Red Lilies

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

- "Uff" -

- "Not too hard on the arm, use your legs." - I encouraged the small child in white training uniform. – "Remember, keep your knees bent and your feet firm on the ground." –

- "Like this?" - he moved his legs apart and wiggled his bare feet to get comfortable over the training mat. - "How does this help with my arms?" – his small eyebrows knitted together as his cheeks puffed up into a pout.

Kids are adorable.

- "Sora, stop complaining and follow instructions." – Tatsuki intervened. – "Let me explain..."- she continued as the children nodded and continued to practice.

- "You look like the owner already." – I joked.

She clicked her tong and shook her head. – "You should see my family; they will tell you the history of this dōjō." – she joked back... I hope. – "But you'd die from boredom." – her chin tilted down as the air suddenly turned a little cold...

My nervous laugh barely could be heard from the constant shouts of children at each kick, punch and jump they performed.

Her family was scary in the way they carried themselves around their dōjō. Strong and knowledgeable. The children received smiles and pats on the back... I got kicked on my shin because I arrived a couple of minutes late...

I won't forget that Mister Arizawa!

- "Thanks for coming, anyway." –

I turned to that familiar spikey hair and smiled. – "No problem. I'm more than thankful you let me practice here." –

She shrugged. – "It's been a while since I had someone to stretch, it's nothing." – as if the bruises on my arms and legs had been just a way to pass time... - "Stop pouting, the kids are teaching you bad habits, Sakura." – she scolded.

- "Sorry!" – I paled. Since I volunteered a few weeks ago, I am still supposed to be a helper and not act like the little students here. Tatsuki found me performing some meagre kicks in the gym after school when I was supposed to clean... it was embarrassing how she caught my shoe in the air.

After that, she offered to "save my poor soul" from the inadequate circumstances of my little warm up.

But alas, here we are. Assisting the children with practice when the adults had to do errands or talk to parents. It was only a couple times a weak anyway.

I just must be more punctual!

- "Sakura, what are your plans for the weekend?" – what a good question.

I hummed in response. – "Maybe I'll just catch up on some chores. I must visit that market your mother gets her ingredients for that beef stew!" – my mouth waters by just thinking of it.

- "Ew, stop salivating on the mats!" – she yelled.

- "Sorry!" –

----------------------------------------------------------------------

All I wanted was to take a break.

- "You should be ashamed of yourself!" – the woman screeched. Her angry wrinkles protruded from her sneer while she pointed that offensive finger at me. – "Why would you even do that to your hair?!" –

A taller man in uniform held both hands up in surrender as he tried, but failed, to calm the older woman. – "Ma'am, please. There is no need to raise our voiced." – her short dark hair flew in the air as she whipped her head and directed that judgemental stare at the innocent man.