14 Chapter 14

After Sensei Melissa handed out the new belts, class was dismissed. Then the congratulations began in earnest. It was customary for every student to congratulate the newly promoted students. Tyler kept an eye on everyone, especially Steve, to make sure there were no hard feelings.

“It isn’t easy to let people stand on their own,” Sensei Melissa said as she joined Tyler in observing the students celebrate. “Jaime is improving.”

A broad smile swept across Tyler’s face as he thought of Jaime and knew he had some part in it. As he expected, Steve was the last to congratulate Jaime. They two shook hands, and Steve uttered hollow congratulations despite Jaime’s genuine words about it being a good fight.

“What about Steve?” Tyler asked.

“Watch him.” Sensei Melissa’s tone turned serious. “If he cannot control himself, he is not ready to train in this dojo.”

“Hai, Sensei.”