Timeline
Thirteen years of enthusiasm, condensed.
Ricky is "hatched" in the apartment over the Little Italy bakery. Nonna declares him "too thin" within seconds. A tradition begins.
Attends his first Uncle Penne lantern tale. Falls asleep mid-climax; wakes up demanding the ending; gets three different endings. Believes all of them.
Age 7: the forty-minute expedition behind the preserves. The crayon map is framed in Da Rigatoni's kitchen, where it hangs to this day.
His naming-day spoonful of Sunday sauce is applauded like a coronation. He asks for seconds. He is told about tradition. He gets seconds anyway.
Formally appointed Uncle Penne's expedition assistant, with compass, oath, and a strict supper curfew.
Leads the crew to the high meadow. Institutes the "come back with everyone" rule.
Optimistic, equipped, and absolutely certain the best adventure is the next one. The backpack is packed. The cap is backwards. Let's roll.