JACK
I stood in my apartment without my shirt on as I stared at the scars and healing bruises on my back.
I should be dead. But I'm not. I should be thanking whoever the person is upstairs.
My grandfather always used to tell me, "Fall seven times, get up eight." And I never failed anything I put my mind to since.
I closed my eyes before letting out a breath.
MANY YEARS AGO
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Jack stood before his grandfather, Sensei Hiro Takeda, with a smile. The white Gi was slightly too large for the small boy. "Jackie-san, need train more. Gi too large." His grandfather said with a chuckle and smiled. Jack laughed a high-pitched ring of laughter that was like music to the old man's ears.
"Come, my little Bonsai." The old man stated beckoning for his grandson. The two walked along the small bridge over the koi pond occupied by two ghost koi fish.
"What are we doing today, grandpa?" Jack asked eager to know. "Today, we get food." Hiro answered. "But, Grandpa! You just ate rice balls." Jack pointed out. "Grandpa Hiro always hungry, Jackie-San. That why Grandpa Hiro so big!" Hiro said with a hearty laugh. "Come, Grandpa show Jackie-San how to catch fish." Hiro stated. "But I already know how to catch fish, Grandpa." Jack voiced. "Ah, but does Jackie-San know how to catch fish with bare hand?" Hiro voiced. "My own hands?" Jack asked. "Yes, old family friend taught Grandpa long ago. Always do now. Much fun. Come, I show you." Grandpa Hiro voiced walking away.
PRESENT DAY
Jack opened his eyes before realizing they were full of tears. He wiped them away before smiling.
YOU ARE READING
The Way of the Fist 🐉Tory Nichols🐉
FanficHiya, my name's Jack Holland. I'm new to Reseda. I just moved here with my dad. We don't talk much after my mom was killed in a car accident. But that doesn't mean that we don't love each other. It's just...complicated. We moved because my dad got a...
