Gianni Believes In Dreams

Gianni was a chubby boy who loved to build things and draw cartoons with crayons on colored paper and he saved every creation in his design folder. What motivated Gianni to draw such happy images? It must have been his passion for Micky Mouse, Charley Brown, Sponge Bob, Batman, Petty Boo; they were the iconic cartoons that inspired him, perhaps he would become another Walter Disney and direct his own movie someday. Did he imagine working with a movie crew directing and being the center of attention?

After he did his homework, he didn't watch TV as the other kids did, but drew more cartoons until he fell asleep, but this cause him to talk in his sleep, and talk he did to the funny characters he created. His mom became worried and wanted him to stop drawing. " You are working too hard, Gianni. Play with other kids and don't be a loner! " I love what you do, but it makes you tired and you can't go to school, taking naps and failing! " Gianni stared at her saying, " I have to finish this project before Christmas, my teacher told me that my creations are awesome and he likes to make them into a play. " " Lots of classmates have volunteered to take a part in it. I'll be the snowman with that cherry nose and jolly cheeks, imagine me wearing a costume made of fake snow and, make-believe I shiver! " Gianni's mother shouted, " Ahah, you like to be a snowman? You have always complained about snow! How did you come to this decision?" But Gianni had an explanation." I have learned how to ski at The Winter's Resort, Daddy brought me there yesterday while you went food shopping." Debra turned her surprised eyes as if in disapproval, " Dad took you where? It's too dangerous for an experienced child to be skiing! "

At the same moment, the doorbell rang and a shadowy and grotesque figure appeared at the front door. " It's my principal Joseph, let him in. He must have good news about the Christmas play! " His mom stared at Gianni perplexed and whispered, " The principal from P.S. 232 is here? " Deborah opened the door and cheerfully greeted him. " Mrs. Prato, here's the printout of the play, " A Christmas In Lindenwood. " written by me. Your child's part is The Snowman. I wish him well. Ah, there's a reward of $500 for the best actor and $200 for all for the participants. These are school funds for the revival of the Arts." And saying so he walked out winking at Gianni.

How could a kid of only ten contain his contentment by saying nothing? No, Gianni jumped up for extreme joy and hugged his mom shedding happy tears. In the next seven days that followed Gianni showed more interest in school and was known as The Snowman throughout the school. Every mother wished her child got that part, but they were so happy for him and his accomplishment. It was Gianni's dream and dreams become real when one believes in them as he did.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the story, Gianni was overweight for his age and he got the nickname of tubby, but that never bothered him. He went to school as usual keeping the peace and getting along with everyone. There was no antibullying on the part of his classmates. They loved him as a brother of their own and Gianni saw that in their comportment.

Another week passed and Christmas would be at the door sooner than expected. The decorations of the ranch house were simple with colored lights and golden garlands. The slender reindeer and the fat snowman shined with a brilliant light at nightfall; what was missing was a snowfall to make the scenery truly Yulish. Carols were heard in the neighborhood often and the carolers were dressed warm with their red hats and sharps dangling from their coats, their breaths resembled smoking chimnies spreading the Yule cheer. Everybody listened and felt the joy in their singing: that was a promise of peace that offered the goodwill which is absent most of the year. Song after song, smile after smile the caroling became a joyful event. They wished this magical evening wouldn't end!

The green cuckoo chimed six o'clock and as Gianni jumped out of bed he heard a knock on his door, " It's time to get up and take a shower, sweety. Everything is ready and you are good to go! " " Ok, Mommy " was his answer, and ran to the bathroom faster than a gazelle!

Gianny looked sharp with his camel jacket and black jeans, a blue tie made him look cool. " You look so handsome, darling! " Gianni replied with a giggle. He was dressed for success and his future looked bright.

On the way to school everybody waved at him, he became a celebrity even before proving he could be one; and who wouldn't be more excited than Gianni? Arriving at the Auditorium there was big applause: the little actors smiled and exchanged words with kind gestures never seen before.

Finally, the play began, silence dominated the Auditorium. Mr. Timple watched with an attentive eye directing them with hand signs. Somebody carried a torch yelling, " Snowman, you are going to melt!" " Nonsense Gianni shouted, I'm made of ice! It can last more than one hour! " Prove it to me, liar! " Why do you call me a liar...feel my skin it's harder than the Arctic ice! " Ice won't last when it meets fire...wouldn't it? " contested Ronny. " Come closer, and you'll turn into an icicle! I have magical powers. I am a sorcerer! " Run, everybody run, this guy is a wizard: he'll turn everybody into ice!" That dramatic scene and words created such a commotion earning them a clamorous applaud. The amateur actors bowed and smiled. The crowd went wild honoring them with a standing ovation. Gianni was the winner of the big prize! The curtain lowered and the play ended. Kids wouldn't know the value of money, only what makes them happy!

Copyright (c ) 2021 by Andrew Crisci