Then my shoulders.

A memory was forming behind his eyes.

He said:

“Mr. Carter?”

I did not answer.

Daniel stepped closer.

“Henry Carter?”

That changed something.

Not for Jake.

He clearly had no idea.

But two older instructors near the judges’ table turned instantly.

One stood.

The other removed his sunglasses.

Jake looked around.

“What the hell is going on?”

I sighed.

“Daniel.”

His eyes widened.

“It is you.”

I smiled faintly.

“Been a while.”

Daniel stared at my cane on the bench.

Then at Jake.

His face hardened.

“What happened?”

Jake immediately said:

“Nothing. We’re just messing around.”

Daniel looked toward my cane.

“You took that from him?”

“He’s fine.”

“I asked whether you took it.”

Jake rolled his eyes.

“Yeah.”

Daniel’s voice became colder.

“Give it back.”

Jake glanced at me.

Then smiled.

“He accepted.”

I said:

“I did.”

Daniel looked at me.

“Henry.”

“He wants a round.”

“You don’t have to prove anything.”

“I know.”

That quieted him.

Jake heard it differently.

He smiled again.

“See?”

Daniel turned toward him.

“Jake, I am telling you as your instructor—step off the mat.”

“Why?”

Daniel hesitated.

I knew why.

He did not want to humiliate the boy before anything had even happened.

Jake mistook mercy for uncertainty.

“What, you’re worried I’ll hurt him?”

Daniel stared.

“No.”

That single word changed the atmosphere.

Jake’s smile faded.

“No?”

Daniel looked directly at him.

“I’m worried you’re too stupid to understand what’s in front of you.”

Several people murmured.

Jake’s face flushed.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

I raised one hand.

“Daniel.”

He stopped.

I looked at Jake.

“One minute.”

Jake stared.

“What?”

“One minute.”

“Full contact?”

“No.”

“Scared?”

I almost smiled.

“Controlled.”

Jake laughed.

“Whatever.”

Daniel stepped forward.

“Absolutely not.”

I looked at him.

“Daniel.”

“You’re seventy-two.”

“I know how old I am.”

“You have a bad hip.”

“I also know where that is.”

A few spectators laughed quietly.

Daniel did not.

“Henry, your doctor would kill me.”

“My doctor can’t catch me.”

That actually got him.

He smiled despite himself.

Then shook his head.

“You haven’t changed.”

“I have. That’s why I’m using the cane.”