The Quiet Girl in the Dojo Who Made Every Black Belt Bow

The old woman in the frame looked stern to most people.

But Ellie could see the hidden smile.

The one that lived at the corner of her mouth when a lesson finally landed.

Ray came to stand beside her.

“You okay?”

Ellie nodded.

“I think so.”

“You miss her today?”

“Every day.”

Ray put one hand on her shoulder.

“She’d be proud.”

Ellie did not answer right away.

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