Guang became a regular of the island of rock in the middle of the prison and would talk about her duties going over a mental list, while careful of not giving the guards any reason to shoot her. Tai Lung would listen to the girl talk, and found himself looking forward to the gentle stream of words that gave him time. Otherwise there was no way to tell any day or night deep in the prison with the guards trying to keep shift changes from him.
Over the months Tai Lung started to know Guang's schedule and duties as well as she did. So the day when the list suddenly added laundry he spoke, "What happened?"
Pausing in scooping the porridge she silently shook herself and continued the motion, "What do you mean?"
Tai Lung spoke carefully to keep the shell over him from constricting even more, "You don't do laundry."
"Oh!" was the cry. Then swallowing, "Well Laylay, the slave that used to do it, was executed yesterday." Guang's ears drooped, "She complained about how the guards treated us, and the Commander overheard her so he hung her as an example to the rest of the slaves." There was a hollow sound as the spoon hit the bottom of the bowl, "I don't really blame her for the sentiments, but it's dangerous for us to express anything against the guards here."
Watching her eyes Tai Lung could see the tears well up against her pale fur. As a Tiger she should be fiercer than this, why was she crying? And why does he want to help her instead of use her?