Chapter 45

“Dad, don’t. I’m sorry.”

“Cutting is too fast. I’ll beat you to death.” He tossed aside the knife and grabbed the front of the gi on each boy, shaking them. The deep noise coming from his throat sounded like an animal’s growl. The boys stood frozen. Sensei pushed them against the wall. “Well, defend yourselves, damn it.”

Both tried meekly. Both failed.

The corners of Sensei’s mouth pulled back. “Enough.” He released his holds and patted each boy’s shoulder. They stared. “What are you supposed to do when afraid or upset or angry or unsure?”

Brian whispered, “Take deep breaths and avoid getting tunnel vision.”

Jim added, “Look determined and talk with confidence and courage. Make some move because action cures fear.”

“And what did you two do just now?”

Jim weakly said, “Shit my pants.”

“I almost pissed. I got scared with the knife.”

Jim sucked his lips between his teeth. “You never acted like that before. You didn’t warn us.”