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.)

48. Amity

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"What you need is a friend to count on."

~Taylor Dayne~

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48. Amity

After a difficult chest wall reconstruction, Mulan doesn't want to be alone. Nine hours on her feet. Every complication imaginable. A know-it-all intern who hadn't followed a single instruction. When Shang walks around the corner from his consultation room, Mulan slams into him and locks her arms around his middle.

'I was just on my way to find you,' he says. 'You okay?'

'Need you,' Mulan mumbles to his chest. Her grip tightens as she smooshes her face into his shirt.

They stand just so for a few minutes. Once Mulan is a little calmer, Shang shuffles her into his consultation room and sets her on his couch, wrapping her in a blanket.

'Better?' he asks.

'Yeah.'