Forget Whitney Caldwell. Forget even the money. Perform for your father's memory. Perform for yourself. That is the only way to find true victory.
Jasmine bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Park. " "Your father would be proud," he added quietly. "Not just of your skill, but of your heart. " The words stayed with her as she walked home, the evening air cool against her skin. When she arrived at the apartment, she found Grandma Ruth sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by unpaid bills and looking more defeated than Jasmine had ever seen her. What's wrong? " Jasmine asked, dropping her gym bag.
Grandma Ruth looked up quickly, trying to hide her distress. Nothing for you to worry about, baby. Grandma, Jasmine said firmly, sitting across from her. I'm not a child anymore. Tell me.
After a moment's hesitation, Grandma Ruth sighed. The hospital sent over my medical bills from last week. Insurance didn't cover all of it. She pushed a statement across the table. The amount due made Jasmine's stomach drop. $1,800.
"I can pick up extra shifts next month," Grandma continued. "But the rent is due next week, and with the electric bill, the weight of adult responsibilities pressed down on Jasmine's shoulders. Even if she won the showcase, the prize money would barely cover their immediate needs, leaving nothing for the championship registration. For a moment, she considered withdrawing from the showcase altogether and looking for part-time work instead. I have something to tell you, Jasmine said slowly.
I entered the Oakidge charity showcase tomorrow night. First prize is $2,500. Grandma Ruth's eyes widened. The taekwondo in front of all those people. When Jasmine nodded, she asked, "What about your scholarship?
You've been so careful to keep a low profile. Maybe too careful, Jasmine replied. I have a review meeting with the headmaster the day after the showcase. I think I think they're looking for a reason to revoke my scholarship. The kitchen fell silent as the full stakes became clear.
If Jasmine lost her scholarship, all of Grandma Ruth's sacrifices would be for nothing. Your daddy never backed down from a challenge, Grandma Ruth finally said, reaching across the table to take Jasmine's hand. And neither should you. Whatever happens tomorrow, we'll face it together. The next morning dawned bright and clear.
Jasmine carefully packed her Dooughbach uniform and belt into her backpack along with a water bottle and the thin gold chain that had belonged to her father. At school, an excited buzz filled the hallways as students discussed the evening's showcase. "During lunch, Jasmine overheard Whitney in the cafeteria holding court with her usual entourage. " "I heard this Jay Taylor signed up last minute," Whitney was saying. "Probably some desperate freshman trying to make a name for themselves. As if anyone could beat my routine.