Throughout the drive down, Remy didn't say much. He couldn't believe what just happened, or where he was heading. it seemed like a major punishment for him.



Zophia asked him some questions like how he was doing in school and his friends.



"Fine," he said each time.



Soon they arrived and Zophia pulled into a parking space. The lot was full.



Once inside, they headed straight for the back. The dining area was packed. As was the kitchen.



It was very noisy and the staff were all rushing around and preparing meals. Remy tried not to get too overwhelmed. He knew he was going to be there for a while.



Soon he spotted Deckland preparing meals from a large pot. He welcomed Zophia with a kiss, and Remy with a handshake.



"How are you, comrade?" he said. "You here to help out too?"



Remy sighed. "Yeah, I guess I am."



"Don't feel bad Remy," said Zophia. "It's just going to be for a little while. I'll be back to get you around 3:30. In the meantime, just help out Deckland. He'll tell you what to do."



Remy just nodded. After she left, Deckland helped get him set up.



Remy put on an apron and a pair of rubber gloves.



His first instructions were to bring containers of food over to the counter and given to the needed. Then he helped Deckland serve the food to the hungry people.



Remy was surprised to see so many veterans.



Later, he was instructed to carry used pots and pans over to the sinks for washing. It was hard work.



Minutes seemed like hours as he tried to catch up. But he always seemed way behind.



He was allowed a ten-minute break, much to his relief. But afterwards, it just got more chaotic and hard. It was more than he could handle.



The overwhelmed Remy tried his hardest not to show any signs of fatigue or exasperation. Or even misery.



Deckland told him if he didn't know what else to do, just help the other workers and look busy. It was all he could do now.



Later, when he was helping set out desserts, he turned to see Zophia.



"Hey, Mr. Worker." she said." "Are you almost ready?"



Remy became flooded with relief.

"Yeah," he smiled. "I sure am."



"Alright," said Zophia. "Grab your coat and let's get ready."



"Hold on," said Deckland. He reached into his pocket. "This is for you, comrade. You did very well."



He pulled out two twenty dollar bills and handed it to him.



Remy's face lit up. "Forty dollars?"

His tail wagged. "My allowance is nowhere close to that!"



Deckland laughed. "Well, you've earned every penny. Use it well."



Remy thanked Deckland and went with Zophia.

Deckland would be joining them for dinner shortly.



Remy was completely exhausted. He had never worked so hard in his life. He had been at the soup kitchen for four hours. It made the ride home all the more sweet.



His parents were there to greet him.



"Remy, we're so proud of you," said his mother.

"We heard how hard you worked."



"You're a working fox now," said his father. "Oh, by the way, the mashed potatoes didn't come out too good. So you were right."



"I found an open store," said Zophia and picked up some milk and extra potatoes."



"So, now we're good," said Mr. Fox.



Remy was delighted.



After a quick bath, he sat down at the dining table where everything was ready. Deckland had arrived, so they could begin their Thanksgiving dinner. Everything was excellent.



When it was time for dessert, Zophia served him her fruitcake. She gave Remy an extra slice.



"You deserve this for your hard work", she said.



Remy smiled. "I'm thankful."



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