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.)

87. Distance

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"Been far away for far too long."

~Nickelback~

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87. Distance

Mulan and Shang hadn't been married for more than six months when the virus became a pandemic. It was a catastrophic disaster by their anniversary. Then the hospital director sent Mulan to one of West River's sister hospitals in Illinois.

Shang knows it's partially because he struggles with social distancing from his wife, and it's not a good look for the hospital.

'Hey,' says Mulan.

Her voice is in his ear as he's driving home. It's been three months since they've shared the same space. It's been six hours since they last spoke.

'After all this, if the world doesn't come to an end, do you want to have a baby?'

Shang almost runs a red.