reinforcements at some point.”

“I apologize. I keep getting sidetracked. The message being conveyed here is when obstacles arise, you need to find a way to solve it, and sometimes solving the issue does not mean doing it alone. Eva asking her classmates for help meant she needed Sue’s help on the fashion runway, At the end of the festival, all of Eva’s determined work was a success. Not everything in life will be easy, but in the end the focus with be worth it. The Bloomtastic Festival symbolizes achievement is possible. Rebecca Elliot uses the story, Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival, to demonstrate focus is essential in achieving goals, since nothing is impossible. However, like I’ve said you cannot do this alone. You lack the skills. You lack the ability. You do not have the fortitude to do what must be done to defeat me.”

“Looking into the fairytale, “Snow White,” by Brothers Grimm, it’s about the beautiful Snow White herself. Snow White is on a continual run from her stepmother, the Queen, who is full of hatred towards Snow White. The Queen envied Snow White for her beauty; so it became her mission to do everything she could to kill Snow White. Sound familiar? From day one, you have been jealous of the attention that I have garnered. Unlike you, who toiled against the most promising Waluigis that the company has to offer, from day one, I was placed against the company’s top stars: Magdalena Lockheart, Wendy House… and you, the only Waluigi with an actual name. I have been you superior in every regard. I am what you aspire to be, Level Up Wrestling’s first, and so far only, homegrown star. So, we already know that you won’t be poisoning any apples. Since you aren’t creative enough to come up with any other ideas, I want to know now who you think you are going to get to come after me.”

Ricci calmly reaches over and takes his water bottle and finishes it off. He nonchalantly throws the bottle which makes an audible clang as it lands inside an empty trash can.

“Now, in the fairy tale, when the Evil Queen could not vanquish Snow White on her own, she ordered the huntsman to bring her Snow White’s heart. The huntsman obeyed orders from the Queen to go kill Snow White… but Snow White, she began weeping and pleading with him. ‘Alas, dear huntsman, spare my life. I promise to run into the woods and never return’”. Snow White knew she was about to die, so she chose to try to beg the huntsman to keep her alive. Now, obviously I’m not Snow White, and I am not going to grovel to anyone. But Snow White did something that I would do. She took this horrible situation and found a solution. We all know that she took off into the woods taking herself to safety. She came upon a cottage where she went in and made herself at home. As night time came, the seven dwarfs returned to their cottage to find Snow White sleeping. They were so fond of her; they waited until morning to introduce themselves. When morning came, Snow White shared her situation with the dwarfs, “Then she told them how her stepmother had tried to kill her and that the huntsman and spared her life. She had run all day long until she arrived at their cottage”.

“The seven dwarfs welcomed Snow White into their house as long as she kept up with everything around the house. Snow White made the best of her circumstances. She turned her obstacle into an opportunity of a new home and new friends. Throughout the fairy tale, the Queen continuously tries to kill Snow White. In the end, Snow White lives through it all and is filled with joy as she meets her prince, “Snow White had tender feelings for him, and she departed with him. Their marriage was celebrated with splendor” From all of the obstacles Snow White went through, she did not let it stop her from finding ways to fill her life with joy. No matter how much pain and hate the Queen had for her, Snow White always continued striving forward. That is something I will give you credit for, Bert. You and I are easily the two most persistent wrestlers in this company. You know who I am and what I am about. I could have my leg chopped off and I would still come at you with the same veracity and fervor. I would expect the same of you.”

“The point I am making here is that there is always a way. These early childhood texts all portray messages that nothing is impossible, obstacles appear to be opportunities. This theme is consistently demonstrated in these stories. It is so realistic throughout these writings and how situations are handled. It is apparent how these readings suggest early childhood children can see opportunities. Unfortunately, as adults we may only see the obstacles without the view or thinking nothing is impossible with the right perspective. Early childhood development do not fully understand the meaning of attitude. They have a determination and outlook of persevering, nothing appears impossible in their perspective. Though it pains me to admit it, Don Tirri found a way. If nothing else, you are the most stubborn man on our roster. I fully expect that even if I put you down a third time, you will come back for more. I respect that. There is no greater proof than that example. Don Tirri will have his day, Combat Evolved is going to be yours.”

Ricci looks towards the camera with a smoldering intensity as the camera fades to black.