"That was a real jerk move," she said loudly enough for nearby students to hear. Josh turned, water dripping from his chin. "What's your problem? " "My problem is watching you act like a bully to someone who's done nothing to you. " Mia crossed her arms. "She deserves the same respect as anyone else here. " Tyler joined them, towering over Mia. "Since when are you the dojo police? " "Since when is basic human decency optional? " Mia shot back.
A small crowd had formed, watching the confrontation with interest. Rick noticed the gathering from across the room, but made no move to intervene, instead busying himself with straightening equipment. Josh leaned closer to Mia. "You know what? You're right.
Next time, I'll make sure to trip her harder. Maybe she'll finally get the message that she doesn't belong here. " "That's enough. " The voice came from behind them. Thelma, her gym bag slung over her shoulder. "Mia, thank you for your concern, but I can handle myself. " She turned to Josh and Tyler. "Young men, I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for in your training.
Clearly, it's not peace of mind. " With that, she walked away, leaving Josh red-faced and Tyler unusually quiet. That night, the city park was empty, save for a few late joggers and a homeless man dozing on a distant bench. The moon cast silver light across the open grass where a solitary figure moved in the shadows of an ancient oak tree. Thelma, dressed in loose black pants and a fitted tank top, flowed through movements that bore no resemblance to the awkward fumbling she displayed at Golden Dragon. Her kata was precise, elegant, a perfect synthesis of power and grace.
Her feet barely seemed to touch the ground as she executed complex turns, her arms cutting through the air with controlled force. In these movements, decades fell away. There was no tremor in her hands, no stiffness in her joints. Each technique flowed seamlessly into the next, her breathing deep and measured, her focus absolute. Hidden behind a cluster of rhododendrons, Mia watched in astonishment.
She had come to the park to run off her frustration after the confrontation with Josh, never expecting to encounter her elderly classmate, especially not like this. She remained motionless, afraid that any movement would break the spell of the moment. As Thelma completed her kata, she paused, centering herself with a deep breath. Then, to Mia's horror, she turned and looked directly at the bushes where Mia was hiding. "You can come out now. " Thelma called softly.
"The mosquitoes will eat you alive in there. " Mia emerged sheepishly, brushing leaves from her running shorts. "I'm sorry. I wasn't spying. I just "Yes, you were. " Thelma said, but there was no anger in her voice. "And that's all right.
Sometimes the truth needs witnesses. " "That was Mia struggled for words. That wasn't what you show in class. No, Thelma agreed. It wasn't. Why?
Mia asked. Why pretend you can barely do a front stance when you can move like like that? Thelma sat on a nearby bench gesturing for Mia to join her. Some questions are better left unanswered at least for now. I found something, Mia said after a moment of silence.
At the library. A book about martial arts history. It mentioned someone named Thelma Gardner who trained in Japan in the 70s. That's you, isn't it? Thelma's expression remained neutral, but something flickered in her eyes.