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.)

94. Slump

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"You're everywhere but behind me."

~Sam Hunt~

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94. Slump

With the promotion to assistant director, Mulan moves back into Orthopaedics. She also gets a luxurious new consultation room.

Her husband hasn't spoken to her since she accepted the promotion. He accused her of putting West River above her family—their family—and asked to have his shifts changed.

Mulan works days. Shang works nights. They don't see each other. He leaves the house before she returns from work, and he leaves the hospital before she arrives. When their shifts have overlapped, Mulan tries to catch Shang in his consultation room, but he's never available.

Mulan brings it up with Su during her lunch two months into the stalemate.

'Maybe we got married too soon,' she says. 'Maybe we should get a divorce.'

'I don't think so,' says the Chair of ED. 'You're Shang's world. Give him some time. It's got to be a hard hit to the ego that you were made assistant director.'