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Jiu-Jitsu Girl

changes to hastily spread white paint full of brush marks and
gray lines from what must have been the previous paint color.
A circular black decal is smack on top of the splotchy paint job.

It features a red dragon in the center encircled with the words
discipline, confidence, and respect.
Let’s get this over with.

“Great class today. Remember what we do with our troubles,
aggression, and most importantly, the awesome new moves we
learned today?” Coach Gary looks around expectantly. Why? We
do this every class. It’s no surprise what’s coming next. “We . . .”
“—leave it on the mat!”

Everyone shouts this together, then smacks their hands down
as hard as they can. Except for me. I’m a beat too late, and my
lackluster hand smack sounds like two lumpy pillows falling off

a bed—onto really furry carpet.
“Great class. See you Wednesday,” Coach Gary says as we
pull ourselves up off the mat, then file out toward the parents
collecting us. “Oh, and don’t forget about the tournament next
month. I encourage everyone to participate. Sign up is at the

front desk.”
“Later, Angie,” says a small girl who’s been doing this forever.
At least she knows my name. I give her a half-hearted wave as I

make my way to Mom.
“I’m not coming back,” I say to Mom as she hands me my
gym bag.
“Ah, you love it.”
This has become our routine.

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