Here's my first story with my character Melody and her helpfulness, hippie ways.
Melody belongs to me
Jitter belongs to

Enjoy!
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“Money is the root of all evil.” It’s a phrase we often hear tossed around. Sometimes, it’s used to avoid the fact that we have very little of that root, or to put forth reasoning as to why we spend it so frivolously. There’s three very important words that are often left out of the phrase.

Money is not what must be feared, but rather the love of it. A prime example of this is more than evident in the case of young Melody, a self-made millionaire by 16 whose fortune only grew with each new day. All she found when she turned 18 was a opening of new doors and opportunities.

Despite her luxurious means, she chooses to live her life simply. She spends her off days in nature, or in her one bedroom apartment, just barely in the nicer part of town. Empty purchases always seemed worthless to the young golden retriever. Anything she bought for herself only collected dust.

There were a few activities in which she found meaning, and only one selfishly so. Nature was always meaningful. It filled her with energy and peace to be amongst trees, fields, and parks. When she had free time, she would spend it sunbathing and reclining in beds of flowers.

Now that her fortune was growing despite her involvement, she had nothing but free time. Simple existence was never enough to her, and boredom is a terrible reward for hard work. After a short period of throwing hobbies against the wall, she discovered her true passion.

Charitable organizations were no more difficult to run, in her mind, than for-profit companies. Not only that, but every task she completed had a face and a story. People fascinated her, especially those in need. Once she’d discovered her affinity, she began spreading her money across the globe. There wasn’t a continent left unchanged by her nurturing touch.

She soon found the global distribution to be just as faceless as her corporations, so she began to focus on her local community. In her own city, she bought an old, nearly ruined building. Money can fix a great deal of problems when mixed with relations and know-how, both of which Melody had in excess.

Within a few weeks, and under her command, the ruins has been transformed into a cafeteria, ample seating throughout the main floor. A serving line was a permanent installment, and behind that a hefty door that led into the kitchen.

Staff was harder to find. Everyone either wanted or needed more pay than was being offered. This was her stopping point, the bottleneck that ceased her progress. Through pleading, promising, and calling in favors, she was able to fill most of the employee spots with volunteers. In the end, she was one employee short of being legally able to open.

Melody refused to take this as defeat. Although she wasn’t allowed to open her doors to the public, she would still, once a week, call in all of her volunteers to discuss menus and clean the kitchen. Flyers remained in the windows asking for assistance, and, despite the number of people who walked by every day, there were no takers.

One day, the men under her employ were in the kitchen, cooking for themselves while Melody wiped down the tables. Dust was still a concern, and she was determined to make sure the problem didn’t grow during their preparatory work. This was when a young cabbit boy, wrapped up in a scarf and jacket, set eyes upon the canine beauty through the window. His heart skipped a beat as he watched her lean over the table, moving gracefully as she cleaned the surface with determination on her face, as well as a half-hearted smile.

He was unable to move until she disappeared from his view, disappearing behind one of her “help wanted” posters. Feeling a tug of fate, and retaining his shy demeanor, he pushed the door open and stole the employment poster from where it hung. Melody turned to the boy as she heard his approach.

A paw fell to the back of his head, face entirely flushed as he held out the paper. “Is this-” He took in a sharp breath. “Is this a soup kitchen? I can work, if you still need someone.”

Melody froze mid-dusting, a few of the men in the back peering around the corner, one stepping out as a protector. Melody led the conversation, clearly overcome with excitement, but remaining fully attentive. “That’s right! It’ll be the first soup kitchen in this city, and we need one more cook. No previous experience required, but we also can only afford to pay you minimum wage. Does that sound okay to you?”

The boy was striving to pay attention, obsessed with the soft-but-professional voice of the golden retriever. He shook himself out of his daze once he realized he’d been addressed. “Oh, y-yeah! That’s fine! I just want to help. I’m Jitter, by the way.” A paw was offered alongside the first, which still held the poster.

The girl took his paw in hers for a quick shake, at the same time stealing the poster away. “It’s so good to meet you, Jitter! I’m Melody. We’re going to be opening next week, but why don’t you stay tonight for dinner? The boys are whipping something up in the kitchen.” The paper was tucked beneath her arm.

The large man who had come to watch over their interaction awaited Jitter’s slow nod, then ran off to the back. There was cheering as soon as he disappeared, which reflected in Melody’s face. She took a seat at one of the tables, indicating for Jitter to follow her lead. As soon as he sat in front of her, she began going over something of an impromptu interview. “So, do you cook often?”

Jitter got red in the face, twisting his paws and avoiding eye contact. “I actually don’t cook much I’d really like to learn, though. And I can do whatever else you need.” He made it clear through his tone that he was incredibly eager to fulfill any and all of the girl’s needs.

She rested paws on his, seeking to calm him. “We can start you on the serving line, and you can help cook before we open. That way, you can learn and help us out.” The cabbit nodded, taking off his scarf and unveiling his long ponytail. Melody raised fingers in protest. “Uh, you will have to tie that up every day.”

Jitter looked around in a panic before realizing the subject of his new employer’s disdain. “Oh, yeah! Of course! I can do that, no problem!”

His explanation was cut short by a firm pat on his shoulder, followed by a bowl of soup being set in front of him with a splash. The entirety of the kitchen filled the table, Jitter wide-eyed in shock. Melody held a teasing look of judgement as she wiped up the spilled soup from where it had been flung across the table.

The rest of the night was filled with the entire kitchen team having their fill of food while ribbing their leader and newcomer. Melody met the jokes with equal retributions, but Jitter only offered awkward chuckles of agreement.

Jitter was at the kitchen an hour before they were set to open, eager to set a good example at his new job, as well as hoping for some time alone to get to know Melody personally. A burly arctic fox was the first to come, after what felt like an eternity of his waiting. He was very warm towards Jitter, though he was happy to let him in and show him around the kitchen. The cabbit didn’t have much to say, so the itinerary was kept to what his guide thought was important, beginning with a large hairnet.

The cooking done during this teaching session was primary mixing ingredients over low heat. The beef was the only exception, browned and mashed into fine bits. The moment the door opened again, Jitter’s ears rose to attention and his face lit up. His instructor only chuckled, tossing a paw in his direction. “Go ahead, talk to her. Just make sure you’re focussed when we’re open.”

Jitter was already in the main room when the cook shouted his advice. “Hi, Melody! I’ve been waiting for you!”

There was an immediate response, domineered by the professionalism that had previously been in the background of her tone. “Hi, Jitter! I’m glad you’re so eager! Is the soup ready? Are you ready to serve?”

“Oh.” The wind was clearly knocked out of the cabbit’s sail. “Yeah, It’s definitely ready. I was just hopi-”

“Great!” She was walking around with a clipboard, marking as she looked over tables and heaters, the rest of her crew following closely behind her to their clearly assigned spots.

Jitter struggled to keep up with her. “I was- uh- I was wondering if I could get to know you a little bit better.”

She stepped around the oncoming pots of soup. “What do you want to know, Jitter?”

The cabbit was suddenly very aware that he was in front of the entirety of the kitchen staff. “Well, I was wondering if we could hang out after we close up shop. Just the two of us?”

Melody stopped in place, turning towards the boy with a curious look on her face. “You can walk me home, if you like.”

There were some chuckles through the serving line, obviously some humor of which he wasn’t included. Regardless, he was overwhelmingly pleased. “Oh, thank you so much! I won’t disappoint you!”

“I’m sure you won’t.” She picked up a ladle and put it firmly in his paw. “Now, let’s go feed some people!” She shuffled off, Jitter falling in line.

The small boy next to him tapped his shoulder. “Don’t expect too much. She’s a great friend, but that’s all you’ll get out of her.”

He was too focused on the ecstasy of his established date. With a wide smile on his face, he brought up bowl after bowl of broth. A variety of people passed in front of him, all eager for what he had to offer. Melody walked around the cafeteria, speaking with everyone who came in the door with a warm outlook that was clearly infectious. She occasionally came up to the line, taking a few extra bowls to carry out to those who were less comfortable with approaching their workers, mostly women and children.

Several pots were emptied, bowls making their way back to the kitchen as the hungry continued to pour in. Melody refused to close the doors, even when the sun went down. The only event that caused them to stop was the complete exhausting of their ingredients. At that point, they began turning away the hungry people who showed up, informing them that they should try again next week.

Jitter watched in awe, pulled from his place of watch to patrol the empty tables. They, as a team, stole the empty bowls that had been left around and returned them to wash. Melody was talking with a few of the stragglers who clearly had stories to share. Jitter was called upon to assist with the dishes, falling out of view of Melody again. Once they were all done, the pots and pans all cleaned and the bowls stacked once more, they returned to the main room.

Melody was sitting by herself, a giant smile on her face. “I’m really proud of what we’ve done here today, guys. Everyone on board to do it again next week?” There were resounding cheers of agreement, everyone walking out single file except for Jitter and Melody. “So, you’re walking me home still, right?”

Jitter nodded. “Yeah! Uh- yeah, I’d really like to.”

The girl continued walking around the room, shutting off lights and locking a few interior doors. “I’m really proud of your work tonight. You seemed like your mind was somewhere else at first, but it’s healthy to let your mind wander. Do you think you can keep working here?”

He looked shocked, jumping immediately into his response. “Oh, yeah! Of course! I can do whatever you need!”

She giggled, ushering the boy towards the door. “I’m very happy to hear that. We need this many employees, or we can’t stay open.” She stopped the both of them before they’d made it out of the cafe. “Don’t you need to get your jacket?”

Jitter froze for a second, then ran off, returning with his jacket around his shoulders and his hairnet left behind. “Thank you! I, uh, don’t normally leave things like that.”

She locked up behind them, clearly enjoying the boy’s forgetfulness. “I’m sure you don’t! But if you ever need to get back in after lockup, just let me know. I keep the keys. And so does Jacob, the big Arctic fox. He helps me run the place.”

The cabbit found himself walking past Melody, who shuffled with no hurry, completely abandoning any need to arrive on time. “I’ll be sure to remember that.” His face got red as he built up his courage. “Say- I was wondering. What was it that made you want to start up soup kitchens?”

Melody straightened her jacket. “Honestly, I had too much money. I don’t see the point in keeping it all to myself.”

“Wow.” Jitter kept his paws together in front of him. “You’re a really nice person?”

There were soft nods from the dog. “We’re all here to help each other. I can help a lot, so I need to.” She softly swished her tail, letting a moment of silence fall before switching the topic of conversation. “So, one of the guys on staff said you may be working here to try and date me.”

The cabbit’s heart rate rose, throat tightening. “No, I’m here to help! I swear!”

A canine paw fell to his chest, putting him at peace. “It’s okay. I know you’re helping. Just be honest with yourself why you’re here. I-” She shook her head lightly, now completely halted. “I don’t date. I’m just here to make friends and help people.”

Jitter felt his heart tightening, clenching his teeth. “Are you sure? Because I could-”

She shook her head, silencing him again. “I’m sorry, I have no interest in anything like that. I’m so glad you came to help with the kitchen, and we can hang out whenever you want, but romance just isn’t for me.” She took a step back, holding his paws as she spoke. “Do you want to part ways here? I would understand. Expectations have changed for you.”

His head shaking was much more fervent. “No, I still want to walk you home, and talk more. I told you I would. I mean, as long as that wouldn’t make you uncomfortable.”

Melody smiled wide, letting his paws fall. Seeing that Jitter wasn’t in the talking mood anymore, she went on to explain how she had made her fortune in her youth. She told stories of traveling the world, which drew him further into his passion, causing admiration mixed with longing pain. These tales continued until they arrived at her door.

She turned to him, taking his paw in hers once more. A slip of paper came out of her pocket, which she hid behind his curling fingers. “You’re an important part of my life, whatever you are, Jitter. Don’t run off because I’m not what you thought I would be. Do you need a ride home?”

His chest was heaving under his jacket, paws forming loose fists as he took in the moment and his employer’s beauty. “N-no, I can walk home. I don’t live too far away.”

Melody was smiling wide. In an instant, she pulled him towards her with a hold at his collar and left a small kiss on his cheek. “You be safe. I’d hate to have to find a new cook.” And with that, she disappeared behind the door.

After the cabbit made it home for the night, as he slumped in his chair, overcome with emotional exhaustion, he looked at the scrap of paper he’d been holding. It was a business card, listing out a few numbers at which he could reach his new boss and where to find her on given days. He turned it over to find pen ink, which detailed her cell number. Beneath was a message. “Jitter: You’re a very special boy. I can tell. Don’t let the guys give you too much trouble. We’re part of the same universe. Always let me know if I can help you.”