CHAPTER 24

Despite my dramatic exit from the karate studio, I found myself drawn back a few days later. As much as I hated admitting it, getting some sort of training was better than moping around doing nothing. And with Egon as the instructor, I knew the class wouldn't involve silly kid stuff.

I slipped in just as the evening session was starting, avoiding eye contact with Egon up front. The rest of the students gave me curious looks but said nothing as I took an open spot at the back.

Egon raised an eyebrow when he noticed me but made no comment. "Let's begin," he simply said, before leading the class through an intense warm-up routine. I pushed myself to keep up with the others, not wanting to show weakness.

The lesson covered basic punching and blocking techniques. I focused on copying the moves precisely, forgetting my surroundings. The repetitive motions were oddly soothing.

Afterward, I lingered while the other students filtered out. Egon walked over, arms crossed. "You planning on ma