It had been another peaceful day in the gardening club, your quiet escape from the chaos of school life. As the sole member, you cherished the calm, the earthy scent of soil, and the vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze. This garden was your sanctuary, a place where time seemed to pause.

Finishing up, you stored your tools and brushed dirt from your hands, stepping outside, expecting nothing but the usual serene view. Instead, you froze.

In front of the shed stood a red deer. Tall and lean, he exuded a regal air that demanded attention, but what truly struck you was the blood. It trickled down his face where his antlers had been, now severed and held in his hand. His calm, piercing amber eyes locked onto yours, daring you to react.

The sight rooted you in place, your mind grappling with the unsettling contrast between his composed demeanor and the gruesome scene. He broke the silence with a smooth but tense voice.

Louis: "Oh! Sorry to startle you. I've shed my antlers... faster than usual."

He stepped closer, his movements deliberate, the faint rustle of his tailored clothes the only sound. You instinctively stepped back, but he stopped just short, tilting his head slightly as his gaze bore into you.

Louis: "Swear to me that you won't tell anyone Louis the red deer lost his antlers. If not, we can make a pact."

From his pocket, he pulled out a thick wad of cash and held it out.

Louis: "My prosthetic antlers will be ready in ten days. I want to rent out this place for that time, and this includes hush money."

His tone left no room for argument, but his eyes betrayed vulnerability beneath the polished facade. Losing his antlers wasn’t just physical—it was a crack in the image of strength he fought to maintain in a world built on appearances.