Blaire threw another punch.
Imani slipped outside it.
This time she countered.
The short strike caught Blaire high near the shoulder and sent her staggering.
For a second, Blaire bent forward.
Imani stepped away.
That could have ended it.
It did not.
Blaire straightened and came forward again.
She threw another wild punch.
Imani blocked.
Blaire grabbed toward the front of Imani’s jacket.
Imani tore free.
Megan shouted, “Blaire, stop!”
A man near the convenience store yelled that police were being called.
Neither girl appeared to hear him.
Blaire swung again.
Imani moved outside the strike and pushed her backward.
Blaire stumbled toward the orange car.
She regained balance.
Then charged.
Imani had taken a few basic self-defense classes through the community center where Camille volunteered, but she had never considered herself a fighter. The instructor’s simplest lesson returned first: protect your head, keep balance, create space, and never chase someone once you have an exit.
Blaire came forward.
Imani stepped aside.
She used one short counter to interrupt the rush, then backed away.
Blaire continued.
Another swing passed beside Imani’s head.
Imani responded with a stronger defensive strike.
Blaire stumbled again.
She looked stunned.
Then angry.
She came forward one final time.
Imani shifted, redirected her, and Blaire lost balance near the front of the orange car.
She went down hard onto one knee and one hand.
Imani remained standing several feet away.
Blaire did not immediately get up.