After Dad got home from work and showered, they had a light dinner. Jim showed up at seven, and the trio went to the detached garage. For the first time, Dad dressed in the formal white workout uniform, the Jujitsu gi, and wore a faded black belt.
“Dad, why didn’t you say you were a black belt?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Emotions overcame Brian. “I’m really sorry last year when I said I hated Jujitsu. I know that’s why you stopped showing us stuff.”
“That was then and this is now.”
He produced a new white gi for each of them, and he showed them how to tie the beginners’ white belts. Previously they’d worked out in regular clothes.
“This is serious stuff now, boys. When we work out, I am Sensei.” He directed them to unfold and sweep the four tatami mats that had sat unused for too long. He
