Strange Horizons, 18 July 2005

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"Tiger" by Jenn Reese

The seventh “Tale of the Chinese Zodiac” by Jenn Reese.  Suyee’s baby sister refuses to open her eyes until one day Suyee meets an old and dying tiger in the forest who offers to help. But what does the tiger gain from the bargain?

Reese’s tale seems almost banal before the last line gives it a chilling twist.