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.)

91. Unattached

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"I will protect you from all around you."

~Phil Collins~

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91. Unattached

'Do you think the universe is trying to tell us something?' asks Mulan as she lowers her face mask.

It's been years since they've been trapped in a steel box between Radiography and Oncology. Shang lowers his own mask and smiles at Mulan, taking a step away from the social distancing markers on the floor and a step closer to his wife.

'You really enjoy those lectures from Director Cohen, don't you?' Mulan backs away from Shang until she's in the corner of the elevator. 'Six feet,' she says as she points to the floor. 'You're in violation of hospital protocol, Doctor Li.'

There's a bright smile on her face and she's giving him those eyes.

'We sleep in the same bed,' says Shang, pinning her to the wall. 'We—'

He's about to say something clever and funny when Mulan yanks him down to her mouth and steals the oxygen from his lungs.