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.)

99. Ducks

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"I have loved you for a thousand years."

~Christina Perri~

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99. Ducks

Shang Li delivers his son under the supervision of Doctor Mei Xiao. It's a different kind of amazing to that of seeing your child born as a witness. He's the first person in the world to hold his son.

Shang's too overwhelmed to continue the moment the wriggling, slimy bundle is in his arms. He's so perfect and new. He's so wonderful. He moves forward to show Mulan—a woman who's amazing and incredible and Shang really doesn't know how he got so lucky.

'Do you have a name chosen?' asks Doctor Xiao. She's cutting the umbilical cord and taking over. The midwives lead Shang to the scales and encourage the new father to set his son down. They understand he doesn't want to let go yet but they need to do to the Apgar.

'Guozhi,' says Shang, completely in awe. 'Guozhi Li.'