CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE –TURNING POINT

The next day at Fierro's Place, an uneasy calm had settled over the diner. Mario was still absent, his station in the kitchen conspicuously empty. Luigi flitted about, trying to cover both his duties and his brother's, resulting in a menu that was more eclectic than usual. "Order up!" Luigi called, sliding a plate across the service counter. "One 'Mario's Mournful Meatball Marinara,' extra sad sauce on the side!" Laura raised an eyebrow as she picked up the dish. The meatballs were arranged in a frowning face, and the sauce did indeed look darker than usual. "Luigi, are you sure this is what the customer ordered?" Luigi shrugged, his usual cheerful demeanor subdued. "It's what my heart ordered, Laura. The food must reflect the mood of the chef, no?" Before Laura could respond, Mr. Fierro burst out of his office, his mustache quivering with barely contained excitement. "Attention, everyone! I've had another brilliant idea!" The staff collectively held their breath, bracing for what