chapter 6

David had decided to take the day off to explore Los Angeles. Since getting out of juvie, he'd been trying to find his place in this vibrant city, full of contrasts. Although he still didn't know the streets well, there was something exciting about wandering aimlessly, taking in the colors, sounds, and rhythm of life around him.

He had woken up early that morning, leaving his small rented apartment in Reseda. He dressed simply: a black t-shirt, worn jeans, and sneakers. His scar, running down his face from his forehead to his lip, caught the attention of some passersby, but David was used to curious looks.

The sun shone brightly, and the breeze coming in from the Pacific made the heat more bearable. David decided to start his walk in downtown Reseda, a quiet neighborhood full of small shops and family-owned restaurants. He stepped into a local café, ordered a latte, and sat by the window to watch the comings and goings of the people outside. There was something comforting about the ordinary: neighbors greeting each other, kids running along the sidewalks.

After finishing his coffee, David continued on his way toward a nearby mall. He'd heard about the place and was curious to explore it. The mall was full of clothing stores, electronics shops, and restaurants. It was bustling but not overwhelming. The energy of the people was contagious, and David realized that, for the first time in a long while, he felt at ease.

As he walked among the shops, something caught his eye. A pair of teens—a brunette girl and a boy with dark hair—were laughing and walking hand in hand. The girl wore a denim jacket and a floral dress, while the boy sported a black shirt and jeans. David stopped for a moment, trying to place them. Something about them felt familiar.

"Wait… Are they…?" he thought, narrowing his eyes. Then he remembered: they were Sam and Miguel, names Robby had mentioned a few times in juvie. Curiosity got the better of him, and he approached.

"Sam and Miguel?" he asked calmly, stopping a few steps away.

The two turned, surprised by the unfamiliar voice. Miguel was the first to react, eyeing him with mild caution.

"Hey, yeah. You're that guy… Robby's friend."

David gave a small smile, noting the surprise on their faces.

"Didn't think you'd remember me after such a brief encounter."

Miguel nodded while Sam seemed a little confused.

"Robby?" Sam asked, clearly unsure.

"Yeah. We were in juvie together for a while," David said coolly, crossing his arms. Then, looking at Miguel, he added, "You're the kid Robby put in a coma, right? Must've been rough."

Miguel looked uncomfortable for a moment but nodded.

"Yeah… it was."

David shifted his gaze to Sam.

"And you, Sam. Robby's ex-girlfriend. If you're wondering how I know, he told me."

Sam and Miguel exchanged a quick glance. The tension between them was palpable, but David either didn't notice or didn't care.

"Yeah, that's me. And you are?" Sam asked.

David extended a hand.

"David. Though some people call me 'Dada.' It's a nickname that stuck from when I was a kid. I used to be embarrassed by it, but now I don't mind—though some girls call me 'daddy.'"

Sam looked a little uncomfortable at that comment, and Miguel glanced away, thinking, "Cringe, bro."

"What brings you here?" Sam asked, quickly changing the subject.

David shrugged.

"Nothing much. Just exploring the city. I live nearby in Reseda. Thought it'd be good to get to know the area a bit."

The initial tension seemed to dissipate, and the three started walking through the mall together. David told them a bit about his time in juvie, though he avoided darker details. He also shared his interest in martial arts and how he'd trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before moving to the Valley.

Sam and Miguel, in turn, shared some stories about the dojo and their recent experiences. David listened attentively, surprised by how intertwined their lives were with Robby's.

"So… Cobra Kai, Miyagi-Do, and now Eagle Fang," David said after Miguel explained the situation with the dojos. He shook his head, amused. "Looks like karate's a big deal around here."

Miguel smiled.

"It is. Although sometimes it feels like we take it too far."

"And Robby? How's he doing?" Sam asked, her voice tinged with concern.

David noted her tone and decided to answer honestly.

"He's… complicated. Cobra Kai isn't the best place for him, but I think he's looking for something. Maybe a way to feel strong. Although, well, I left him sleeping on the mat."

Sam and Miguel's eyes widened. Winning a fight was normal, but leaving someone trained unconscious? That took skill.

"What do you practice? I mean, yeah, you're tall and muscular, but that alone doesn't leave someone trained like that out cold," Sam asked.

David nodded.

"It's nothing big—mostly luck and a lot of technique."

They continued talking as they wandered through the mall. They stopped by a video game store, where Miguel and David debated their favorite games, and later at an ice cream shop, where the three shared a couple of cones.

As time passed, David felt more at ease with them. Despite their differences, there was something about Miguel and Sam that reminded him of Robby: that constant struggle to find their place in the world.

As the sun began to set, David decided it was time to leave.

"Well, it was nice meeting you," he said, standing from the bench where they'd been sitting.

"Same here, David," Miguel said, shaking his hand more confidently this time.

Sam smiled at him.

"Thanks for telling us about Robby. And if you ever want to train, you should come to Miyagi-Do," she said, to which Miguel added behind her, "Or Eagle Fang Karate."

David nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"I'll think about it. Who knows? Learning something new might be fun."

With those words, David turned and began to walk away. As he headed toward the mall exit, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the small encounter.