Wonder Aquarium

A tablet held the data. Blue jackets with green lettering bustled by each other with the aquarium currently shut down for the agents to inspect.

“So, we’re going to have to investigate a bit further, Mr. Pax. You’re going to avoid fines or oversights because there was no ruling of foul play,” Rizzy Jett said. She looked down and then up.

“I’d like to think not. My trainers and the rest of my staff are profess—” Gentry Pax started.

“I understand that, sir. That’s why I’m addressing the issue now.”

“So, what is it?”

“It’s called chronic captivity stress.”

“Yes, I’m familiar. The same thing happened with the terrapins.”

“Some folks still don’t know the difference.”

“I know,” Pax rolled his eyes. He then peered at the tank with the remaining turtles floating.

“All we have to do is type up a report and we can go from there,” Rizzy said. “Look, I know you’re not hurting these creatures on purpose. Negligence is something else which I highly doubt is the issue here. They’re just not used to being in a closed environment for extended periods of time. Our investigation isn’t complete but we’ll update you via texts throughout the entire time.”

“Thank you.”

Rizzy nodded and moved on to the next exhibit.

Pax ran his finger along a rail. He then sanitized his hands. He kept walking the halls that he used to sweep as a teenager. He looked at his watch. A text already.

“Code 3.” The message meant that conditions weren’t perfect but just okay with five being the best and one being the worst. He brought his fingers to his temples and massaged them.

“Hey, Gent’,” Calista Samulson called. “What did they say about the conditions?” Paula Boxer asked. She was the assistant director of Wonder. Pax flashed his wrist.

“Okay. Not great but I don’t think they’ll be putting up tape around the exterior.” Calista smiled.

Pax showed a slight grin. “Yeah, I wanted that five, though.”

“We can get there.” She walked away.

Her enthusiasm and constant optimism propelled Pax. He walked past empty exhibits that normally buzzed with excitement and curiosity. He always enjoyed the faces of the children lit up like fireworks.

Herr Gompton, lead trainer of the turtle tank, walked up to Pax.

“Hey, Bossman.”

Pax didn’t realize he was being addressed.

“Gentry….” Pax turned and smiled.

“Hey, Herr. Pardon me. I was just—”

“I know. They’re rather gorgeous, no? These just hatched. They were the first in a long while because the parents are still affected by stress. That just means fewer babies. But that doesn’t take away from their beauty.”

“Herr, this is another chance for you to shine.”

“How so?”

“You can show that you have the wherewithal to be the one that cared for, nurtured, and loved these turtles.”

“Absolutely, boss.” He walked away, too.

Pax started toward the elevator up to his office.

“Hey, Gent’!” A day laborer named Edwin Barr, like him once, stepped up to him.

“Hey, bossman! We’re at five, right?”

Pax flashed his wrist once again.

“Oh. That’s okay. We’ll get there next time. You know what is going to happen to the turtle exhibit?”

“After they release to the press the official conditions, we’re going to know what everyone thinks.”

“Like public opinion?”

“Exactly. I despise it, too.”

“Isn’t that crazy.”

“I know. I know.”

“We’ll pull through, though.” Barr smiled. Keep your head up, bossman.”

Pax grinned as he stepped onto the elevator.

Rizzy was waiting outside his door.

“I wanted to tell you to your face, sir. We sent the report to the Daily Delaware; it will be in the paper tomorrow morning. If you want to make a statement, you can go ahead.” She held out her phone.

“I’m going to order more turtles, putting Wonder Aquariums into the red momentarily.”

That was printed with editorials saying Pax, the great capitalist of creature captivity was sacrificing his company for the greater good.”

In fact, the story prompted an outpouring of individuals seeking to see the new turtles. Ticket sales skyrocketed putting the aquarium back into the black.

Pax stood in the lobby after hours. He addressed an applauding crowd.

“When you do something that sucks, it’s not a sacrifice if you value the outcome more than the strife. I value this moment here, with you. Thank you.”