The next day, Monday, Alex and Sophia introduced Linda to the martial arts teacher, Mr. Kwon. He stood tall, his piercing gaze scanning Linda from head to toe.
"So, you think you have what it takes to join our club?" Mr. Kwon asked, his voice firm but intrigued. "Prove it. Beat one of our best students, and I'll consider your membership."
Linda nodded, determination burning within her. Mr. Kwon gestured to a senior student, a tall, muscular boy with a confident smirk.
"Let's see what you've got," the senior student said, cracking his knuckles.
The fight began, with Linda employing her kung fu skills. The senior student countered with swift kicks and punches. Linda dodged and weaved, landing a few good hits, but the senior student seemed unfazed.
As the fight intensified, Linda's frustration grew. She couldn't land a decisive blow. The senior student, however, seemed to be playing with her, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
And then, it happened. The senior student saw an opening and delivered a swift kick to Linda's stomach, followed by a lightning-fast punch to her jaw. Linda stumbled back, her vision blurring.
The senior student stood over her, victorious. Mr. Kwon nodded, his expression unimpressed. "I don't think you're suited for our club. You lack the skill and finesse required."
Linda's face burned with anger and disappointment as she quickly stood up regaining herself. "What do you mean? I gave it my all!" she protested.
Mr. Kwon's eyebrow arched. "Gave it your all? You mean you threw wild punches and kicks without any strategy or control? That's not martial arts, that's just brute force."
Linda's anger flared. "Hey, I've been training for years! I know what I'm doing."
Mr. Kwon snorted. "Really? Because from where I stood, it looked like you were just flailing around. You need to work on your technique, your footwork, your entire approach."
Linda's voice rose. "You don't know anything about me or my training! You're just judging me based on one fight."
Mr. Kwon's expression turned stern. "I'm judging you based on your performance, which was subpar. If you can't handle a simple sparring match, how do you expect to keep up with our club's rigorous training?"
Linda's anger boiled over. "Maybe your club is just too good for me! Maybe I'm not worthy enough for your precious club."
Mr. Kwon's face reddened. "That's enough! You come in here thinking you can just join our club without putting in the effort? You need to prove yourself, and you can't even handle a simple fight."
The quarrel escalated, with both sides exchanging heated words. Linda's voice grew louder, her anger and frustration pouring out. "Do all your students win a fight to get in? Do they all get accepted without question?"
Mr. Kwon's voice matched hers in intensity. "Of course not, but they show potential! They have the right mindset and the willingness to learn. You, on the other hand, seem to think you can just coast on your natural talent."
Linda's face twisted in anger. "You know nothing about me or my talent! You're just a biased, close-minded coach who only wants students who fit your mold."
The argument ended abruptly as Linda stormed out of the training area, Alex and Sophia following closely behind.
"Hey, Linda, calm down," Alex said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's not worth it."
Linda shook her off, her anger and frustration still simmering. "Just leave me alone for now," she said, walking away with Sophia and Alex trailing behind her.
Linda ignored her friends, who were pacing fast to catch up with her, their footsteps echoing in the hallway. Her mind replayed the martial arts teacher's words, and her anger simmered just below the surface. When she arrived at the classroom, Alex and Sophia panted heavily as they followed her inside. Linda sat down on her chair, her movements deliberate, and pulled out her water bottle. She unscrewed the cap and took a long drink, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat and slightly calming her frazzled nerves.
As Linda took a sip of water, her friends stood nearby, still catching their breath. After a moment, they sat down beside her, their expressions filled with concern.
"Linda, don't let Mr. Kwon's words get to you," Sophia said, her voice gentle but firm. "I've seen you train, and I know you have potential. Today was just an off day. You seemed distracted, and that's why you struggled."
Linda sighed, her eyes drifting downward. "I was preoccupied with thoughts of my parents and Mr. Lee," she admitted. "I haven't spoken to them in a while, and it's been weighing on my mind."
Sophia placed a reassuring hand on Linda's shoulder. "We'll help you get back on track," she said. "We'll train harder, and you'll prove to Mr. Kwon that you're a skilled martial artist. You just need to focus and believe in yourself."
Alex, always the jokester, chimed in with a grin. "Yeah, you'll be like a superhero, kicking butt and taking names! Mr. Kwon won't know what hit him!"
Linda shot Alex a playful glance, a hint of a smile on her lips. Despite the levity, Alex's words struck a chord. She knew she had the potential to excel, and with her friends' support, she felt a surge of determination.
As they sat together, Linda's resolve grew. "You know what?" she said, her voice filled with newfound conviction. "I'm tired of doubting myself. I'm going to show Mr. Kwon what I'm capable of."
Sophia nodded in agreement. "That's the spirit! We'll start training harder, and I'll help you work on your technique."
Alex rubbed his hands together. "I'll be the motivator. I'll push you both to be your best."
The three friends shared a laugh, their bond strengthened by their shared goal. As they packed up their things and headed out of the classroom, Linda felt a sense of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time.
"Let's make a plan," Sophia said, as they walked down the hallway. "We can meet up every day at 6 am for practice. We'll work on your weaknesses and build your strength."
Linda nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "That sounds like a great plan. Let's do it."
As they parted ways, Linda felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with her friends by her side, she felt ready to take on the challenge.
With a newfound sense of determination, Linda headed home, her mind focused on the journey ahead. She knew that with hard work and perseverance, she could achieve her goals and prove to herself and others that she was a force to be reckoned with.