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.)

61. Shatter

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"Sometimes a shadow wins."

~Sara Bareilles~

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61. Shatter

There's a map of the hospital in Mulan's mind. She realizes she might be trapped in the decommissioned fire exit, but if she can get to ICU, she can probably get to Emergency.

Her phone chimes again. It's security wanting everyone to text their locations. Everyone who fails to respond will be assumed to be in danger.

Southern fire exit. Building 1, between 7 and 8.

She switches her phone to silent and turns vibrate off. She kicks off her Crocs on Oncology and runs to ICU in her socks.

The southern fire exit lock to ICU is still broken. She's a few steps across the ward when a bullet rips through floor and into one of the fluorescent lights.