A Forest Tale: A Startup Fable

Part One

Sharing the Dream

Chapter 1

The flight to the office was serene. Bill soared on several updrafts, enjoying the warmth of the mid-summer sun. The offices of Field and Plow, the firm where he had worked for nearly five years, were close to home, in the same part of the Forest. The Forest was divided into four areas—North, South, East, and West—each with its own locally elected council and mayor.

The offices of Field and Plow occupied two floors in a building at the corner of Poplar and Stream. Poplar Street was home to an array of businesses—banks, hair salons, clothing stores, construction companies, insurance agents. All the animals in the Forest worked a six-day week, Monday through Saturday, and rested on the seventh with their families and friends. Most businesses operated from sun-up to sundown.

Field and Plow’s business was brokering vegetables. The busiest seasons were summer and fall, when the main harvesting was done. Most planting was done in spring. In winter they’d sell off any inventories that had been built up by the farmers. In winter, demand always exceeded supply, so prices were higher during those months, a good thing for the firm, because the higher prices made up for the lower sales volumes. Bill’s job was to find buyers for the crops produced by the firm’s clients. Field and Plow’s fee for this service was five percent of whatever the veggies eventually sold for.

Bill landed gently on the steps of the Field and Plow offices. He opened the door, said good morning to the receptionist, a burly porcupine named Mrs. Dumple, marked himself In on the pine board that hung in the lobby, and headed up the narrow stairs to his second-floor office.

Bill’s desk was still strewn with papers from Saturday. For a week straight he’d been working on a major deal with Mr. Big of the Bright Orange Carrot Farm. They were the biggest carrot producers in the East, and bringing them on board would be something to boast about.

At that moment, Bill’s idea came back to him in a wave of emotion. The excitement of it all was invigorating, made him feel there was something bigger out there, a New World to conquer. As well, he could sense that if this were successful, it would bring him great wealth, something he wanted. At least, he thought he did.

Bill smiled as he walked over to his office door and slowly eased it shut. It was time to flesh out his idea.

*     *     *

An hour later Bill had reached fever pitch, scribbling notes on parchment, trying to recapture the ideas that had rushed through his mind in his dream the night before. Then a loud rap at his door interrupted him.

Be right with you! Bill called, flustered. He quickly pushed his pages of notes into a rough pile and stuffed it into a desk drawer. He looked up just as the door was opening.

Mr. Jacob—a large moose and Bill’s boss—filled the doorway. Bill, my son, I want you to meet someone, said the moose, ducking to enter the room, awkwardly turning his head to get his antlers in.

Bill regained his composure and got up and moved toward Mr. Jacob.

Then out from between the moose’s legs stepped a crow.

Hi, the crow said, hopping onto Bill’s desk. My name’s Mary. I’m Bob’s replacement. I’ll be next door to you, Mary indicated with a nod of her head, before extending her wing in greeting.

Bill watched as Mary made herself comfortable on his desk. Something had caught her eye and she was scratching at it with her claw.

When he saw the parchment, a cold sweat broke out under his feathers. He had left out the first page of his notes. It named his idea in big bold letters, The NET, and underneath was written Connecting the Forest.

Bill? You okay, son? Mr. Jacob moved closer, adjusting his thick glasses to get a better look at the eagle, who was swaying a little before him. Bill looked at Mary. She was now holding the paper in one claw and had cocked her head to look at him too. Then something happened that gave Bill an eerie feeling all over. She rolled her eyes back in her head, and in that instant, though he could hardly say why, Bill sensed danger.

It was over in a flash. Mary smiled, released the paper, and turned to Mr. Jacob. I’m so excited about the opportunity you’ve given me here, Mr. Jacob, she said. I’m sure that Bill and I will work well together.

Bill has been here for five years now. He can show you the ropes. Bob is a hard act to follow, but I’m confident you’ll be up to the challenge. Mr. Jacob began to lumber toward the door. He turned back for a moment before angling his antlers around the doorframe again. Bill, I’m confident you can get Mary up to speed in no time.

It’ll be my pleasure to show Mary around. You can count on me, sir.

*     *     *

By lunchtime, Bill had taken Mary on a complete tour. He had shown her the sales and administration offices and of course the accounting offices, which were filled with finicky beavers. They had ended the tour back in their own hallway.

So, what’s up for lunch? Mary asked when they were outside her office.

Well, I usually bring mine but I was rushed this morning and forgot.

Why don’t we grab something together? suggested Mary. There seem to be several spots close to here where we could get a quick bite.

Yeah, sure. How about Tony’s Salad Emporium? Bill suggested.

Great. Let me grab my purse and we’ll go.

No, don’t bother. My treat, Bill said.

You really are as nice as Mr. Jacob says, Mary said with a smile. She closed her door and the two of them set off through the light drizzle. Bill hoped they’d get some real rain; his clients could use it.

The Salad Emporium was bustling as animals of all species made their way in and out. Very popular spot, said Bill, opening the door for Mary. A place for the in-crowd. A lot of the brokers come here.

They shook the damp off their wings, then made for a table in the far corner. Why don’t you get settled and I’ll go and order for us, said Bill. What would you like, Mary? The green salad with insects is great. So is the grass salad with fried salmon bits.

I’ll have the green salad. And could you also get me a glass of water? Oh, and thanks so much. I really appreciate this.

Bill placed the order and leaned against the display counter while he waited. Mary was a pleasant surprise. She didn’t fit his image of a crow at all. On their tour she’d seemed funny, intelligent, and generous. She was so… agreeable. That was nice. He felt he could trust her.

But what about the piece of parchment? She hadn’t mentioned it yet. Maybe she really hadn’t understood it, or maybe she didn’t care. It didn’t seem important any more and that feeling of danger he had felt, well, it had departed like a retreating tide.

Salad’s up! shouted Tony.

Bill and Mary ate and talked. Turned out Mary was from a small village up North and she had just recently moved to the East. She had worked for her father’s fish farm as a sales representative, and the move here had been prompted by boredom. She had wanted to see more of the Forest. Her uncle, a friend of Mr. Jacob’s, had referred her to Field and Plow. She had the sales experience and the fit seemed good.

Tell me a little about yourself, Bill, Mary said. Are you married? Do you have any kids? You know, the usual sort of gossip we all like to hear.

I’m married to a wonderful hawk, Penny. We’ve been together for almost nine years now, and we have a daughter named Jennifer. Bill leaned back in his chair. We live up on Timber Lane in the new subdivision that was put in about two years ago. Nice little spot. Quiet and close to Jennifer’s school. She starts this year, so we’re all excited about that.

Why did you become a vegetable broker? Was it because of the money? Mary asked.

Not really, although the pay is good. My father was a vegetable broker, and I guess I sort of developed a liking for the trade early on through him. I’ve been with Field and Plow for just about five years now. It’s interesting and rewarding work.

It does seem to be that way, Mary said, then quickly added, Guess we should be going. I don’t want to be taking an extended lunch break first day on the job!

Quite right, agreed Bill.

They walked back to the office, chatting and laughing, and Bill couldn’t stop thinking about how nice Mary seemed.

*     *     *

When Bill got home after work, Jennifer was outside playing. He landed and she hurried over. Hi, Daddy, she said, her wings wide for a big hug.

Hi, Sweetie. You should have a raincoat on. You’re all wet, you silly. Bill kissed her and lifted her up. He held her in his wings as they walked toward the front door. How was your day?

Well, Mommy and I went for a little fly, over to see my school.

And how was that? Were you excited?

Oh, yes. It’s so nice. I can’t wait till school starts.

Bill set Jennifer down and opened the door. Hi, Babe, he said, giving his wife a kiss.

Hi, Penny said, taking a pot off the fire. How was your day?

Good… good. You know, typical, really. I’ve just about finished that carrot deal I’ve been working on. I have to go up there tomorrow to sign off the papers.

Well, that’s a good thing.

Yeah. And they brought in Bob’s replacement today.

Great. Who is it? Penny asked, setting a plate down and scooping some potatoes onto it.

Well, believe it or not, she’s a crow.

Ouch! said Penny, wincing. How do you feel about that?

Actually, she seems very nice. I was a bit taken aback when I first met her, but she’s okay. I think she’ll work out just fine.

I sure hope so. I know it’s been tough on you since Bob left. Penny came over and gave Bill a little hug. You’ve been working so hard.

It should change now, Bill said, taking his seat.

Jennifer sat down and they all talked, laughed, and ate. Bill thought about how lucky he was to have a loving wife and a beautiful daughter. And, of course, food on the table and a roof over his head were also good to have. He had a wonderful life. He knew he did.

That night, after they’d tucked Jennifer in, Bill and Penny lay in bed. It had been a long day, and Bill was relieved to have a few quiet moments with his wife. They had developed a habit over the years of always talking to each other, in a real way, about whatever the day had brought them, each night before they went to sleep. This was an important ritual and had served to strengthen the bond between them.

Something on your mind, Hon? Penny asked, snuggling under Bill’s wing. She could always tell when he was deep in thought. Sometimes it was his habit of twirling the feathers on his head that tipped her off; other times it was simply her keen hawk sense.

Bill considered bringing up his idea. Perhaps now was the time. He didn’t like this feeling of hiding something. Bill and Penny were open with each other. While this honesty sometimes led to arguments, it also reinforced their faith in each other and the trust between them.

But he decided against it. He wanted to weigh the implications himself first. Would he need to quit his current job to pursue The NET? Would he have to use some of their savings to get it going? Would he have to call on friends and relatives to invest? There were still too many unanswered questions. And he hadn’t worked out the details of how The NET would work.

Hon? Penny prompted.

Just thinking about work, Bill replied. And wondering how the new crow will make out. Bob was such a good sales rep.

Everything will be fine, Penny whispered and kissed him tenderly.

Yes, I suppose it will. Bill kissed her back.

I’m thinking about taking a day course when Jenny starts school, Penny said, propping herself up to look at him. I figured that with more free time I might pursue that real estate license we talked about before she was born.

I think that’s a great idea.

I’m glad you’re okay with it. I’ll get some more info tomorrow. I’ll send Jenny to my mother’s for the day. She hasn’t been there in a full moon.

I’ll be in your corner on this, Babe, Bill said. Whatever it takes. I know you can do it.

Thanks, Hon. Penny kissed him again. No wonder I love you so, even though my mother thought you were a bit too big for your britches when we first met. She giggled.

They talked a while longer and listened to the heavy rain that had begun to fall. Then Bill floated off to sleep, a sleep filled with thoughts of information flow, license fees, members, business relations, and the name that captured it all: The NET.

*    *     *

Mary arrived home, tired but satisfied. It had been a good first day at work. She smiled to herself as she gathered her mail from the box before heading in to her small, one-bedroom apartment.

She grabbed a chair and sat down, opened the letter she’d pulled from the mailbox, and began to read. It was from her father.

Dear Mary,

It is with great heartache that I write this letter to you. I do not know what to say, as my sorrow runs so deep. What you did to our family, to me specifically, was inexcusable. I do not know if I can ever forgive you. Only time will answer that question. And as for your mother, I’m not sure. I cannot and will not speak for her. This is my letter.

I didn’t find out until after you left what you had done. It came as a surprise, I assure you. If you were having problems, why didn’t you come and talk with me? We could have worked it out, couldn’t we? We used to talk all the time when you were small. What changed?

Now I am left with a feeling of betrayal and sadness. I do not wish you harm, but I do not want you to come back home… ever. If you want to see your mother, it will have to happen elsewhere. You have sealed your fate with me. I am sorry, but I have to live by my principles.

Mary, before I end this, I would like you to think about something my own father told me once, It’s not what you have but who you have that really counts.

Dad

Mary turned the letter over in her claw. Pathetic, she sneered, tossing the letter in the waste basket. She then made herself a nice supper, opened her shutters, and watched the rain fall.

Chapter 2

Tuesday started the same as most other days for Bill. Get up, get washed, get dressed, don’t forget the tie. Then breakfast, chit-chat, kiss Penny and Jenny goodbye, grab the lunch bag and take to the sky.

The flight into the office, through a sky clouded with grey from last night’s rainstorm, was typical, too.

Good morning, Mrs. Dumple, Bill greeted the prickly receptionist as he moved through the Field and Plow lobby on his way to the second floor.

Mary was already at her desk, going through a file. Morning, Bill, she called out as Bill headed to his office.

Morning, Mary, Bill replied, opening his office door. He went inside and put his lunch bag down on his desk. That’s funny, he thought. He could have sworn he’d left the Bright Orange Carrot file out yesterday, but it wasn’t on the desk now.

He checked several drawers, then searched the file case against the wall. No sign of it. He scanned the office, even checking under the chair. He twirled the feathers on top of his head.

When he looked up, Mary was standing in the doorway, watching him and holding a file.

Looking for this? she asked.

If it’s the Bright Orange Carrot file, yes.

It’s the Bright file, Mary said with a smile. She entered the office, passing the file to Bill.

Thanks, I think. May I ask why you had it?

Mr. Jacob asked me to go over to the farm with you this morning to close the deal. He thought it would be a good experience for me. ‘Learn from the best,’ he said. You can’t beat that, Mary added with a disarming smile. I thought I’d familiarize myself with the client, so I borrowed the file. I hope you don’t mind. Hey, your notes were excellent. I just don’t know how you can figure out all the little details like that.

Bill relaxed. He sat down behind his desk. "Well, thanks. Yeah, the deal was confusing."

You’re telling me, Mary said, settling into the seat across from him.

"In fact, I’d say this deal was one of the more difficult ones we’ve had at the firm in a while, and Old Mr.