New Boy | Miguel Diaz

Sensei Silver

"Yo, guys, my boy, Rory, he got some free tickets to the drive-in tonight. They're going old school, something called Bloodsport?"

Kyler shrugged, talking, as the three of us stretched.

"I know that movie. My dad left an old VHS at our place. For awhile, it was the only evidence I had that he existed."

"I heard it's pretty dope. So, if you guys are in, let's do this."

"Depends on how late I get off tonight. My boss is having me work a few extra hours, and after that, I have somewhere else I need to be."

Robby looked at me, curious. "Where you headed?"

I haven't told him about me being in contact with my mom. Only he knows that I've been staying with Tory, but that's not gonna last long, especially since I was offered to stay with my mom.

"None of your business."

He looked offended, but shook it off.

Kenny walked through the doors, and when he stood next to Robby and I, he looked upset.

"What's up?"

"I was at the high school yesterday, and these older kids started messing with me. This one guy told me I should quit Cobra Kai."

"Who was he?"

"I don't know. He had this spiky red hair."

Of course, no one other than Hawk.

"Everyone fall in." We got into our spots, as Sensei Kreese spoke in the front of the class.

"As you know, our enemies are working together. They are combining their styles to beat us. But they are destined to fail. Because there is only one way. And what is that way?"

"The Way of the Fist, sir!"

"Exactly. However, that doesn't mean that we can't double down." My brows furrowed and I looked at Robby.

"Class... meet Sensei Terry Silver."

A tall older man with grayish hair walked out from the back room.

Wait— Silver? Like Sensei Silver?

"Co-founder of Cobra Kai and one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of the sport. Together, we built Cobra Kai from the ground up, and now he is here to help you prepare for the All Valley."

They bowed to each other, and Terry spoke.

"Thank you, Sensei Kreese. It's an honor to be here."

"With two sensei's, you will receive twice the instruction. That means twice the work. And if you are not prepared to put in 200%, then you can leave right now."

"But if you dig in and follow our lead, we're gonna take you to the next level."

Terry glanced at everyone in the dojo. When his eyes landed on me, he stopped.

A look of confusion crossed his face, but then suddenly, he looked satisfied. Impressed, even.

By the time we finished class, I stayed for a while longer before I had to head home and get ready for work.

I never realized how much I've called Tory's place home. Now I'm under the stress of breaking the news to her about leaving because I told my mother I'd live with her.

I forgive to easily, honestly, if I didn't I would've never met my mom after all these months.

I punched the punching bag one more time before—

"Never in the last seven years had we been apart did I ever think I'd see you again."

I breathed heavy, turning around to face Terry.

"Look at you. You're even stronger than you were before but only are you fighting your own battles now. Not much has changed. Though, you used to be as tall as up to here."

He put his hand just by his stomach signifying my height from years ago.

I stared at him, quietly.

"I'm impressed of the person you've become, Ava. You've made me proud. It's also good to see you."

He sounded genuine which made me rethink why I'm being quiet.

"It's good to see you too, Sensei."

He walked closer, arms behind his back. "How's your mom?"

I sighed. The only reason why he's asking is because he wonders if my mom's still the druggy whose daughter he was teaching.

At the time we never understood why my mom was so upset about the fact I was learning karate. But I think the reason now is because she was reminded of my dad.

"She's not well, Sensei. I love my mom, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she pulls through, I just hate the fact that I went back to her after what she put me through."

"Look, kid, your mom was definitely the shittiest mom I've ever known. I think we can both agree. Hell, I walked you home some days and I could see the fear in your eyes when you saw the lights on in the apartment.

"But, she's still your mom. Of course you love her. She gave you life, shelter. Yeah, maybe not the love or care, but in some way she cared for you. You're her daughter. And I bet you, she feels horrible now that she's realized how terrible she treated you.

"She's not doing well? Don't take life for granted. Build the best bond you could with your mother because who knows... you could head home right now and she'll be gone. Ava, it's okay to care for the people you love. And that pain, the pain you've dealt with your whole life... that only made you stronger."

I smiled a bit and looked down. "It's nice how after all these years, you still have the time to lecture me."

"I told you this before and I'll tell it again... I'm here for whatever reason you need me for. Don't be afraid to show weakness."

He opened his arms, and I couldn't help but walk into them.

"Thank you, Sensei."

He patted the top of my head, and the feeling I got when I hugged him brought me back to seven years ago.

Terry Silver was the first man who actually felt like a genuine father figure to me. He showed me how proud he was and who I've become. Even at the age of 10.