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

For the first time all afternoon, her face softened.

“Uncle Ray.”

Ray Harper stopped at the edge of the mat.

His eyes moved once over the room.

The students.

The parents.

Coach Calder.

Tyler.

Then Ellie.

“Everything all right, Ellie?”

She nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

Ray’s gaze rested on Tyler just long enough to make him stand straighter.

No threat.

No anger.

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