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.)

47. Fidelity

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"All the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls brought me here."

~Ben Folds~

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47. Fidelity

Slowly, Mulan's half empty wardrobe is filled with men's suits and business shirts and jeans and Lacoste polos. The shoe rack near the door appears to breed men's shoes. The empty vanity of the twin set is steadily spotted with a toothbrush and a razor and cologne and pomade. The record collection grows. The empty spaces on the bookshelf fill with histories and biographies and recipe books.

It happens so gradually they don't even notice, not until the oven dies.

'We could renovate the kitchen,' says Shang.

It feels so natural, sprawled out in bed naked and sated, lazily kissing and touching as they talk about fixing up the house.

'We could get a built-in with cabinets to match the décor. We could do the bathrooms too. I'd be happy to pay for it.'