Work or Life
The tiger rushed into work one day, clacking her black flats against the carpet floor. She was a bit late this time, 8:03 am in fact, but she knew Po wouldn't worry. Her being late, however, did affect how early she could pick up Lei Lei. She darted across the sea of cubicles, waving to some unknown person in one of them, and skidded to her office desk.
"I really need to figure out who works there," Tigress muttered to herself. Though she was right next to it, the people working in the sea of cubicles were always an enigma to the feline. She sat down and started work, quickly checking through the normal checklist before tackling the major projects.
Then laughter distracted her. She glanced up from her desk and saw Po walking around the office with someone very well-known. Tigress looked at her work. She was in a good stopping place and could use a walk. It was only-
She actually jumped when she saw the clock. 11:30 am.
"I... really need to get better at taking breaks," She grumbled, rubbing away the strain in her eyes. She got up and walked over to the panda and his companion.
Po spotted her. "Hey! Tigress, look who came for a visit."
"I could see," Tigress smiled, stretching out her hand. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Oogway."
"It's good to see you too, Tigress," the tortoise smiled. The older shelled creature wore his normal wear: A dark suit with a colorful tie and a white shirt. His shoes were always shined to the point they reflected the incandescent lights, which made Tigress a little jealous. The colorful ties were always a different humorous joke. From "I hate workdays" to colorful polka dots with jade or yellow hues. It was always something that made Tigress chuckle a bit.
Just then, Po's phone rang. "Excuse me, I have to take this."
"The life of a CEO. I know," Oogway smiled.
"Why don't you two catch up?" Po said as he walked away.
Tigress gave a small polite grin. "It is... good to see you, Mr. Oogway. I'm surprised you came. How is retirement?"
"It's good. Uneventful though," The tortoise chuckled. "In fact, I'm soon coming out of retirement to do some other work."
Tigress's eyes widened. "I thought retirement is when people stop working."
The tortoise sighed, "If people stop working, they die. We need rest, but we need movement as well. That's what makes us alive. There's always something to do, but it's nice to have a bit of peace. Retirement is just going at a slower pace."
"Hmm. I'll have to... reconsider my ideal retirement age then," Tigress muttered. Oogway was wise, but there were times the feline couldn't follow his philosophical speaking. No matter how useful it was.
Oogway smiled, "I hope you do." That smile he had always warmed the tiger. It reminded her of her late grandfather. But that smile slowly went away as Oogway asked, "So... have you forgiven me for... not giving you the CEO position?"
Her eyes slowly narrowed as she crossed her arms. She leisurely scanned the tortoise while she held a pensive stare. "So... you knew."
"I did, but I also knew the CEO's problems. As I'm sure Po has told you."
"What makes you think he reveals secrets?"
"How stressful a situation is isn't a company secret, Tigress. And I know that Po wouldn't have made it through without you close by."
"And yet, you still didn't give me the position."
"Because I knew better than to give you that burden."
The tiger stared at him for what felt like nine minutes. She didn't move or say a word. The light glare on her eyes wasn't as intense as the tortoise thought it would be and her crossed arms weren't as tight as they used to be. She was changing, that much was clear. Tigress gave a long sigh, "Mr. Oogway. I was very upset if I'm being honest. You knew how long I've been trying to get that position. You also knew the amount of work and effort I put in to qualify myself."
"But I also know what tunnel vision looks like," Oogway frowned. "It's something Kai and I had when we first came to this company. I'm sure you've seen for yourself that kind of... power-hungry mentality."
"You were worried I would become like Kai?"
"I was worried that you burn out and be miserable. I nearly did. It's a miracle that I managed to last this long."
"While also allowing certain... practices to happen," Tigress gently noted. The tortoise gave a heavy sigh. "But... you're right. I'm learning that Po is the right person for the job. There are more than just formal qualifications that make someone right for a position. I honestly don't think I could've done half the things Po did. But... why?"
"There's formal training and then there's real-life training. Po talks with a lot of people. He's social and good for a listening ear as I'm sure you've noticed. And he can manage conflict... with the right person behind him of course," Oogway smiled. Tigress coughed and nodded. "You're a good working woman, but people skills are a must when you're doing this job. Especially dealing with hostile people like Kai and, apparently, formerly Shen. As kind as Viper and Mei Mei are, they would've had issues if they were in that position."
"And me?"
"Do you see yourself managing as Po has?" Oogway asked.
Tigress sighed, "No."
"I kept the details of the CEO job away from you because I didn't want you to get involved. And after seeing your love for Lei Lei, I knew your desire for the executive role was just a means to an end."
"And?"
"There's nothing wrong with that," Oogway gently said, noticing the tiger's slight growl, "But you should know by now that there are more important things than a job. And a better position does not guarantee 'more opportunities'. And if I told you, I'm sure you would've been more than a little concerned for my health."
"Or quit before you did." Oogway lifted an eyebrow. "If you left and I knew what was going on, I would probably leave as well." The tiger sighed, "In the end, you did the right thing. Zainan Inc is... less of a disaster because of Po."
"So... forgive me?" The tortoise smiled.
Tigress shook her head with a smile. "Of course, Mr. Oogway. I understand. Though I'd still appreciate a little growth."
"Don't worry, you might not have to worry about your position for long."
Before Tigress could ask him more questions, Po came back. "Well, I just got off with the people for the company party. Oogway, are you sure you don't want to come? You're formally invited."
"I appreciate the gesture, but I think I'll have to miss this one. I have some... paperwork for my... new employment."
"What employment is it?" Tigress asked, wondering what kind of industry the former CEO would qualify for.
"It's... a surprise," Oogway smiled. "I'll tell you later. I promise."
"I'll hold you to that," Tigress smirked. "Although, I am curious to see you in a party arena, Po."
"How come?"
"I've only seen you a few times outside of work. I'm interested in what 'formal party' you looks like."
Po chuckled a bit, "I'll just be in my suit like usual. Trust me, it's nothing special."
"Mmm, still."
"Well, I'll leave you two to your work," Oogway said, "I'm sure you two have things to prepare for."
"Yeah, I do," Po grumbled.
"It was nice seeing you again, Tigress," Oogway smiled, shaking the tiger's hand.
The tiger returned the grin, "And you too, Mr. Oogway." The tortoise and panda walked back to the elevator and disappeared behind its doors. Tigress glanced at the clock. 11:35 am.
She still had some time and, quite honestly, she didn't feel the rush to go back to work right now. "Should I text Lee?" She asked herself. She shook her head.
She needed some space to understand her situation with Lee. Instead, she walked over to Viper's department. Tai Lung wasn't at his office; he and Mei Mei were still on vacation. The tiger knocked on the serpent's door. "Oh! Tigress, come in. What's up?"
"Nothing much... I wanted to ask you something a little personal," Tigress said, closing the door behind her. "How are you and... Crane doing?"
"Wh-What? What did Mei Mei tell you?!"
"Nothing, nothing. It's just... I'm not...that blind."
Viper hissed sheepishly. Tigress could've sworn she saw a small pink tint on the snake's cheeks. "I... like him."
"More than co-workers?" Tigress smirked.
"...Yes," Viper grumbled. "We're not official yet, but we've been talking on our lunch breaks and... he's very goofy when he's nervous but I like him. He's cute and funny, and straightforward sometimes."
Tigress smiled. "I'm glad you do."
"What about you and Po?"
The tiger's eyes squinted to unfriendly slits. "What do you mean?"
"I know the rumors out there have been getting to you a bit. Especially when Du Ai was here. I'm not trying to accuse but-"
"It's fine, Viper," Tigress sighed but smiled. "I know that being the... secretary for someone like Po is only going to make rumors spread. If I were a guy, it wouldn't be happening, but that's society."
Viper tilted her head. "You've gotten more... carefree about this. You actually look less stressed out."
Tigress gently smiled, "Things have changed. I've changed."
"Because of Po?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I'm just saying. Before Po, you were laser-focused on moving up in your career."
"And I still am."
"With much less fire and stress, I might add."
"I'm still trying to get a higher-paid position, Viper," Tigress said firmly. "I'm not sacrificing who I am just because of Po. Yes, he took my position and it's been hard. But he... I've come to realize that he was the best person for that job. If it were me, I don't think I would last long."
"And I'm sure Lei Lei is glad that you have more time with her."
Tigress gave a small smile. "She's glad I'm here."
"That's great. Oh! What about your boyfriend? Lee, was it?"
"He's doing well."
"How are you two doing?"
"We're compatible."
Viper frowned. "But... are you two... in love or at least find each other attractive?"
Before she could say anything, her phone buzzed. "Speak of the devil. That's him now. I need to take this, Viper."
"S-S-S-Sure," Viper stuttered a bit, surprised at the change, and coincidence, of topics. The tiger left the room, leaving Viper unanswered in her questions.
Of course, given Tigress's long-ish pause, the snake wondered if the tiger even had answers.
Continued...