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.)

30. Frigid

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"這荒亂世界充滿殘缺."

~Men Envy Children~

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30. Frigid

There's already four people in the elevator other than Shang Li, so Mulan deems it safe to enter. Nothing untoward happens as they move toward the parking lot. All five of them exit. Shang goes to the left, heading towards the same spot he always parks his Tesla. Mulan goes straight ahead to the park she snapped up when she arrived. They don't wave or speak or make eye contact.

He's just a colleague, Mulan tells herself.

She tosses her handbag onto the passenger seat and shuffles through her things until she finds her phone. When she feels the ways she does, ordering dinner for one hurts. And Mulan knows it shouldn't hurt this much. It shouldn't hurt at all.

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Notes

1. 這荒亂世界充滿殘缺. English translation: This wild chaotic world is full of imperfections.