After class, Thelma thanked Rick once again with a formal bow. He acknowledged her with a nod, though his expression remained neutral, betraying neither approval nor disdain.
The following day, Mia found herself at the public library after school, researching karate history for a social studies project. She browsed through the sports section, pulling out books on martial arts from different eras. As she flipped through a book on American martial arts pioneers, a name caught her eye: Thelma Gardner.
Curious, she read the brief paragraph: "Among the few American women to train in Japan during the early 1970s, Thelma Gardner, pictured below with the Tanaka School champions, earned the respect of traditionalists through her dedication and natural talent. Her competitive career was cut short after the controversial Tokyo Open of 1974."
The paragraph ended there, continuing on the next page which had been torn out. The referenced photo was missing as well.
Mia stared at the text, her mind racing. Could this be the same Thelma? The elderly woman fumbling through basic stances at Golden Dragon?
She checked out the book and spent the evening searching online for more information, but found little beyond a few mentions in archived martial arts forums, references to "Thunderhand Gardner" and "the Tokyo Scandal."
That evening, in her modest apartment, Thelma stood before her bathroom mirror, her nightgown partially lifted to reveal a long, jagged scar that ran across her abdomen. The tissue was puckered and pale against her dark skin, a permanent reminder of violence endured long ago. She traced the scar with her fingertips, her expression solemn.
Then she closed her eyes and performed a breathing exercise. Slow, deliberate inhales and exhales that gradually deepened, her body relaxing with each breath.
Across town, an elderly Japanese man in an impeccably tailored gray suit sat in a rental car parked with a clear view of Golden Dragon Karate Academy. His silver hair was neatly combed, his posture perfect even in the confines of the vehicle. On the passenger seat lay a file folder containing newspaper clippings, photographs, and what appeared to be official documents, all featuring Thelma Gardner in her younger years.
The man checked his watch, then started the car and drove away, his face impassive, but his eyes alert, missing nothing.
The next day's class at Golden Dragon was more crowded than usual. A promotional event had brought in several potential new students, and Rick was in full performance mode, demonstrating flashy kicks and breaks for the audience.
Thelma arrived in her now-familiar too-large gi, taking her place at the back of the class. She noticed immediately that something had changed in the dynamics of the dojo. Students who had previously ignored her now whispered as she passed. Josh and Tyler were huddled together, occasionally glancing her way and snickering.