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.)

36. Mark

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"You light the spark in my bonfire heart."

~James Blunt~

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36. Mark

'We met in an elevator,' says Shang as they're moving between floors.

The strange turn in his behaviour has thrown Mulan. She's seen him tired, but she's never seen him falling over himself and talking nonsense.

'Your ex is an asshole.'

Mulan nods slowly. Staff Sergeant Shan Yu was an asshole, but at least she'd found out about it before marrying him.

'I'd never treat you that way.'

Again, Mulan nods. She doesn't know Shang Li all that well, but she knows he's different. Shan never made her breakfast or brought her coffee or lunch between shifts. Shan never went out of his way to look after her or spoil her. Shan never bothered to learn her Starbucks order.