When I Was Still The Boss Lady

So last year at my office party, something weird happened. You know those little moments that you just let slide because it's one of those nights where everyone is a little tipsy and no one really minds? Well, this was one of those moments... but not quite. My boss, Mike (he’s in his 60s), has been at the company since before I started thirty years ago. He’s always been a bit of an oddball character, loves playing pranks on everyone and never misses a chance to make us laugh or feel comfortable around him. But that night... well, let me back up a little. Mike is also one of those bosses who used to be so intimidating when I was starting out. He’s sharp, demands excellence from everyone, but somehow managed to create this work environment where we all love coming into the office every day because we want to perform for him. It’s like he knows how to balance being a strict boss with being someone you genuinely care about. Anyway, back to the party. We were all gathered in the break room eating food and chatting when Mike starts telling these old stories from when he first started here. One of them was about this lady who used to work under him, Linda (she’s long gone now). The funny part is, I think Mike still has feelings for her. Just the way he speaks about her makes it clear there's more than just admiration. And that's where things get strange. He starts going on and on about how she was so clever and amazing at her job, and you could see in his eyes that he really liked her beyond professional respect. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of a pang, seeing the way Mike looks back fondly at someone who’s long gone made me realize something about my own feelings towards him. He's been like a father figure or an uncle to me, and it hit me hard just how much time has passed and how different everything is now. I think I was a bit of a mess for the rest of that night, thinking more about Mike’s past than enjoying the party. It left me wondering if there's anything left in my career that isn't already part of someone else's story or future plans.