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

mat was quiet.

The mirrors reflected the empty room.

The note beside the photograph rested under glass.

Let her earn her own.

Ellie looked at those words.

“I don’t want people to respect me just because of her.”

Ray squeezed her shoulder lightly.

“I know.”

“But I don’t want to hide her either.”

“You don’t have to.”

Ellie breathed in.

“I think I can carry both.continue reading …