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.)

68. Stasis

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"You're the only one who really knew me at all."

~Phil Collins~

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68. Stasis

Two weeks after the shooting and Shang can only sleep when he's holding Mulan's dressing gown. Then he starts misting her perfume on his shirts to feel closer to her. When he starts driving her truck, Tasunka asks him if there's anything he can do, but Shang claims he's fine; he's just worried about Mulan's truck sitting in the garage at home. Tasunka worries Shang's going to end up as a statistic trying to drive stick shift with one arm in a sling.

Four more weeks pass. Nothing changes.

One more week passes. Shan Yu wakes up, but Mulan doesn't.

Mulan's hospital room is full of flowers, fruit baskets, balloons, and plush toys.

Another week passes. Nothing changes.

Lee Yuan refuses to turn off life support. She says Mulan's a fighter. 'Fight,' she tells her daughter, holding her hand to her cheek and kissing it. 'Fight it, sweetheart.'