Fighting Harvest

Chapter Fifteen

The darkness of the room surrounded Spoons, or Harold, as he stood frozen in confusion. Why was he here? What was he doing? Who was he really? Spoons couldn't quite understand exactly how he got to this point, being forced to chase innocent people around with his cleaver and chop up their bodies, all for what? But the more he thought about it in the few moments he was left alone in that room, the more he remembered... Who was Harold Glover?

——

Harold wanted to be a cook, even at a young age he was always in the kitchen with his mother, baking and cooking meals for his family and all those who wanted to try his dishes, but his recognition could only go so far. As an adult, Harold struggled to get his name out there, having always wanted to be a great cook, but of what? Most signature dishes or cultural dishes have already been mastered by their respective cooks, leaving no room for Harold to make his mark.

He was well-known in his family and around his neighborhood, but his fame never stretched beyond the familiar streets he grew up on, no matter what he tried he was always overshadowed by those far more popular than him. Harold didn't hate the recognition his family gave him though, wishing for more but was content with what he had at the moment, but he was planning something big.

A neighborhood block party should get people's attention, with music and games, and of course, food which Harold was in charge of, but what should he make? Beef, Pork, and Chicken all sounded too basic, needing something more, something to capture the attention of everyone, so a trip to the local butcher seemed like the best place to start looking.

Harold enjoyed browsing at the butcher's shop, having bought plenty for potential dishes which only stirred up idle chit-chat and offhand compliments, so he was well acquainted with what the store had to offer. Though, as he entered the chilled shop, he was greeted by an unfamiliar face.

"Oh shh, um... just a moment!" The man called out from the back of the store, seeming surprised to have a customer as he was quick to finish what he was doing.

Harold patiently waited, looking over the glass case which showcased the many cuts of meat ranging from pork to fish to even octopus, seeing if he could find something eye-catching for his little party. The smell of death and blood filled the air, but that wasn't an uncommon stench for this place to have, what was strange was the thick smell of chemicals infecting Harold's nose.

"Ah! Sorry about that-" a man pushed through the swinging doors that lead to the storage rooms, tying an apron around his waist as blood covered his hands and clothes. "Finding everything ok? Are we all good here, or do you need a little help?" The man spoke quickly, his eyes staring up at Harold which creeped him out, as the man's eyes shone green and purple.

"Well I.." Harold stuttered over his softer words, feeling like something was wrong but nothing was wrong. "I was looking for something new, if that's even possible" He tried to explain what he wanted, struggling to do so properly.

"Something new? I might have just the thing for you then!" The man walked behind the counter which divided the two men apart, pointing out the many options of meat on display "You could get some of this, or even that... but I know exactly what you're looking for". The man was a real salesperson, speaking in such a way as to keep Harold interested.

"Then what?" Harold asked, curious as to what the man would present to him.

"I'd have to go get it, so why don't you wait riiiiight here and I'll be back" With a grin, the blood-covered stranger slipped off back through the swinging doors, leaving Harold alone for a short time.

Harold noticed all the red flags this man was presenting. Having never seen him before, the man was covered in blood, the smell of chemicals in the air, and the unnatural appearance... but it was probably nothing to worry about, it was wrong for Harold to assume the worst when he'd never given the chance to know the guy.