"For yesterday, the trip. It was stupid. " Thelma regarded him thoughtfully. "Apology accepted. But I'm curious. Why the change of heart? " Josh glanced around to ensure no one was listening.
"My dad saw you yesterday. " "Your father? " "Alan Wilson. He used to fight MMA before it was mainstream. He never made it big, but he knows his stuff. " Josh's words came out in a rush. "He was picking me up and saw you walking to your car. He said you move like someone who's trained for decades, that your posture and awareness aren't things that can be faked. " Thelma's expression remained neutral.
"Your father sounds observant. He's also a complete jerk who thinks I'll never amount to anything," Josh added bitterly. "Last night he spent an hour telling me how pathetic my form is compared to some old lady at my dojo. " Understanding dawned in Thelma's eyes. "Ah. So your apology is not because of what he said," Josh insisted quickly.
"It's because I don't know. Maybe I don't want to be like him. " Before Thelma could respond, the front door opened and an elderly Japanese man in an immaculate suit entered the dojo. The receptionist looked up, startled by his formal appearance. "May I help you? " she asked. "I am here to observe. " the man replied, his English precise but heavily accented.
Rick emerged from the back, his eyebrows rising at the sight of the visitor. "Are you with the local newspaper? We've been expecting someone to cover our upcoming tournament. " The man bowed slightly. "I am Kenji Tanaka. I am here for personal interest. " At the sound of his name, Thelma froze.
She was partially hidden behind a display case of trophies, but her eyes locked with Kenji's across the room. A moment of silent recognition passed between them. Rick, oblivious to the exchange, guided Kenji to a seat along the wall. "Well, you're welcome to watch. We have an advanced class starting in 15 minutes. " Thelma slipped out the side door, but Kenji followed shortly after, catching up to her in the parking lot.
"Thelma-san. " he said softly. She turned, her posture straightening subtly. "Kenji-san, it's been a long time. " "41 years, 7 months. " he confirmed. "Since Tokyo. " A shadow crossed Thelma's face. "Why are you here? " "People will learn who you are. " Kenji said, his voice low and urgent.
"Are you ready for the consequences? " Thelma looked back at the dojo, then to the horizon beyond. "I'm done running from ghosts, Kenji. They find you anyway. " Inside the dojo, Mia was preparing for the advanced class when she spotted Thelma and the Japanese visitor talking in the parking lot. Their body language suggested an old acquaintance, formal but familiar. After class, Mia approached Thelma as she was leaving.
"Ms. Gardner. " she called. "I need to talk to you. " Thelma paused, her expression guarded. "Yes, Mia? " Mia pulled the library book from her backpack, opening it to the page about American martial artists in Japan. This is you, isn't it?