Where? My grandfathers. They took the late bus south. Columbus passed in streaks of wet asphalt and red tail lights beyond the window. Hawthorne's brick buildings gave way to older storefronts, narrower streets, tired apartment buildings, corner markets with handwritten signs taped to the glass.
Rachel did not ask questions. Maya was grateful for that. They got off in South Lyndon under a buzzing street lamp. Carter Community Fitness stood halfway down the block. The yellow sign flickered above the door just as it had the night Maya stood across the street and could not make herself go inside.
This time she crossed. She stopped with her hand on the door. Rachel waited. Maya opened it. Warm air met them first, then the smell.
Old canvas, rubber flooring, leather, dust warmed by the heating vents. Heavy bags hung from steel chains along one wall. A faded American flag was pinned near the office door. Framed photographs lined another wall, but most were too far away to make out. Daniel Carter looked up from a bench where he was repairing a worn focus mitt.
At 67, he still carried himself like a man who had spent most of his life teaching his body not to waste movement. His eyes went first to Maya, then to her hair. The repaired braid was shorter now. He set the mitt down. What happened?
Maya closed the door behind her. Rachel stayed near it. Daniel looked at Maya again. This time he saw the bracelet in her hand instead of on her wrist. His expression changed.
Not shock, recognition. Maya said, "Someone cut my hair." Daniel's jaw tightened. At school? Yes.
Who? A woman named Lauren. Did she touch you with the scissors? No. Daniel nodded once. And Maya looked toward the nearest heavy bag.
I almost hurt her. Rachel inhaled softly. Daniel did not. How close? Maya swallowed.
Close enough. Silence settled over the studio. Daniel stood. You stopped. Yes.
Before contact. Yes. Then you didn't almost hurt her. Maya looked at him. Daniel stepped closer.
You thought about it. I knew exactly how. That isn't the same thing. It felt the same. No. His voice stayed calm.
It felt dangerous. That's different. Maya's fingers tightened around the bracelet. Rachel looked between them. Daniel noticed.
Maya, this is Rachel, my roommate. Rachel nodded. Sir, Daniel. He gestured toward a row of folding chairs. Rachel sat.
Maya remained standing. Daniel looked at the bracelet. Tell her. Maya's eyes lifted. No, you brought her here.