The Tiger Inside

by Nasu Hasami

Orthopaedic surgeon Mulan Hua is dedicated to her career and determined to rise above the statistics of her profession. But that shouldn't mean she has to compromise on the things she wants. Surely, in the 21st Century, a girl can have everything. (Flash fiction series. Companion story to The Nightingale's Song.)

2. Burn

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"Scar tissue that I wish you saw."

~Red Hot Chilli Peppers~

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2. Burn

Mulan is late to her rounds due to the broken elevator. She's just finished checking on a patient when her phone rings. It's Su Sun, Chair of Emergency. There's a burn victim with a III-B tibia fracture. Su's already called Poseidon Chien, the on-call plastic surgeon.

Mulan tosses her files towards the nurse's station as she runs to the OR. She scrubs in as the victim is wheeled into the room.

He's only a kid. No more than ten or eleven.

'Red light runners,' growls Poseidon. He takes a moment to repeat a mantra by the sink.

Mulan says a silent prayer to her father.