Fairytale • Robby Keene

sixteen

The day was sweltering, the kind of heat that felt almost suffocating.

The air was heavy with humidity, as the Miyagi-Do Karate students huddled under a tree in the backyard for some semblance of relief. The shade offered little comfort, the heat seeping through the branches and still making them sweat buckets. It felt like they were sitting in an oven, and no amount of air could make a difference.

Odette groaned, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She glanced at Robby, who had already drained most of his water bottle, looking equally exhausted. Seeing his near-empty bottle made her want to grab it, but she didn't want to appear selfish.

Demetri, clearly struggling with the heat, rested his head on Odette's shoulder. "Oh, God. It's so hot out. I'm sweating in places I didn't even know I had pores."

"Demetri, I love you, but that's disgusting." Odette said, wrinkling her nose in disgust as she pushed his head off her shoulder. She leaned back against the tree. "We haven't even started yet, and I already feel heart exhaustion coming on."

She wiped her forearm with the back of her hand again, trying to cool down. The sweat was already soaking through her shirt, and the heat made everything feel ten times worse. Just as she closed her eyes, trying to escape the relentless sun, she felt something cold brush against her arm. She flinched instinctively, glancing over to see Robby holding out his water bottle.

Robby gave her a soft smile, his eyes warm and considerate. "Here. You look like you need it."

Odette took the bottle from him, her fingers grazing his for a moment.

"Thanks." She muttered, taking a grateful sip before handing it back. Robby nodded, a small smile still on his lips as he turned to face the group.

"All right, guys." Daniel's voice rang out, clapping his hands to gather their attention. He approached them with a grin. "Get out from under that tree. It's time to get to work."

The group groaned in unison as they stood up, collectively regretting the moment they agreed to train in this weather. The last thing any of them wanted was to move from the little comfort they had found in the shade.

"Hey, Mr. LaRusso, it's like 100 degrees out. Can't we take it easy today?" Robby wondered, wiping his brow, clearly not looking forward to the workout ahead.

"Are you kidding?" Daniel asked incredulous. "This heat wave is a gift. Today, you are going to experience Shochu-Geiko."

"Like the car insurance?" Chris asked, and Odette couldn't help but snort.

"Shochu-Geiko is a Japanese exercise where you train during the hottest days of the year. It's about pushing yourself to your limit. The fight isn't always gonna come when it's 75 degrees and breezy." Daniel explained with a steady confidence of someone who believed every word they were saying.