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.)

32. Suffering

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"I would have given you all of my heart."

~Cat Stevens~

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32. Suffering

If Mulan's passive avoidance of a certain cardiothoracic surgeon progresses to an active evasion, no one notices. Not until Tasunka sees Mulan dive below the nurse's station in paediatrics when Shang steps onto the ward. She stays crouched under the desk until Doctor Li checks on his patient and leaves. Mulan claims she's searching for her penlight.

The penlight that is neatly clipped to her coat pocket.

Tasunka tells Shang at lunch. He tries to soften it with a Gaucho and the tallest espresso in the universe.

Shang's very invested in his sandwich. It takes him a moment to process what Tasunka says.

Mulan Hua is avoiding him.