MOMENT OF TRUTH¹ eli moskowitz

miyagi-do

Amara was over at Miguel’s apartment while he was having his private physical therapy session.

“Breathe in.” His therapist, Brayden said, stretching Miguel’s leg. Miguel slowly breathed in. “Breathe out.” Miguel exhaled.

“You relaxed over there?” Amara jokingly, asked.

Miguel chuckled, “Shut up.”

Amara smiled. She was so happy to see Miguel back home and not laying in a boring hospital bed.

Carmen looked over at Amara. “Thank you so much for everything.” She told her.

Amara chuckled lightly. “Well, thank you for letting me be a part of it.”

“Let's go, Speed Racer.” The two heard Johnny yell from outside the apartment.

Miguel looked at Amara with a curious look. “What?” He questioned by Johnny’s words from outside.

Amara sighed, shaking her head at Miguel. “He's been working on nicknames for you since he found out you came home.”

“I'm gonna work those gimpy legs like a…rented mule.” Johny continued in a quieter inside voice as he saw Brayden doing Miguel’s physical therapy. “Sorry.” Johnny apologized, “I thought you said 10:00 that you'd be alone.”

“I'm sorry, my mom gets free physical therapy from work.” Miguel explained, “And this was the only time Brayden was available.”

“Mahalo.” Brayden said, greeting Johnny as he continued to move Miguel's legs.

“Be done soon if you wanna wait.” Miguel said.

Johnny looked over at Carmen for her approval as she sighed. Clearly she still didn't want to see him.

“Now, if you're feeling any pain, hermano, let me know.” Brayden told Miguel.

“Still no feeling whatsoever.”

“No worries. Positive thoughts, remember?” Brayden reminded. “You're doing great.”

Johnny looked over at Brayden. “At what, letting you lift his legs?” He smarted off.

Amara and Miguel cracked a chuckle. The two instantly looked at each other, trying not to smile or laugh.

“Johnny, Brayden is a specialist in this field.” Carmen told him. “He knows what he's doing.”

“Slow, deep breaths.” Miguel closed his eyes as he followed the lead of Brayden’s heavy exhalation. “Inhale joy and love.”

Amara looked at her dad and noticed he was about to do something stupid. She just sensed it. “You gotta be shitting me?” Johnny questioned.

“And there it is.” Amara spoke, calling the fact that she was right.

Carmen sighed. “Johnny…can I talk to you for a minute?” She asked.

Carmen walked around the table and went over to Johnny. She kept her voice very low to where the two kids couldn't hear her.

Miguel looked over at Amara. “So, I take it you're not going to Cobra Kai?” He asked.

“Not to the dojo.” Amara told him, “Some of us are going to Golf N' Stuff later just to have some fun. Until then, Dad and I are going to help you get up on your feet…with his ideas.”

“Oh, shit.” Miguel cursed.

Johnny then looked over at Amara and called for her. She looked up at her father, “Let's let Miguel finish his physical therapy before we start, ok?”