The Stuff of Dreams

Torn

"He's right about the new job," Mei said, popping another dumpling into her mouth. "It sounds like Boqin has gotten worse. Any reason why?"

"I think it's because of me. He hasn't been at work for two days and the other managers rely on me to make sure that everything is going right," Po said. The steaming heat from the kettle whistled, and he poured the hot water into a cup with tea. He gave it to Mei. 

"Thanks," She smiled, "But I've actually been looking into some jobs for you, and they're still in Feng Shui, so you don't have to worry about-"

"Don't worry about the place. I want to get out of there as fast a possible now."

"Huh? Why?" 

"What do you mean?"

"Well... you've never really wanted to get out until now. You always seemed comfortable there."

Po sighed, "I guess I'm so tired of the familiar mess that I want something better, even if it's not familiar, you know?" He looked at his sister. "I'm not afraid this time." Mei unconsciously gulped. "What?"

"Nothing, I've just... never seen such a fire inside of you. What changed?"

"I got mugged in Old Italy."

"Po."

"I'm serious," He dropped his chopsticks. "Yeah, I'm scared as heck right now, and there are a hundred things that could go wrong. But anything is better than this." 

The female panda, with her mouth slightly ajar, spread her lips into a wide grin. "I'm proud of you, Po. I know it's hard, but I also know you'll get through this." 

"Thanks, sis," Po smiled. 

"And I've got to say," Mei continued eating the hot dumplings, "This Tai-Lung seems to like you a lot. A guy like that doesn't give his number out to just anyone." 

"He hasn't given me his number yet, but yeah. I think you would like him."

"Me? No," Mei shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Please, someone like that isn't really my kind of guy."

"Have you seen him in real life?"

"No, but I don't think we would get along."

"Why not?"

"He seems to like intimidating people. I don't get scared easily," Mei said.

Po's face fell. "Clowns."

"They're always smiling!" Po shook his head. 

The next day, Po had the curious feeling that he had to sneak his way into the store. He clocked in, shuffled to the back, and quickly got to work when Monkey stormed in. "Whoa, whoa, what's wrong, Monkey?"

Monkey shook his head. "It's Boqin. He's more pissed off than ever."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Someone said his date stood him up," Monkey said. There was something so satisfying about hearing. It that made the panda feel like everything was right with the universe. He grinned from ear to ear. "Po, stop smiling like that. You're scaring me."

"Sorry," Po returned to his cheery self. The two of them snuck onto the floor. The shop was just opening, and Po just finished up helping a senior citizen get their food. Then he heard rage echo his name. 

Or rather his species.

"Panda!" 

"Oh sh-"

"Panda! What are you doing?!" Boqin growled out. The short scrawny snow leopard marched right up to Po's personal space, pressing a finger to his chest. "Didn't I tell you to lock up last night!"