Like Taking a Photo

Chapter 1: Scrambled Eggs

CRASH!

The sound of the plate full of food crashing to the ground and shattering to pieces. A very frantic Fennec fox attempting to scramble and clean up his mess before the chef can see it. This was unfortunately uneventful. The tall, muscular, dark-furred panther comes walking around the corner. Dawned in pristine chef's clothing, looking like he was about to explode any minute.

"You fuzwads need to get your shit together! I am at my wits end and I swear, the very next one to screw anything up ... is getting canned. IMMEDIATELY!" The chef growled at his staff.

This was quite a high-end establishment. There was never a calm day in the restaurant. And it was not uncommon to see a celebrity or two show their face. One of the line-cooks was an average-sized male deer. He was gray in color, with white around the muzzle, maroon in the ears, and bright red eyes.

He was plating a dish of Eggs Benedict. He was always very particular in his plating, wanting it to look it's best when placed in front of an awaiting and hungry patron. Not a chive out of place, not a speck of pepper too close to another one. His eye for detail was extraordinary.

He picked up the plate and made his way over to the window for it to be sent out. However, as fate would have it, the corner of the floor mat was lifted ever-so-slightly, which caused him to trip. Time slowed for the deer. He watched as the plate lifted into the air and start to spin. He began to fall forward and tried to gain balance, but inevitably failed. The next thing he knew he was on the ground, but what stunned him, was he had the plate in his paws! Unfortunately though, the plate was empty, with nothing left but a smear of leftover Hollandaise. Silence filled the kitchen. But not for long.

"REID!" Came the frightening voice of the head chef.

"Um, yes chef?" came the shaky voice of the deer still on the floor.

"GET OUT! I never want to see you in this restaurant again! EVER!"

Reid got up off the floor. "But sir-"

"NO! I want you GONE!" the chef spat.

Reid didn't waste time. He removed his chef's coat and laid it neatly on the counter. He walked out of the kitchen and without another word, made the long, now sorrowful, walk to his car. He unlocked the door and sat behind the wheel, closing the door behind him. Everything hit at once, years worth of stress and thoughts about the future flooded in. He gripped the steering wheel, subconsciously squeezing it with everything he had. His body shook subtly as he shut his eyes, a single tear rolling down his cheek. 

LATER: Reid pulled into his parking spot. He lived in a middle-class apartment in the middle of the city. Even though he worked in a high-end restaurant, a line cook wasn't paid as much as you would think. He got out of the car, and made his way up to the 3rd floor, where his apartment was located. Coming inside, he looked around.

"How long will I be able to stay here?" He asked himself.

Reid was good about budgeting. He planned out every last dollar from every check. He knew how each cent would be used. He checked his spreadsheet for this month. There was still enough money for another rent payment. It would cover groceries for the next two weeks. But after that, it's all gone.

He closed the document and went to the kitchen. He took a look around at all the cooking supplies laying around. Would he be able to ever cook again without thinking of what used to be? Will he hold a knife in his paw again, without crying on the spot. He was trying to think about weather or not to throw away everything related to cooking. But eventually decided against it. He wasn't going to let one angry Panther keep him from doing what he loved to do.

After this, he chose to wind down and go take a long shower. After he was clean and dry, he took his phone and called the one person he could trust. His best friend. He clicked on the contact and put the phone to his ear. They were quick to pick up.

"Hey, Reid. How's it going? How was your day?" came the ever-so-cheery voice of his friend.

"Hi Kitsy." Reid said obviously drained of all energy.

Kitsy was a brown-colored Goat. Yellow eyes, and glasses. The two of them had been best friends for 5 years at this point. They met in college, even though they were studying different things. They trusted each-other with everything.

"Uh oh." Said Kitsy. "That tone doesn't sound good. What's wrong? Are you ok?"

Reid sighed, trying not to cry again. "They fired me." He felt tears coming once again.

"Oh no!" Kitsy replied, "I'm so sorry, Reid. Why would they do that?"

"Chef was at his breaking point, and I tripped over a floor mat and dropped Eggs Benedict all over the place. And that was the proverbial straw." Reid sighed again and sat on the couch.

"Damn, man. I'm really sorry. You don't deserve to be sent packing over one mistake. You're a wonderful cook, believe me I would know." he gave a chuckle. "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood."

Reid smiled slightly. "It's ok, I appreciate it. I just ... don't know what to do, you know? I have two months here at the most, and then I won't be able to pay rent anymore."

Kitsy replied, "I'm sure you'll think of something. You're a smart deer." He paused for a moment. "Wait, I know. I have that extra room. Come stay with me for a while."

Reid paused for a moment. "No, I can't ask you to do that. I would feel like I'm intruding."

"Reid, you're like a brother to me. I will do almost anything for you. I insist, you will not be a bother, I promise." Kitsy reassured.

"Ok, if you say so. Thank you. I guess I will start packing up things that I can't leave behind. And I'll talk with the land lord and see what I can find out about giving up the place."

The conversation ended, but it feels like something else is just beginning. Reid put his phone away and got up to find any suitcases he may still have. There was only one, so he knew he'd have to make a couple trips. He went through his closet, bringing out and folding his clothes. Once all his clothes were put away, luckily he was able to fit everything in one case, he sat it by the front door.

Tomorrow he can start over. Tomorrow is a fresh slate. He breathed in deep. And exhaled slowly, letting out all the stress and anxiety he will be leaving behind.