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.)

31. Platonic

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"The dullest knife just sawing back and forth."

~Paramore~

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31. Platonic

On Tuesday, Mulan isn't so lucky with the elevator. Shang is stepping on at Oncology as she's stepping off. He catches her wrist and tugs on the cuff of her coat.

'Hey.' There's a meek smile on his face—one that shows just how shy he really is behind his professional MD persona. 'Did I do something wrong?' he asks.

'No,' sighs Mulan.

'That's not how it feels.'

'I'm just in a weird place.' Shang deserves a better explanation, but Mulan hopes he'll understand.

'Okay,' he says, and she knows from his tone it really isn't okay.

'You make great toast,' she says, and immediately wants to slap herself in the face.