10/12/2022 01:45 PM  adult delinquency. [drabble] “Look, if you just give me a minute I’m positive I can get through to him and have him turn himself in,” Daniel pleaded with the law enforcement, his expression was almost desperate. Weighing the consequences if things were to go wrong, knowing that not having him go to juvie would result in far worse ones. “He means a lot to me guys, and he’s really fragile right now. I want this to be as easy of a process as possible. He’s - he’s like another son to me.” His voice broke a little, but he had to hold to his convictions.  All pleading was pointless, however, as the offers stormed into the scene. He couldn’t entirely blame them, their job was a hostile one and people rarely responded peacefully, but he couldn’t help but wince as they forcefully detained his pupil. He begged for them to be gentle. Robby wasn’t a bad kid, he just let his emotions get the better of him. Memories flashed through his mind as he pictured himself assaulting an innocent and defenseless young man at a bar many years before. He silently chastised himself. Where do you think he got that from? What have I taught this kid? You’ve messed up again, Daniel.  It wasn’t even a day before he called the juvenile detention center and frantically asked about Robby’s state, but the information afforded him was vague. They had no way of knowing how well he’d adjust after one mere day. Acclimation to a den of wolves likely didn’t come easy. Following that he called his attorney and spent the next several hours trying to work out a way for Robby’s sentence to be shortened. It would take weeks if not months of careful negotiations to try and get everything situated, and a lot of it was contingent upon Miguel’s recovery.  Amanda brought him food which he left uneaten, consumed as he was by his guilt. He stared blankly at the empty email form, searching his heart for the right words, afraid that his brain would simply mess things up further. The image of Robby’s betrayed expression played on repeat in his head. The boy hated him now, there was no doubt. But he had to try and at least make amends. He knew what he was doing was right, that this was really the only possible solution for Robby, but that didn’t make it any easier. How many times in the past year had he had the right idea in mind, but his own vapid bullheadedness threw a kink in things?  Dear Robby,  I know I’m the last person you want to hear from, but I want you to know that I’ve always tried to do right by you and this time was no different. I know I’m supposed to be the Sensei here… but I still have a lot to learn too. The growth you’ve shown this past year has been remarkable. If I was half the student - no, half the person - you are, maybe Mr. Miyagi’s teachings would have stuck a little more. But just know that I’m here with you every step of the way. I bought you a whole set of books on Okinawa, I saw the one you left on your bed the morning before school. Uh.. yeah. They’re great. Lots of pictures, and some of it even looks the way I remember it.  I know things are hard there, and a lot of that is my fault, but this event doesn’t define you. You are so much more than your mistakes. I know Mr. Miyagi would be as proud of you as I am.  Well, goodbye for now. I’ll write to you every day, and I’ll keep coming to try and visit you when it’s allowed, but if you don’t want to talk to me, I understand.  Always, your sensei and friend,  Mr. LaRusso.  He walked out to the beach house, and saw the figurative fingerprints of Robby all throughout it. No one had come in there since everything had gone down, it felt like a ghost town. There were some weights left haphazardly on the floor, free from the weight rack. Robby’s bed was made. He had always made it a point to try to be tidy (well, as tidy as a teenaged boy could be) out of respect to Daniel’s family for taking him in. The book on Okinawa laid forgotten on the bed, a bookmark placed a good thirty or so pages in. Daniel sat gently on the end of the bed and placed his face in his hands. He couldn’t let his family or his remaining students see him this way, he had a responsibility to them and ultimately to Mr. Miyagi.  Hidden away from the searching eyes of those who trusted him and required his strength, Daniel would allow his defenses to crumble for once, and allow the vulnerability and pain of the world and his mistakes to wash over him. Only for a few sacred moments he would utter a prayer, and hope that God would hear him, and that a message of any kind from his dear departed mentor would find him and restore his balance. But for today he was a failure, and not for the first time he understood what the phrase ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions’ really meant.     0 Comments

09/12/2022 07:49 PM  heartbeats. The rope bit into his wrists, tearing into the flesh and causing blood to soak the polypropylene, he moved them subtly trying to find any give but to no avail, he was bound and incapacitated.  The black slate floor he kneeled on was cold and unrelenting, his knees stung from prolonged contact, but he didn’t dare wince or allow himself to show weakness. Fresh blood seeped from lacerations on his face, the taste of iron filled his mouth. It was dark, only a few ornate sconces on the walls to his right and left provided any illumination, making the shadows of the numerous forces arraigned against him dance malevolently before him.  Countless pupils - hundreds even - stood on opposite sides of an aisle that he sat defeated at the head of, like the procession of a macabre wedding. Their fists we clenched at their sides and they stared blankly ahead, like a gruesome homage to 1984. A sea of black and yellow. It was also deathly silent, the only sound in his ears was the sound of his beating heart as it drummed a syncopated pattern. He struggled to find his breath as the darkness enveloped him. And then there were footsteps that shattered the silence. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. It sounded like expensive dress shoes, they fell in much more organized patterns than his heart, as though their owner had rehearsed this scene many times.  “Mr. LaRusso,”  His pupils dilated as the oily words reached his ears, his body tensed as it prepared to take flight or defend itself, only there was no means of defense. The greasy, articulate voice continued.  “I told you how this all would end. And now we reach my grand crescendo. For years you bore like a tick into my mind, sucking away incessantly. To be defeated once by someone so bullheaded and insignificant as you leaves  a mark on a man, but to have you consistently rear your annoying little head is inconsolable. Oh yes, there were years of counseling and therapy, of retreats to Tibet to visit the Dalai Lama. But none of it could erase the stink you left on my legacy.”  A swift blow to the head left him seeing stars. Terry’s lengthy legs allowed him to generate a great deal of torque, and Daniel was well acquainted with those strikes by now. He coughed, and the spittle was accompanied by blood. He kept his silence, knowing that any words would fall on deaf ears. Terry Silver was not in the habit of listening, especially to someone he disdained as much as him. He kept his eyes turned to the floor. Would this be the hour he was reunited with Mr. Miyagi. Part of his heart soared at the thought, but it was quickly overcome by despair. His family. His children. They would be left without him.  And just as those thoughts reached his cerebral cortex the objects of his greatest fears were brought out, struggling and screaming. Anthony and Samantha. They too were bound, and they looked worse for wear. Scratches and bruises adorned their adolescent skin. His mind filled with vitriol at the sight of them, and his already short fuse was ignited. He struggled vehemently with his bonds, shouting all the while, “Silver, you son of a bitch. Look at me!” Behind that unbridled rage was pain and desperation. Tears lined his eyelids threatening to escape at the slightest provocation.  And look at him Terry did. And his eyes glowed with mirth, in the way only his could. He grabbed Anthony by his shoulder length hair and smacked him with the back of his hand. Laughing as he fell limp to the floor. Sam sobbed watching her brother. One of the guards near her kneed her in the chest.  “What? Did you think I was above hurting children?” Terry asked, regaining silver-tongued composure. “Danny, Danny, Danny. When you send your little pawns at me, don’t be surprised if I sweep them off the board. Sometimes… to reach the king no piece must be spared.”  And he watched in total agony as his children were tormented by his goons, unable to help themselves. The blood that fell on the ebony floor stood in stark contrast to the vivid and precious spilt essence of life, the vitality drained from their eyes moment by moment. And just when he felt he must abandon himself to the darkness, and fade into oblivion he saw his wife brought out.  And then he woke up.  The pains in his chest ate at him as he struggled to regain his breath, and as brilliant daylight filled his freshly opened eyes. He gasped continuously as his senses awoke and realized he was drenched with sweat. These dreams were not uncommon at this point. Not since the end of the tournament and their loss to the villainous megalith Cobra Kai.The panic overwhelmed him, but he did everything in his power to not utter a peep and wake up his beloved wife, Amanda. She was breathing peacefully, radiant even in an unkempt state. She always smiled when she slept, unaware of the demons he faced that he hoped would never meet her.  She had become increasingly hostile toward his attitude over the months since Cobra Kai returned, increasingly prone to be suspicious of him and his desperation to undo them. He could understand. Look at what it had cost his family. His reputation in the community. Look at the literal scars it had left on his children. But he was desperate for her companionship through it, because he felt utterly alone a lot of the time. Others looked to him for answers, and not for the first time he had none. The panic attack that gripped him slowly lessened in force as he sat up in their bed, placing his hand on the small of her back. Hoping that with a touch alone he could channel the worries and hopes of his heart into the love of his life. Hoping he could somehow help her understand as the distance between them became a chasm.  “Mr. Miyagi. What do I do?”    0 Comments

01/12/2022 12:52 PM  bonding. [drabble] [ Some season 4 spoilers ahead. ] “Come on, Anthony. It will be good for us,” Daniel said, throwing his sport coat over his arm, as he grabbed his keys from the dresser. His free hand gestured gently toward the front door.  “Dad, come on. We don’t need to have a car ride,” replied the youngest LaRusso child, who begrudgingly grabbed his own coat and walked through the door.  The February weather was warm, despite it being late winter. Gone were the days of seeing your breath in the air, and present were the buds of the burgeoning spring. The All-Valley Tournament was behind them, and hopefully with the new growth present on the earth there would come new life in the LaRusso house and Miyagi-Do dojo. Daniel’s eyes didn’t leave his son as he made his way to the driver’s side seat of his sedan. He studied the teen, trying to gauge what was going through his head. The days following the tournament were quiet, even for a kid who spent the majority of his time locked in his room with his electronics. He came to dinner, but played with his food. Swam in the heated pool, but just floated along there.  He couldn’t help but notice the adolescent nursing his side as he got in the car, worry colored Daniel’s features but he hesitated to comment on it. He wanted this to be a period free of judgment and accusations, just the old proverbial father son time. He turned the radio, with much chagrin, to the local pop station. Everything he knew a middle schooler today would love, or at least he hoped. He couldn’t help but grimace as the most recent Lil Nas X song played over the speakers, as a result he turned it down a smidge. He was trying to reach him on common ground, but at least he could make it as bearable as possible.  The minutes ticked by, indicated by the lights on the touch panel, and still neither of them spoke. The only sound was the faint whisper of the tires on the pavement, and for the first time Daniel wished he had a louder vehicle. Anthony sat there, his arms folded in defiance. Neither of them were willing to budge, a result of Italian stubbornness, and the occasional bullheadedness of the family, but Daniel knew, like many times in the last few months, that if something were to be done he would likely have to swallow his pride and do it himself.  “So… How’s everything going?” It wasn’t much but it was something. Daniel adjusted his face to look as eager as possible to listen, while still being casual, and just hoped it didn’t come off disingenuous.  “I knew you were going to try and have a stupid talk with me. Look, I learned my lesson, alright. I’m taking the trash out now,” he said while adjusting his body so far to the right it looked as though he was trying to will himself into the back seat. “No, no, there’s no talk. Unless you want a talk, I’m just trying to spend some time with you,” his voice likely sounded too eager, but he didn’t care, he had to reach his son, “I know things have been bad between us. For someone who preaches balance so much… I’m not always the best at applying it. But I’m really trying here, Anthony. I just want things to be better between us.”  The car ride returned to its deafening quietude. The two fidgeted at the discomfort of the force proximity as more vapid music blared from the speakers. After what seemed like hours, Anthony’s breath slowed, and became somewhat labored. His fists were clenched in his lap.  “He beat me up, dad.”  “What, who?”  “The kid who I bullied. I went to the locker room after his fight at the tournament to try to apologize, and he beat me up,” Daniel could tell that this was hard for him to say from his body language and the strain on his words, so he did everything in his power to not pull the car over and demand more details. He tried to keep his breathing in check, knowing that Anthony was waiting for the inevitable freak out, and it would have been a natural response to. A parent’s biggest responsibility is the security of their child. But as he labored through these thoughts, Anthony spoke up again, “I - I know I said a lot of stuff about Mr. Miyagi before. And about how I didn’t want to hear another one of his lessons. But do you think he has one for me now?” It took everything in Daniel to not raise a fist in victory, and even more to not let a smile dominate his features, but a little one still creeped across his features. “You remember Tom Cole?” “The guy who bought all those sausages and had them sent to the dealership when you had the… thing drawn on your face?” He could tell Daniel was not impressed by the reference.”Sorry.”  “There are three things you never have to wait very long for in California. Taxes, wildfires, and Tom Cole. But before we had competing dealerships we were actually really good friends. You see, Tom and I started together at Melroy Nissan. And we were the best salesmen on the floor. We used to dominate the valley. Tom was there a lot longer than me. When I was still pining over girls and trying to sell Bonsai trees, Tom was working his way up the ranks. And he always told me that his biggest goal was to get the partnership Gerald Melroy had been waving in front of the staff for years. He said he never found someone worthy of it, and Tom was determined to be the guy to change that. He started getting really cocky when he felt the position was his, and we stopped hanging out. It really got to me, so I started working harder to take it from him. And you want to know what happened? I got it.”  Daniel paused for a moment, the image of an utterly disheveled Tom Cole resonating in his mind. He took a deep breath before continuing, “We had a Christmas party that year, and the big news of the night was my promotion. There was Tom in his best suit, and he was destroyed. He got belligerently drunk and made a complete idiot of himself. To make matters worse, he started harassing some of the girls. So I escorted him out. He resisted and tried to fight me, so I took him down in front of everyone. I never laid a punch, he really defeated himself, but it humiliated him. I taught him a lesson, and made a spectacle of him. Joking about how pathetic he looked. I took the one thing he was living for from him, and I was fully aware the whole time. It was his fault, but that didn’t really matter in the end. I could have handled it in a better way, but I wanted to make an example of him, and I did, and he’s hated my guts ever since,” Daniel paused for a moment to let his words take hold in the young man’s mind. Anthony blinked a bit, and he could practically see the gears spinning in his head. “Now, I know what you’re thinking. What does any of this have to with Mr. Miyagi?” Well right after that I felt something terrible. Sometimes it hits us right when we’re in the act, and we know we should stop, or help, but we don’t. I watched him stumble down the road until I couldn’t see him anymore, and then I went to Mr. Miyagi’s,” he turned down a road at last, in front of him the darkness was illuminated by street lights and restaurant signs. He parked the car in front of a little gelato store. Before long the two emerged with matching helpings of stracciatella. They found their way back to their warmed seats before Daniel continued, “There he was, in his humble little house, with his humble Christmas tree. Just a Bonsai with some strings of lights and a few Disney ornaments thrown on it. I always offered to get him a fresh one, but he just said he could come to my house if he wanted that. Now, Mr. Miyagi was almost never visibly upset. You could just tell that he was disappointed. Or maybe it was just me. Either way, you always felt like you needed to do your best around him, that he deserved that. So I told him everything, and this is what he said in return.”  And in a flash Daniel was a younger version of himself, standing near his best friend. His top button undone and his tie askew, his hair slightly unkempt from running his hands through it, something he did when he was stressed. And there was Mr. Miyagi, who almost never looked different, always the same stern but jovial man, just with a little more white in his hair now. He stopped pacing around his home in his late night slippers, and  directed Daniel to a couch where he took the adjacent seat.  “One day, when Miyagi boy, he and Sato were each given silver coin by father. American sailor come to town with many thing. Sato and Miyagi spend many hours talking about what we buy. When day come we make way to docks. Pass by big rice paddy. Middle-age man work field, do so for long as Miyagi remember. Big, big family. Very poor. Every day man remove boots, leave them by dock, and go out to work. Miyagi come up with idea to play prank on man. Say to Sato, ‘steal boots’. But Sato much better man than Miyagi. Instead, Sato ask Miyagi for coin. Miyagi reluctant to give it up. Eyeing candy. But he give up. Sato take his coin and Miyagi coin and put one in each boot. Then he say to Miyagi, ‘let us hide and wait to see what happen.’ Miyagi and Sato wait few hours, long, long time. But man finally return for boot. First put one foot in, feel coin. Shock. Then put second foot in second boot. When foot feel coin, and man remove it, emotion overcome. Man start sobbing. Fall to knees and thank heaven.” Mr. Miyagi smiled and placed his hand on Daniel’s shoulder before standing, as his back was turned he made his way to his makeshift Christmas tree and began trimming it as he finished his tale. “Miyagi’s life change that day. Very clear money mean great deal to man. He very glad Sato better boy than him. Never spend dollar better. Never underestimate the impact a kind action have, Daniel-san.” And then he was back in his car, and the air was thick with emotion. Anthony still stared blankly out the window, his expression mirror in the glass, but indistinguishable. Finally he broke the silence and spoke, “what do we do when we’re trying to be different, but people still want to think of us as the bad guy?” A tear escaped his eye, though it was clear he was fighting it. Holding on to the last vestige of pride, but all of this had brought a wave of memories to the boy, though Daniel did not know what they were.  “Then we try… we try to live in such a way that people know who we are. That there’s no question. We try to be the type of men Mr. Miyagi was. We learn from our mistakes… and let them make us better men.”  “Dad?”  “Yeah, Anthony?”  “I love you. 0 Comments

01/06/2022 10:07 PM  closed doors, open doors. [ drabble ] It was another picturesque day in Reseda, California. There wasn’t a trace of clouds in the deep blue sky, and a gentle breeze tempered the sun’s heat. The flowers and foliage of Miyagi-Do Karate were bustling with Spring’s first growth. The smell of fresh blossoms filled wafted peacefully through the traditional dojo. Daniel stood on the grassy hill practicing Seiyunchin, a massive kata in Miyagi’s arsenal. The words, Miyagi had recently told Daniel, loosely meant ‘to control and pull’. As such his hands created a precise movement. His right foot pivoted forty-five degrees to form what is known as a horse stance while his hands simultaneously raised to his chest, elbows down, and his forearms parallel to his right foot.  Mr. Miyagi circled him, small black eyes scrutinizing his pupil’s every move. With no warning at all the diminutive man struck out with his left arm in a chopping motion, and like many times before the two began to spar. Far removed from the aggressiveness of past foes, the two danced an elegant jig. Continuously circling one another, looking for a lapse in the other’s defense. Of course, to a seasoned practitioner like Mr. Miyagi it was all too easy to find it, but his point was not to subdue the young man, but to strengthen his protege’s skills.  The problem was it was extremely evident that Daniel’s heart was not in it. Mr. Miyagi caught onto this rapidly. Unfortunately Daniel was a creature of habit, and the foibles of adolescence often distracted him from seeing the bigger picture. Mr. Miyagi, far quicker than one of his advanced age, closed the distance between them, parried a blow from Daniel, and expertly redirected his force, using Daniel’s momentum to flip him on his back, knocking the wind right out of the Italian man.  “Daniel-San, Miyagi sense something wrong,” he said, offering his leathered hand to his friend. “Yeah, well, Mr. Miyagi would be right,” he responded through strained breath, accepting the hand and rising to his feet.  “Miyagi have hunch it has do with girl.” Daniel walked away with a huff, annoyed that he was so transparent even though he knew Mr. Miyagi had spent a lifetime reading. Reading people, reading fish, reading opponents.  “Ali just got engaged. Some hotshot doctor type,” it was clear that this deeply troubled him. His shoulders hunched in defeat.  Mr. Miyagi gave him a moment before responding, “Miyagi thought things end well between Daniel and Ali-San?”  “They did, they did,” Daniel had picked up a stray piece of bamboo and was picking at the end without any real focus. “I mean - they didn’t - there was a lot of yelling and stuff. And tears. But we mostly got it good in the end. I don’t think she hates my guts or nothin’. It’s just…” he paused for a moment, rolling the words around in his mouth. “She was just my first love, you know? She was the one.” Mr. Miyagi came up beside Daniel, and with the reassurance only he could bring, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. His eyes penetrated Daniel, and he knew that Mr. Miyagi could see every single one of his vulnerabilities, but even more than that he knew that his best friend would never expose them.  “Miyagi ever tell you about move to America?”  “Yeah, of course. When everything fell apart in Okinawa with Sato and Yukie.” “Miyagi have very hard time after. For many month all he do is go work, go eat, go sleep. Become very good friend with Johnnie Walker. Turn out he not very good friend in return,” Mr. Miyagi had a coy grin on his face, but Daniel wasn’t having any of it, so he continued, “Miyagi get job in sugarcane field in Hawaii. Work not pay much, but Miyagi manage. Long hour in humid sun. Do this for long, long time.” When Mr. Miyagi got sentimental; one could practically hear a pen drop. It was such a rare thing. This man had mastered balancing his emotions and never letting them overwhelm him, but Daniel also knew behind his perfectly measured breaths, and resilience was a man with decades of loneliness and pain. One of the biggest periods of growth in their relationship came when Daniel had walked in on a drunk Miyagi singing to the memory of his departed wife and child. It was then that he realized that he didn’t have it that bad. Sure, he had moved thousands of miles from the only life he knew, sure he was being bullied relentlessly and had no way to stop it. But much more importantly, he knew that if Mr. Miyagi could go on, and even prosper despite his circumstances, so could Daniel.  “Miyagi basically hate life. Woman he love in arms of other man, long way from family and support. But Miyagi made choice, and Miyagi father always say ‘when man make choice man stick with it for better or worse.’ That meaning of integrity. So Miyagi wake up one day, say to self ‘Miyagi going to really try make best of life’ So Miyagi shower, Miyagi shave and put on best work clothes - not very good, but best Miyagi have. And Miyagi apply what father teach him. What Miyagi teach Daniel-San about balance.”  “One day Miyagi working on field, sweaty and sore, Miyagi see most beautiful girl. She walking with bucket. Give water to men plowing. Miyagi never felt he would find love after Yukie, but when she came to Miyagi, and sunlight dance in her eye, Miyagi a goner.” He turned his body to face Daniel directly, adding his other hand to his other shoulder.  “Point Miyagi make is, Life always have sunrise and sunset. It like train. We start at one station, end at other. Miyagi forget for very long time that point is to enjoy even being able to take ride. There plenty of tree and river along the way Daniel-San. Don’t get hung up Ali-Tree.”  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel LaRusso tightened his tie and smoothed out his suit coat. Today was an extremely productive day. He was feeling like he was on top of the world. The placard on the wall read ‘Employee of the Month’ and above it was a picture of him smiling in that very suit. Just today he had already sold two cars at Melroy Nissan. Things could only go up from here. He turned his heels and his carefully shined wingtips carried him down the polished hallway. At the end of the hall, from the owner’s office emerged a leggy brunette with a million dollar smile. Daniel could have sworn his heart skipped a beat. It was like one of those old timey movies that Mr. Miyagi loved so much. The world around him seemed to pause and it was like it was only the two of them in motion. She shook Gerald Melroy’s hand and walked away with a briefcase in hand, the smell of spring flowers following her.  Daniel steeled his nerves, raised a hand below his chin with extended fingers, and as he lowered it exhaled deeply, “Today your days of striking out with the ladies ends, Danny,” he said under his breath before rushing after her, “Excuse me, miss! Did you just join the team?” 0 Comments

12/25/2021 07:32 PM  christmas lights. [ drabble ] It was Christmas, two-thousand and ten. In a rare rather shocking occurrence, the ground in southern California was blanketed with snow, in coming months Barack Obama would dub the series of freak blizzards across the United States "Snowmageddon". It was a miraculous thing one thought they would only ever see in movies, and children had hoped for from the very moment they heard the song “White Christmas”. Of course, it was not an extraordinary amount of snow given the balmy Encino Hills weather, just a light dusting on the ground, but it was still a very nice surprise to wake up to. Even at that very moment, lazy thick flakes meandered from the sky to perch upon the earth.  It was extremely early when Daniel and Amanda LaRusso were awoken by the sound of tiny feet stampeding into their bedroom followed by miniscule, but effective, bodies slamming into them from above - ushering in the festivities. The sun had barely brimmed on the horizon when they were stirred from their slumber. Of course, sleep couldn’t stop the smiles from radiating from their faces. Everyone loved Christmas. Whether it was Amanda and her Event Planner-worthy decorating, or Daniel and his fixation on tradition and creating picturesque memories. But nothing compared to the sight of seeing your own children open their presents.The hope and joy and love that colored their delicate features.  They walked down the stairs together, three year-old Anthony clinging to his mother, still exhausted but desperate for what the day would hold, Daniel giving eight year-old Sam a piggy back ride. They were greeted by Daniel’s mom who was already hard at work on the traditional LaRusso Bananarama Chocolate Chip Pancakes, much to Amanda’s chagrin. She would no doubt be hearing all about it throughout the coming days her mother-in-law was staying with them. Regardless, she donned her own apron and with a tactful smile began the work of assisting with the meal.  Daniel walked down the few steps into the living area to find a very comfortable Mr. Miyagi, seated in his special armchair by the fire, adorned in the most ridiculous ugly Christmas sweater Daniel could imagine. Tinsel, bobbles, lights, and faux fur galore. And when you pressed Frosty’s button nose the figure in the center would dance. Mr. Miyagi’s body was frail and wracked with more than a lifetime of experiences, but the life was no less evident in his eyes. Daniel breathed deeply once more acknowledging that this may very well be their last Christmas with him. He refused to let his emotions get the better of him and ruin the joyous occasion. A three year-old Anthony kept cleverly (or at least for a three year-old) attempting to maneuver his way to the beautiful Douglas Fir to nab a present, but Amanda would not be outsmarted. When it was clear she was hot on his trail his tiny legs would move with all they were worth, only to move faster than his body could carry him - causing him to stumble and slide across the wooden panels. Sam ran to her grandfather figure, and despite the clear strain, his face would illuminate. Anthony would join her, not wanting to be left without something his sister had, and the two would sit against him side-by-side, as he smiled and laughed and whispered in their ears things that they would probably only understand. Mr. Miyagi was a master at speaking to people on their level, and making them feel as though they were the only ones in the world, and he could make anyone feel as though they could accomplish anything no matter how small, or weak, or insignificant they were. And one more year with him, to Danny, meant more than any material gift could.  The children reaped the benefits of the LaRusso prosperity. Daniel had been adamant about giving them the sort of Christmases he had never been afforded as a child, but a large part of him hoped that they wouldn’t grow up spoiled and entitled. The living room floor was strewn with torn wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, and bows. And the children played with their spoils from family and Santa. Grandma LaRusso laid her head on Daniel’s shoulder, enjoying the presence of the only man that had been in her life for years. When all was said and done, the eggnog was drunk, the messy aftermath of all the fun was cleaned, and the children were tuckered out from all of the excitement and sweets, Mr. Miyagi and Daniel bundled up. The diminutive man was particularly snug as they got into the 47 Super Deluxe Mr. Miyagi had gifted him many years before for his birthday. It had become their custom shortly after Daniel had graduated from college to drive together looking at the lights people had put up for the Holidays.Since moving into such a prestigious neighborhood, the light displays had become much more ornate. This was a special time for Daniel and Mr. Miyagi to spend precious time together. Rarely did they say more than a few words as they drove, they simply enjoyed one another’s company.  Mr. Miyagi’s weathered hand reached out and perched upon Daniel’s, part of him no doubt realizing the shortness of time he had on this earth, and no doubt wanting to treasure whatever amount he had been allotted. They stayed like that as they traversed a particularly bright neighborhood. The snow had long since stopped. Now all they had was the faint sound of Christmas music coming from the car radio interspersed with the heater.  “Daniel San?” the elderly man spoke.   “Yeah, Mr. Miyagi? You getting cold or something?” he said urgently fiddling with the heater dial.  “No, no, nothing like that. Mr. Miyagi just want to tell Daniel-San that Daniel-San best gift Mr. Miyagi ever receive.”  Daniel was a bit taken aback, Mr. Miyagi was a sentimental man, but rarely through words. His actions usually expressed the feelings of his heart. He caught a bit of a frog in his throat, unable to really express his emotions. He rearranged his hand to cover his best friend’s.  “Me too, Mr. Miyagi. Me too.”  0 Comments

01/13/2021 03:23 PM  silent night i. To say the aftermath of the 19th of December was shattering would be an understatement. Life is often rated on a scale of the moments that change us, for good or bad. When one reviews a year at its end they often make a list of the events that transpired, and if they were overwhelmingly bad the year would be a bust. Tonight was an event that Daniel LaRusso would rank as beyond amazing. For the last several months he had argued with himself endlessly about how to bury the hatchet between him and Johnny, and for months one thing or another always stood in the way. Either it was his own unrelenting stubbornness, or Johnny’s inability to let bygones be bygones. But with the help of his wife and his ex-girlfriend, Ali they were able cover immense ground, albeit somewhat at his expense. He left with his wife securely wrapped in his arm by his side and a feeling of hope for the future, as though the sun had finally broken over the horizon.  This all came crashing to a sudden halt when they arrived home and saw the devastation that had taken place. Glass was strewn all along the cobbled path leading to the front door, and intermingled with the broken shards was blood, but whose? Sam’s? Demetri’s? Chris’s? He could hardly blink his eyes as he surveyed the scenes, the reality setting in the further he stepped into his home. Shattered coffee tables, smashed bureaus, walls with indentations of both fist and feet. The students were still there, recovering from the toll the events had incurred on them. They were still in shock, the adrenaline coursing through their young veins. He could see it in their still clenched fists and distant stares. They were anticipating the next blow, and this was no way for children to live.  It all culminated when he reached the vestibule containing his home dojo, housing some of his most treasured possessions. There was blood everywhere, and weapons scattered on the tatami, but his eyes were immediately drawn to the shattered frame and isolated photo of his late best friend, Mr. Miyagi. And all at once his course was set. This was what it was all about. A vengeful man determined to destroy the very memory of the man that bested him time and time again, who would not rest until he reigned supreme. No matter the lives destroyed or the trauma inflicted, he would not rest. And Daniel knew what he had to do.  Amanda did her best to calm him down, in the way only she could. Vitriol coursed through his veins as he prepared himself for what was to come. Mortal combat. Kreese had foretold of a day where it was inevitable for them to meet and finish what had been started more than thirty years ago. Danny scoffed at his ridiculousness, but now he realized it was inevitable, if only because Kreese wouldn’t allow it to be any other way. He had planned his script and executed it masterfully. The pawns were all set on the board, and Kreese would sacrifice all the pawns necessary for checkmate to be ensured, and now Danny had to play his part and put his body on the line to shield the pieces that had placed their trust in him.  "you wanted a f i g h t, you son of a bitch? You got o n e."   The rest is history, written in the annals of Miyagi-Do Karate.  The coming days were promising ones, a rivalry abandoned in favor of teaming up to destroy a greater evil. It warmed Daniel’s heart to see so many friends reunite when training commenced in his new dojo that he had joined with Johnny. This was a group where there were so many scars and past heartbreak, but these wonderful kids were willing to put it all aside and march toward a better future. There was no doubt there was some trepidation about working with Johnny, but as he awaited him to join him in front of the class the example of these teenagers carried him through. Maybe there was hope for the valley after all?  0 Comments

01/12/2021 01:44 PM  twenty one guns. [ drabble ]   It was a little hard to stomach the feelings overwhelming the man as the folded flag was tenderly placed in his arms. There was no mourning wife, or next of kin, just Daniel LaRusso. Family had taken on an interesting meaning. For years of his youth he had ached for the idea of having a father again, and now he was watching the casket of the person who had filled that hole in his life lower into the earth. Time after time he would see this image of what a perfect family was as he watched television, or saw them walking down the street, and when it finally came it looked nothing like what he had hungered for for so long, but it was far more special to him.  Visions flooded his memory as he stood there. Memories of their precious time together.  One such memory was his wedding day. Amanda was naturally feeling all the panic that sets in on that most special of days, desiring nothing more than for everything to go perfectly. Daniel had done his best to ease her anxiety, but there’s only so much one can do when he’s not allowed to see the bride before the ceremony. So he sent his mother repeatedly with little notes of affirmation and love, but the reality was that he was panicking a bit himself. He worried about what kind of husband and father he would be, and whether he was actually up to the task. And in walked Mr. Miyagi, his diminutive figure clad in a wonderful traditional Okinawan kimono, appearing so much larger than life - as he always did. A weathered but strong hand gripped Daniel by back of his shoulder and brought him to Mr. Miyagi’s line of sight.  “Daniel-San. Miyagi know you are nervous for future,” a smile illuminated his features. “Life like one big maze. For most of it we try to run through as quick as can, avoiding dead ends but finding more instead. When man find right woman, he finally see the maze for the journey, and enjoys it rather than try to defeat it, whole picture become clear. Miyagi very proud of Daniel-San, and know he will raise beautiful family.”  Daniel treasured these moments, rarely provoked, where Mr. Miyagi would impart his wisdom. One would think they were regular, and to some extent they were, but often Mr. Miyagi simply lived, and every once in a while, when you least expected it, he would impart one of these gems.  “Miyagi know love, it has been his friend whole life.” And with that he pulled a picture from his breast pocket of a young Yukie Daniel had often seen a duplicate of it in Mr. Miyagi’s home.  Another such memory occurred years later.  After an extremely long labor, and several bruised hand bones, Samantha LaRusso was finally brought into the world. It was an exhaustive but beautiful experience. Danny couldn’t contain his excitement and love that he felt for this precious creature he held in his arms. Every part of him tried to radiate all the hope and comfort he could muster into that small frame. After some time, when it was prudent, in stepped Mr. Miyagi from the waiting room. Those same strong hands, wrinkled from years of training and work, gingerly brought the baby close to his chest. A small tear escaped from the corner of his eye. Mr. Miyagi was always a master of his emotions. Even on the rare occasion where he got intoxicated he held far more control than most men. But here the beauty of life had touched the soul of the master. Under his breath, almost so silently you couldn’t hear, he sang to her in Japanese. Danny could not understand, but something told him he was radiating the very same sentiments he was trying to only moments before.  The California Autumn air was fairly crisp for the climate. The dry Santa Ana winds cut through the clothing of everyone in attendance. A bugler played Taps with military precision, each note commemorating the life and service of the departed man, a beautiful tribute of lasting importance capped with the very flag Danny now gripped in his hands. F/A-18 jets proceeded to close the ceremony with a flyover. It was really a beautiful occasion, but the sounds of celebration echoed empty in Danny’s mind, as he pondered the loss of his best friend not for the first time. He stayed long after, even watching the backhoe fill the grave with dirt. Amanda left him there with a tender hand placed on his shoulder. The two nearby children were clearly sad, but not quite able to comprehend the gravity of the situation. He knelt near the dark marble headstone, marking his final resting place. The cold night air began to nip at him, he decided it was finally time to move on, but not before he raised a few fingers to his lips, kissing them before returning them to the stone. He did not know how he would be able to go on without that treasured advice, but he was determined to live a life worthy of him, that Mr. Miyagi could be proud of.  0 Comments

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