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.)

43. Blind

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

---

"One look at you and I can't disguise, I've got hungry eyes."

~Eric Carmen~

---

43. Blind

The annual hospital gala is a night to talk up West River and charm entrepreneurs into donating beds, MRIs, and wings. In the three years Mulan's been at West River, the year Shang begs her to attend is the first time she hasn't offered to work in the ED. It's the first time in her life she's needed an evening gown. She finds an Alexander McQueen dress she loves but it's almost eight thousand dollars. She tries to find something else, but she keeps coming back to the McQueen.

Red, one shoulder, silk, floor-sweeping hem.

It's the most beautiful thing Mulan's ever seen. It looks magnificent on her—like it was made for her.

But it's eight thousand dollars and that's at least six thousand more than Mulan's willing to spend on a dress she'll wear once, even if it looks amazing on her.

Then she finds it hanging in her consultation room with a note from Shang.

This dress was meant for you.