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.)

6. Osmosis

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"When all the tears are rolling down your face."

~Jess Glynne~

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6. Osmosis

On Thursday morning, Shang slinks into the auditorium and hopes no one notices his tardiness. The door has almost closed and Shang has almost entered unnoticed when a fluorescent pink Croc comes into view. Mulan Hua slips in beside him, hair pinned up with stationery, scrubs already a little grubby. She's sipping from two venti coffees simultaneously as she juggles half a croissant between two fingers.

The lecture is on appropriate behavior in the workplace. Shang knows it's happening because he lodged a formal complaint.

And because Harvey Yao socked a drunk.

'Wish I'd seen it,' whispers Mulan. She's close enough that Shang can tell she wears the same perfume as his sister, and that the dog tags she always wears bear the name ZHOU HUA. 'I only saw Harvey's hand. Afterwards. Must have been some punch.'