Rick seemed distracted during the warm-up, his instructions less precise than usual. Several times he had to correct himself after giving contradictory commands.
"Front stance. No, horse stance. Focus, people."
As the class moved through basic drills, Thelma noticed a disturbing pattern. Several students, particularly those in Tyler and Josh's circle, were subtly mimicking her movements, exaggerating her stiffness, her occasional balance issues, her careful pace.
Rick grew increasingly frustrated as he lost control of the class. "This is a karate dojo, not a comedy club!" he snapped after catching two younger students imitating Thelma's bow.
During a water break, Mia approached Thelma. "Don't mind them," she said quietly. "They're just immature."
Josh, overhearing, stepped closer. "What was that?"
Mia, taking Grandma's side now?
Mia straightened her spine. "Her name is Ms. Gardner, and yes, I am. You guys need to back off."
Tyler joined them, towering over Mia. "You might want to remember who your friends are."
"And you might want to remember basic human decency," Mia countered, her voice stronger than she felt.
Josh leaned in, his voice low. "Keep interfering, and I'll remind you of your place. Got it?"
Mia stepped back, her confidence faltering under his glare.
Thelma watched the exchange silently, her eyes missing nothing.
After class, as Thelma was gathering her things, Josh approached her.
"I wanted to apologize," he said stiffly. "For yesterday. The trip. It was stupid."
Thelma regarded him thoughtfully. "Apology accepted. But I'm curious why the change of heart."
Josh glanced around to ensure no one was listening. "My dad saw you yesterday. Your father, Alan Wilson. He used to fight MMA before it was mainstream. He never made it big, but he knows his stuff."
Josh's words came out in a rush. "He was picking me up and saw you walking to your car. He said you move like someone who's trained for decades. That your posture and awareness aren't things that can be faked."
Thelma's expression remained neutral. "Your father sounds observant."
"He's also a complete jerk who thinks I'll never amount to anything," Josh added bitterly. "Last night he spent an hour telling me how pathetic my form is compared to some old lady at my dojo."
Understanding dawned in Thelma's eyes. "Ah, so your apology is not because of what he said."
Josh insisted quickly. "It's because I don't know, maybe I don't want to be like him."
Before Thelma could respond, the front door opened and an elderly Japanese man in an immaculate suit entered the dojo. The receptionist looked up, startled by his formal appearance.