The dining room was full to capacity and more were lined up outside. Carlo couldn’t remember the last time the restaurant had so many patrons, but his memory wasn’t what it used to be. Low murmurs and the smacking, scraping sounds of customers enjoying their meals could be heard even through the heavy swinging door of the kitchen. Carlo smoothed a hand over his bushy mustache and hoisted the tray over his shoulder. He then pushed open the door with his free hand and entered the bustling dining room. At once, hands reached out to him, jockeying for his attention and pleading for refills. Carlo silently maneuvered around them, raising the tray out of reach.
The “Manager’s Special” had been a feature on the menu ever since the restaurant opened over ten years ago, but only a handful of people had ever ordered it. Starting last week, however, the special was all anyone asked for. They couldn’t get enough. Carlo was aware that tastes changed with the times, but this sudden shift in the desires of his customers was unprecedented.
Reaching table fifteen, Carlo lowered the tray and slid the plate full of the gray, glistening Special on to the checkered cloth. The hungry couple seated at the table immediately dug knuckle deep into the plate, shoving handfuls into their drooling mouths.
Carlo slowly shuffled back to the kitchen to fill his tray again.
Being undead is no excuse to call in sick to work. Carlo is one dedicated employee. I love that his suspenders have “flair.” The blue button says “Bite Me.” I know how you feel, Carlo. I know how you feel.
To see previous zombies or to learn just what the heck this is all about, please visit my Zombie-A-Month page.
I love the stories you write with the zombies. I read them before I scroll down to see the picture. Happy Monday!
Glad you like the stories! I try to make it so you can try to guess what the zombie will look like based on the story.
I love the Zombie-A-Month posts. I’m starting to tell time by the posts. Has it been another month already?
I know, right? Where is the time going? Five months into the new year already (I know cause I got five zombies staring at me).
I admit, I had this vision of Carlo working in a nice little Italian joint with red checkered tablecloths, tea light candles, and dark paneling on the walls. Then I made it to the photo and saw the “flair” on the suspenders and laughed out loud. I totally overestimated the situation and location. Who knew it would be T.G.I. Friday’s? That’s Tongue, Guts & Intestines. I SO look forward to your Zombie of the Month stories, Amy!
The mom-and-pop little italian joint got edged out by the larger chain restaurants. Carlo had to get a job working at Brainigan’s to pay the bills. It’s better than working at Offal Garden, though.
Thanks, Jeanne!
Or Dead Lobster!
Haha! I need a blue button. ASAP!
That button “makes” the whole zombie for me! We all should have a button like that.
Would be merely cute, but the flair pushes it over the top.
Flair has a way of doing that. Thanks, Todd!
I LOVE your zombie stories. You paint a scene so vivid with your words I almost think that I’m there. Almost. And then I realize there is no blood and my brain is still functioning (well as best as it can). The flare made me laugh out loud. Thank you for that!
Your brain function is much higher than a zombie’s, that’s for sure!
Thank you for reading!
Why, he sure is one trendy and fashionable little Zombie with a huge, push-broom mustache, isn’t he?
Elegantly written; a restaurant where Hannibal Lecter hisself would feel comfortable and confident of a good meal of maggoty brains! Too bad there aren’t paper zombies of the rest of the patrons…but wait, end-of-year, perhaps all of your zombies will gather here for a grande finale celebration? (Hopefully, only the end of Season 1, with season 2 on the horizons…)
If everyone gets along as the months progress, then I can see a big shindig happening at the end of the year. I hope there will be a Season 2! If they don’t make a zombie calendar for 2012 then I don’t know what I’ll do.
I kept wracking my brain trying to think why this seemed familiar. TWILIGHT ZONE…”To Serve Man”.
Remember?
“It’s a cookbook! A cookbook!”
Yes, I remember.
I think this accurately describes anyone who works in the restaurant business, dead or alive.
I think the picture is what makes the story even better. Who doesn’t love fresh brains on a platter served by someone with a mustache?
Ava
I have to agree… that moustache is kinda happening. I may have to grow one of those sooner or later. Maybe even make it mauve as well.
Ha! I double-dog dare ya!
Oh it’s on now! Phase one – Luigi.
Oh, you know I’m gonna want pics!
This is so goddamned brilliant I don’t know what to even say. The ‘Bite me’ flair made me spit up some coffee… I…love… you!
You’re gonna inflate my ego to dangerous proportions. I’m not asking you to stop, just letting you know that I may become difficult to live with. You’ve been warned.
Love you too, man!