chapter eighteen:
❛ screw you ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)

the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" this isnt just because i want votes, i mean i do, but ive been writing on this app for 3 almost 4 years and it helps me stay motivated because that means people are reading my stuff. and unlike other people, they have so many views on their books and i know my writing isnt the best but i love to write and it just helps me stay motivated. and i know i unpublish and republish my chapters and i get thats really annoying

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Sunny sat in the familiar warmth of Dr. Ramirez's office, the scent of lavender filling the air. She'd always found this room comforting, with its soft lighting, earthy tones, and the gentle hum of the air purifier in the corner. But today, she felt like a stranger here, weighed down by the ache in her chest.

After a long, drawn-out silence, she finally spoke, her voice almost a whisper. "Eli and I... broke up."

Dr. Ramirez's expression shifted immediately, her empathetic eyes full of concern. She leaned forward in her chair, gently setting down her notepad. "Oh, Sunny, I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been incredibly hard for you. How are you feeling?"

Sunny's gaze drifted to her lap, where her hands fiddled with the loose threads on her sleeves. "It's been... tough," she admitted, her voice catching slightly. "I didn't really... get out of bed for a few days. It just... it felt like everything stopped, you know? Like I didn't know what to do without him."

Dr. Ramirez nodded slowly, her eyes soft and understanding. "That's completely normal, Sunny. Breakups, especially with someone we've shared so much with, can be devastating. Did you have anyone with you? And..." she hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly with concern. "Have you been eating?"

Sunny hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. "At first, not really," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just didn't have the energy. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything, not even food." Her eyes glazed slightly as she remembered those first few days-the empty feeling that had settled in her stomach and the darkness that seemed to hang over everything.

Dr. Ramirez's eyes softened further, her expression turning gentle but resolute. "I understand, Sunny. It's easy to slip into that space after something so painful. But remember, not taking care of yourself only makes it harder to get back up." She paused, her gaze never leaving Sunny's. "Were you able to get any support during that time?"

Sunny managed a small nod, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah... Demetri and Maritza. They showed up at my door one day, totally unannounced. They didn't even ask if they could come in. Just barged in and told me to get up. I remember Maritza yanked open my blinds, and I practically hissed like a vampire because the light was so bright."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled softly at the image, nodding as Sunny continued.

"Demetri stood by my bed and made his usual comments. And Maritza had forced me to take a shower. They wouldn't leave until I got out of bed and into the shower."

Dr. Ramirez smiled, visibly relieved. "They sound like incredible friends, Sunny. It takes a lot of care to push someone so gently but firmly like that."

Sunny nodded, her fingers now picking at her bracelet. "Yeah, they're... they're the best. And then there's Moon, my sister. She's been... she's really stepped up." Her voice softened as she continued, and her eyes sparkled with gratitude. "She checks in on me every day. Brings me food and just... sits with me, even if I don't feel like talking. She doesn't push, just makes sure I'm okay. She's been making me eat... even if I don't really want to."

Dr. Ramirez's expression was warm and supportive. "It sounds like you have a really solid support system, Sunny. People who love you and want to see you thrive, even when you can't see it for yourself."

Sunny's eyes dropped again, her shoulders relaxing as she felt the weight of Dr. Ramirez's words. "Yeah," she murmured. "I'm really lucky. I don't know what I would've done without them." She paused, taking a deep breath. "It's still hard... there are moments when I miss him so much I can't even breathe. But I'm starting to realize that... maybe I'll be okay. I'm not alone."

Dr. Ramirez leaned back, studying Sunny with a thoughtful smile. "That's a huge step, Sunny. Coming to that realization-understanding that it's okay to need people, to let them help carry some of that weight. It doesn't mean you're weak. In fact, it takes a lot of strength to let others in during your hardest times."

Sunny's smile grew, her eyes brightening. "I guess... I guess I'm learning that. It's hard, though. I always thought I could handle things on my own, that I didn't need anyone to hold me up." Her voice softened. "But I do... and I'm grateful they're there for me."

Dr. Ramirez gave her an approving nod. "It sounds like you've made some incredible progress, Sunny. Even though you're hurting, you're still here, still moving forward. And it sounds like you're starting to rediscover parts of yourself, even after this heartbreak."

Sunny looked up, her heart feeling a little lighter, her chest a bit less tight. "Yeah. I think... I think I'm going to be okay."

Sunny stepped into the dance studio, the familiar scent of polished floors and a soft hum of piano music in the background filling her senses. Usually, this place felt like a haven, where she could dance her troubles away, but today it felt different. Her heart was heavy, weighed down by the recent breakup with Eli and the emotional exhaustion that had followed.

Ms. Mara was adjusting a few sheets of choreography by the barre when she noticed Sunny's hesitant approach. She turned with her usual warm smile, though her expression quickly shifted to one of concern.

"Hey, Sunny! You're here early," she said, sensing something was off. "What's on your mind?"

Sunny took a deep breath, clutching the strap of her dance bag. "Ms. Mara... I need to talk to you about something important."

Ms. Mara led her over to a bench by the window, and they sat down. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Sunny's shoulder. "Whatever it is, I'm here to listen. Take your time."

Sunny glanced out the window, her gaze drifting over the parking lot as she gathered her thoughts. "I... I think I need a break from dancing." Her voice wavered, and she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the zipper on her bag. "I know the competition is coming up, and everyone's been putting in so much effort, but... I'm just not in the right headspace right now. I feel so overwhelmed."

Ms. Mara's face softened, and she squeezed Sunny's shoulder gently. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Sunny. You've been through a lot lately." She gave her a sympathetic smile. "You know, taking a break doesn't mean you're letting anyone down. Sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is prioritize yourself."

Sunny's heart felt both relieved and heavy, the weight of guilt and gratitude mixing. "Thank you. I was so scared to tell you. I didn't want to disappoint you or everyone else."

Ms. Mara shook her head, pulling Sunny into a gentle hug. "You could never disappoint me, Sunny. You've always been a dedicated, passionate dancer, but you're also a person, and people need rest. Dance will be here waiting for you when you're ready. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Sunny nodded, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "Thanks, Ms. Mara. I'll miss being here."

As Sunny stepped out of the dance studio, her heart feeling a little lighter but with a bittersweet edge. She scanned the parking lot and spotted Moon's familiar blue car waiting for her. As she got closer, though, she noticed something surprising.

Through the windshield, she saw her sister Moon and her friend Jade leaning in, sharing a gentle kiss. Sunny's eyes widened, and a grin spread across her face. She'd always had a feeling about them, watching them dance around their feelings, but seeing it for herself made it real. Unable to resist, she quietly opened the back door and slipped into the back seat without them noticing.

"Finally!" she said, breaking the silence and startling them both.

Moon and Jade jerked apart, eyes wide as they turned to see Sunny in the back seat, grinning from ear to ear. Moon's face flushed, and she stammered, "S-Sunny! How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to see the whole romantic moment," Sunny teased, barely able to contain her amusement. "I knew it! I've been waiting for this forever."

Jade, cheeks pink with embarrassment, managed a sheepish laugh. "I, uh... I don't suppose you're mad at me for dating your sister?"

Sunny rolled her eyes playfully. "Mad? Are you kidding? I'm thrilled! I mean, it's about time." She leaned forward, placing her chin on the seatback. "You guys are perfect for each other, and I've been rooting for this to happen forever."

Moon's expression softened, and she finally broke into a smile. "You... you really think so?"

"Of course I do!" Sunny said, reaching forward to squeeze both of their hands. "Honestly, I think Jade's the best thing that's happened to you in a while, Moon. And Jade?" She fixed her with a playful but serious look. "Just make sure you keep my sister happy, or we're going to have words."

Jade laughed, visibly relieved, and gave Moon's hand a squeeze. "Don't worry, I fully intend to."

Moon sighed, her face full of affection as she looked at Sunny. "Thanks, Sunny. It really means a lot that you're okay with this. I was... kind of nervous about telling you."

Sunny shrugged, feigning nonchalance, though there was a glint of joy in her eyes. "Nah, no need to worry. I'll always support you, Mo." She smirked at Jade. "Besides, I think it's about time Moon had someone who makes her this happy."

Jade beamed, squeezing Moon's hand a bit tighter. "Thanks, Sunny. You're a pretty great sister."

Sunny settled back into the seat, satisfied. Watching her sister and Jade exchange soft smiles, she felt warmth fill her chest.

The ride home was filled with Jade and Moon's laughter in the front seats, their voices bubbling over with happiness, while Sunny scrolled through her phone, feeling that same warmth from earlier . Sunny's phone buzzed again, the message from Martiza lighting up her screen:

"Hey, swing by All-Star Karate if you're free. Got something for you."

As soon as she read it, curiosity flared. She leaned forward between the driver's and passenger's seats, where Moon and Jade sat giggling and teasing each other.

"Hey, can you guys drop me off at Martiza's mom's dojo? She wants me to come by," Sunny asked, eyeing them with a playful grin.

Moon gave her a thumbs-up in the rearview mirror. "Sure thing. Just text us when you're ready to head back."

After a few minutes, they pulled up in front of All-Star Karate, its familiar sign gleaming under the afternoon sun. Jade and Moon waved her off with a cheerful goodbye before driving away, still laughing together. Sunny took a deep breath, pushed open the glass door, and stepped into the dojo.

Inside, the quiet yet powerful energy of the space seemed to wash over her immediately, and she was hit with the familiar scent of mats and equipment. But what really caught her attention was Martiza, front and center in a crisp white gi, demonstrating stances to a class of students. There was a new confidence radiating off her friend, and the students' eyes were glued to her every move.

Sunny watched, a bit mesmerized, until Martiza noticed her and signaled for the students to pause. "Alright, class-take a five-minute break. Review that sequence with a partner," Martiza called out, her voice strong and clear.

"Yes, Martiza!" the students responded in unison, their respect for her clear in their voices.

Martiza walked over to Sunny, a grin lighting up her face. "Right on time. What do you think?"

Sunny blinked, caught off-guard by this side of her friend. "I didn't know you'd be teaching today. What's going on?"

Just then, Martiza's mom, Marisol, walked out from the back room with the same commanding grace she always had. "Sunny," she greeted, her voice calm and welcoming. "Today, you're coming with me to the creek. It's been too long since you've had a day in nature, don't you think?"

Sunny raised an eyebrow, glancing between Marisol and Martiza, her confusion deepening. "The creek?"

Martiza nodded, an almost mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yup. That's why I'm teaching class right now-Mom's got plans for us. Since you're taking a break from dance, I figured... why not fill that time with something different? Maybe a little All-Star Karate?"

Sunny looked at Martiza, surprised. "Wait, karate? Like... you actually want me to train here?"

Marisol stepped forward, her expression gentle yet serious. "Karate isn't just about fighting, Sunny. Our approach at All-Star Karate blends offense, defense, and the grace of kata-it's about balance, discipline, and focus. It could be exactly what you need right now."

She gestured to the dojo's motto on the wall, written in bold black letters: "Strength in Unity."

Martiza's face softened, her tone encouraging. "This isn't about fighting, Sun. It's about finding a different kind of balance. Plus, it could be fun. And I'm here to help you every step of the way."

Sunny hesitated, taking in the dojo's calm yet intense atmosphere. She thought about dance, how it had always been her way to channel emotions, to move through pain and joy alike. But this... this was different. The concept of karate was intimidating, but something about Marisol's words resonated with her.

"I don't know... I've never done anything like this," Sunny admitted, her voice tinged with doubt.

Martiza nudged her, a teasing smile playing at her lips. "You'll be learning from the best, so you've got nothing to worry about. And if it's not your thing, that's okay too. But at least give it a shot, right?"

Sunny looked from Martiza's hopeful face to the wall's bold declaration. "Strength in Unity." The words stirred something within her-a reminder that she wasn't alone. Finally, she sighed, a small smile forming on her lips.

"Alright," she said. "Let's give it a try. But don't laugh if I'm terrible at it, okay?"

Martiza burst out laughing, clapping her hands in excitement. "Sun, I could never laugh at you. You've already got the spirit-that's half the battle!"

Marisol looked at Sunny with a nod of approval. "Let's get you ready, then. We're going to start with some basics today, and tomorrow... maybe the creek."

The weight of everything that had been dragging her down lifted a bit as she stepped into the room with Marisol and Martiza, ready to begin her first karate lesson.

The drive to the creek had taken them deeper into the countryside than Sunny expected, and now, with the sun casting dappled shadows through the trees, the entire area looked untouched and peaceful. The gentle rush of water filled the silence as Sunny followed Marisol along a narrow path, the creek bubbling beside them. Martiza had stayed behind to finish teaching at the dojo, so it was just Sunny and Marisol now, surrounded by nature.

They reached a small clearing by the creek, where Marisol finally stopped, setting down a training bag she'd brought along. She turned to Sunny with a calm but focused expression.

"This," Marisol said, her voice low and reverent, "is where I bring students who need grounding, clarity. This place helps remind us that martial arts isn't just about strength-it's about balance and control. Let's start with that today." She gestured to a flat area of smooth stone beside the water.

Sunny looked at her and nodded, taking in the surroundings with a mixture of awe and nerves. "Understood, Sensei."

Marisol smiled at her use of the title, then instructed her to stand in a ready position, feet shoulder-width apart. Sunny adjusted her stance, trying to focus on the way the earth felt under her feet, stable and grounding.

"First, just breathe," Marisol began, her voice as calm as the flow of the creek. "Bring all your attention to your breath. Let it steady you. In through the nose... and out through the mouth."

Sunny followed her instructions, trying to match the calm in Marisol's voice. She closed her eyes, feeling her heartbeat slow, the sounds of the forest around her blending into a gentle, rhythmic symphony. Slowly, she felt the tension in her shoulders and chest start to ease.

"Good," Marisol said, her voice softer now. "Now open your eyes. Keep that calm inside. Today, we're going to start with something simple: blocking and finding your center."

Sunny opened her eyes, nodding as she tried to absorb each instruction. Marisol demonstrated a simple block, moving her arm fluidly from one side to the other in a graceful motion.

"Your body should follow the same flow as the water," Marisol explained, gesturing to the creek beside them. "See how it never struggles against its path? It moves with purpose, but never loses control. That's the key to all movement in All-Star Karate-Strength in Unity."

Sunny's focus sharpened, and she mimicked Marisol's movements, trying to make her arms glide as smoothly as her sensei's. But as she went through the motions, she stumbled a bit, feeling the urge to overcorrect. She glanced at Marisol, an apologetic look crossing her face.

"I know it's basic," Sunny said, letting out a nervous laugh, "but I feel like I'm forcing it. How do you make it look so easy?"

Marisol stepped closer, observing her stance with an experienced eye. "That's because you're focusing too much on the strength of the motion. Let it flow naturally. Keep your core engaged but your mind clear, and allow your arms to follow. You have the strength, Sunny. Trust it, and let it move without force."

Sunny nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She tried again, this time releasing her need to control every tiny detail. To her surprise, her movements started to feel smoother, her body relaxing into a rhythm that felt more natural. She could see Marisol nodding in approval.

"That's it. Now, let's add the stance," Marisol instructed, showing her how to move her feet into a forward position, one leg balanced while the other held her weight.

Sunny stepped into the stance, feeling the cool breeze brush against her face as she moved, her body slowly syncing with the calm energy of the creek beside them. For a moment, she felt a strange sense of connection-not just with her own movements, but with the world around her.

"You're doing well, Sunny," Marisol encouraged, stepping back. "Remember, karate is about much more than fighting. It's about finding strength in unity-not just in yourself, but in harmony with your surroundings."

Sunny let the words sink in, realizing that in the past hour, she'd barely thought about her worries, her sadness. Here, by the creek, with Marisol guiding her, she felt... lighter, like she was learning how to ground herself in something beyond her fears.

"Thank you, Sensei," she said quietly, looking out at the water with newfound appreciation.

Marisol smiled softly, sensing the peace in Sunny's expression. "You're welcome, Sunny. And remember, this is only the beginning. We'll take it step by step, together."

Sunny nodded, determination settling into her gaze. For the first time in a while, she felt ready.

As they moved through the basic blocks, Marisol noticed a flicker of emotion in Sunny's eyes-a familiar sadness mixed with frustration that she recognized immediately. She paused, letting Sunny lower her stance.

"Sunny," Marisol said gently, her tone shifting from instruction to understanding. "Before we go further, I want to ask you something. I know you've been going through a lot-especially with Eli."

Sunny's expression fell slightly, but she nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Yeah... I guess I haven't really felt like myself since the breakup. I thought dance was the only thing I needed to focus on, but even that feels different now."

Marisol nodded, her face softening with empathy. "I know how hard it can be to lose someone who's been such a big part of your life. It's easy to lose pieces of yourself along the way, especially when we invest so much into someone else. But you're here because you're choosing to work on yourself, right? And that's a powerful step."

Sunny looked down at her hands, letting Marisol's words settle over her. It was true-she wanted to feel whole again, to be able to stand on her own without the weight of her past with Eli hanging over her.

"So, Sensei... what do I do now?" Sunny asked quietly, glancing up at Marisol with a determined look.

Marisol gave her a small, encouraging smile and nodded, a new energy in her voice. "Now, we move forward. In All-Star Karate, we focus not only on balance and control but also on finding strength in offense, in being able to confront what challenges us. Today, I want you to learn to channel all that frustration and hurt into something powerful. Let's use it, together."

Sunny straightened her shoulders, her gaze sharpening. "Okay. I want to try."

Marisol guided her to a new stance, slightly more aggressive, with her weight distributed forward and her fists raised. "This is the foundation of a strong offense. You're not just waiting for something to come to you, Sunny-you're taking control of the space, your movements, and your power."

She demonstrated a swift, controlled punch, her fist extending with precision. "In All-Star Karate, we say Strength in Unity-it's about being united within yourself, in mind and body, but also in purpose. Every move you make should be backed by that inner strength, especially when you're facing something that feels overwhelming."

Sunny took a deep breath, nodding as she absorbed the words. She tried the punch, her fist moving forward, but her strike was a little hesitant, her mind still tangled with the lingering pain of her breakup.

Marisol placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't hold back. Think of all the things you've been carrying-use them, but don't let them weigh you down. Let that hurt become fuel."

Sunny's eyes darkened slightly, her focus narrowing. She shifted her stance, steadying her breath, and threw another punch. This time, her movement was solid, her fist driving forward with confidence and purpose. She felt a rush of energy, like a current flowing through her, stronger and clearer than she'd felt in days.

"Good," Marisol praised, stepping back to observe. "Keep that strength. You're starting to see what it's like to draw on something deeper, something that's all your own."

Sunny tried the punch again, then followed it with a block and another punch, finding a rhythm that felt both empowering and calming, like she was finally channeling her emotions into something positive. She repeated the movements, building up speed, her focus intensifying with each motion.

When she finally lowered her fists, she was breathing harder but felt lighter, more grounded.

"Thank you, Sensei," she said, the gratitude in her voice unmistakable. "I needed this-something to remind me that I'm still strong, that I can still stand on my own."

Marisol nodded approvingly, her pride evident. "You've always had that strength, Sunny. Now it's about learning how to use it for yourself. Remember, Strength in Unity means uniting every part of yourself-your pain, your resilience, and your passion-into one powerful force. You're already on that path."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Sunny looked back at the creek and nodded, a small smile on her face. This wasn't just a lesson in karate-it was the beginning of something bigger, a step toward rediscovering herself.

As Sunny and Marisol approached the All-Star Karate dojo, the golden hues of the evening sun were beginning to fade into twilight. The air was thick with the scent of impending rain, and the faint sounds of laughter from nearby streets filled the silence as they walked side by side, still buzzing from their earlier lesson. Sunny felt lighter, more in control, but that feeling evaporated as they drew closer to the dojo.

Marisol's expression shifted, her brow furrowing. "Wait... what's that?" she asked, her voice taut with concern.

Sunny followed her gaze, and her heart sank. The door of the dojo was covered in graffiti, spray-painted in garish letters that read "CUNT DOJO." The words screamed at them, stark against the backdrop of the once-inviting building.

"Are you serious?" Sunny exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief and anger. "Who would do something like this?"

Marisol's jaw clenched, and a wave of fury washed over her. She exchanged a quick, grave look with Sunny, her eyes darkening with determination. "Let's see what else they've done."

Pushing open the door, they stepped inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and sweat replaced by a stale odor that clung to the air. As the lights flickered on, the reality of the situation hit them both like a punch to the gut.

The dojo was in shambles. Mats were overturned, equipment was scattered, and there were remnants of broken glass glinting ominously under the fluorescent lights. Sunny's heart raced as she took in the destruction, feeling a cold knot of fear and anger tightening in her chest.

"Sensei?" she called, her voice echoing in the emptiness. The sound of her own voice made her feel vulnerable and small.

Marisol moved forward, her demeanor shifting from shock to righteous indignation. "This is unacceptable," she muttered under her breath as she scanned the room. Then her gaze fell on the wall where a motivational slogan had once stood proudly. Now, it was marred by another spray-painted message: "Cobra Kai Never Dies."

Sunny scoffed, her hands clenching into fists. "What the hell? Who even does this? What do they want?" The sight of the taunting message felt like a slap in the face, twisting the knife of her earlier anger.

Marisol stepped closer to the wall, her fingers brushing against the rough surface where the paint had dripped down. "It's a coward's move," she said, her voice steady but filled with heat. "They think they can intimidate us, tear down what we've built."

Sunny nodded, trying to keep her breathing steady. "But why us? Why now?"

Marisol turned to Sunny, her expression fierce. "Because they think they can undermine our strength. But this will not break us. We will come back from this, stronger and united."

Sunny took a deep breath, her heart racing with a mix of anger and determination. "You're right, Sensei. They don't understand what it means to fight for something. We'll clean this up, and we'll show them what All-Star Karate really stands for."

Marisol smiled, her fierce pride shining through. "Exactly. But first, we need to assess the damage. Help me gather the mats and clean up the glass."

Sunny stepped forward, her earlier feelings of vulnerability transforming into a burgeoning resolve. Together, they began the daunting task of restoring the dojo, knowing that they were not just repairing a physical space but also reclaiming their strength and unity. This was more than just a dojo-it was a sanctuary, and they would defend it fiercely.

Sunny sighed deeply, stretching her arms above her head as she settled back into the plush couch at Martiza's apartment. The long day of training at All-Star Karate had left her both physically and emotionally drained. The lights in the living room cast a warm glow over the space, illuminating the scattered popcorn kernels that had been left in their wake. Martiza was fast asleep on the couch beside her, a blanket tossed haphazardly over her legs, completely oblivious to the late-night marathon of Harry Potter that Sunny had insisted they watch. Sunny couldn't help but chuckle to herself; she loved the series, while Martiza despised it with a passion.

As Sunny absentmindedly munched on popcorn-a small victory in her journey back to a healthier relationship with food-she reflected on how much she had been trying to eat more since the breakup with Hawk. It had been a rough few weeks, the kind that would leave anyone feeling lost and off-kilter. After months of struggling with unhealthy eating habits, her therapist had suggested she start eating some more, even if it was just small things like popcorn, which Sunny had always loved.

Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the peaceful atmosphere. Sunny's gaze darted over to Martiza, but her friend remained blissfully asleep, snoring softly. With a soft laugh, Sunny pushed herself off the couch and made her way to the door, curiosity piquing as she wondered who could be visiting at this hour.

When she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. "Miguel?" she said in disbelief, staring at him wide-eyed.

"I'm... I'm here for Martiza," Miguel stammered, his voice wavering slightly as he shifted nervously on his feet. Sunny glanced back to see if Martiza was waking up but saw her still snoozing peacefully on the couch.

"She's asleep... Why are you here?" Sunny asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

Miguel hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing his words. "I have something I think Martiza might want..." His voice trailed off as he handed Sunny a folded document.

Sunny took the paper, unfolding it with a mix of confusion and anticipation. When her eyes landed on the words, her heart sank. It was Martiza's dad's death certificate. But as she examined it more closely, she could tell immediately that it looked wrong-too hastily put together, too official but not quite right. "Wait... this is a fake," she said, her voice a mix of disbelief and horror.

Miguel nodded gravely, his expression matching the seriousness of the situation. "Hawk stole this from Martiza's office in her dojo... when he trashed it."

Sunny's stomach twisted into knots. "Hawk's the one who trashed Miyagi-Do and All-Star Karate?" she asked, her voice rising in shock.

Miguel confirmed with a curt nod, his jaw set tightly. Sunny frowned, frustration bubbling inside her. "But notice how weird it looks?" she pointed out. "This doesn't make any sense."

Miguel's expression hardened. "It's a fake. This is the main reason Hawk took it."

Sunny's eyes widened as the implications sunk in. "So you're saying..." She couldn't finish the thought, her mind racing.

"Martiza's dad is alive," Miguel said, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air between them.

Sunny's breath hitched in her throat. "No, no, no," she said, shaking her head as panic surged through her. "You can't tell anyone, Miguel. You can't!"

Miguel frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. "But Sunny-"

"No!" she interjected, her voice sharper than she intended. "I know you're upset about your breakup with Martiza, and I get it, but you need to understand-this is huge! If you say anything, it could hurt her even more. We need to find a better time to do this. A time when she's ready to hear it."

Miguel's expression softened, but the determination in his eyes didn't waver. "But it's the truth! Don't you think she deserves to know?"

Sunny paced nervously in the small entryway, glancing back at the couch where Martiza slept, oblivious to the bombshell that had just dropped. "Of course she does! But right now, she's not in the right headspace to deal with this. You know how fragile she is after everything with her dad. If you tell her now, it might shatter her."

Miguel sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just feel like I should say something. She deserves the truth."

Sunny stepped closer, her voice lowering to a more earnest tone. "I get that, Miguel. But this isn't about you. It's about Martiza. We can't just throw this at her when she's already dealing with so much. Let's figure out a way to approach it that won't make everything worse."

He hesitated, torn between his instincts to reveal the truth and the weight of Sunny's words. Finally, he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Fine. But we need to make sure she knows eventually."

Sunny let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension ease just slightly. "We will, I promise. But right now, let's just focus on being here for her. She needs us more than ever."

Miguel nodded, his expression softening again. "Okay. For now."

As they stood together in the dim light of the entryway, the heavy truth lingering between them, Sunny couldn't help but feel the urgency of the situation. They had a long road ahead of them, but for now, they had each other and Martiza's well-being to prioritize. Together, they would figure out how to navigate the storm that lay ahead.

Sunny stormed up to Hawk's house, her heart racing with a mix of anger and disappointment. The cool evening air was heavy with tension, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. But as she reached the front door and knocked, she felt the adrenaline surge. She could hear footsteps approaching, and before she knew it, the door swung open.

Hawk stood there, his signature hawk tattoo visible, his expression shifting from casual to shocked in an instant. Before he could utter a word, Sunny's hand flew out, connecting sharply with his cheek.

"What the fuck, Hawk!" she shouted, her voice ringing through the air. "You- you destroyed All-Star Karate? Why! Why!"

Hawk's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face. "Sunny, what-"

She shoved him, her frustration boiling over. "You think this is some kind of joke? That it's okay to just wreck everything?"

"What do you want me to say?" he shot back, rubbing his cheek where she had struck him. "I didn't think-"

Sunny scoffed, her tone dripping with anger. "That's the problem, isn't it? You never think! You just act like a total jerk!"

"I did it for a reason, okay?" Hawk replied defensively, stepping back into the house as if distancing himself from her outrage.

"Oh, is that so? Enlighten me!" she spat, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

"I was just- I don't know!" Hawk stammered, raking a hand through his messy hair. "I thought it would send a message! They've been riding my back ever since the breakup-"

Sunny's eyes widened in disbelief. "So you thought destroying a dojo, ruining everyone's hard work, and making a target out of yourself would help? That's just bull crap!"

Hawk shook his head, frustration clouding his features. "It's not just about that! Cobra Kai doesn't know when to back off. They see me as a threat, and I wanted to show them I'm not afraid! But yeah, maybe I went too far."

Sunny narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. "Too far? You didn't just cross a line; you bulldozed over it! And let's not forget what you did to Miyagi-Do! Taking Mr. Miyagi's medal? What were you thinking?"

Hawk's expression twisted, a flicker of regret flashing in his eyes. "I wasn't in the right headspace, okay? I just felt so- angry. It was like everything fell apart after you and I..." He trailed off, looking genuinely pained.

Sunny's heart sank at his admission, but the anger surged again, fueled by her hurt. "So, you thought taking it out on everyone else was the answer? That this would somehow help you feel better?"

"I didn't mean for it to come to this," Hawk said, his voice softer but still defensive. "But it felt like I had nothing left. I just wanted to take a stand."

"Well, congratulations, you've done that!" Sunny shot back, her hands balled into fists. "You've made it clear you're a total monster now! You don't have to act like this to prove you're strong. It doesn't make you tougher; it makes you pathetic!"

Hawk's face hardened, anger flashing in his eyes. "So this is how it is? You're going to turn your back on me just because I made a mistake?"

"It's not just a mistake, Hawk! You've gone too far!" Sunny's voice broke, and for a moment, vulnerability seeped through her anger. "You used to be someone I cared about. Someone I thought was better than this!"

"Then why are you yelling at me? Why do you keep coming back here if you're just going to-"

"Because I thought you were worth fighting for!" Sunny cut him off, her voice trembling with emotion. "But now? Now I see you're just a sad shell of the person you used to be! I can't even recognize you anymore!"

Hawk's expression shifted, hurt piercing through his bravado. "I didn't want to hurt you, Sunny. I didn't think it would come to this. I just felt so alone after-"

"Don't!" Sunny interrupted, her voice rising again. "You don't get to put this on me! You're the one who decided to act like this after our breakup! You don't get to blame your choices on me!"

"Fine!" Hawk snapped, frustration boiling over. "If that's how you really feel, then maybe we shouldn't talk at all!"

Sunny's heart pounded in her chest, and she felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "Good. I don't want to talk to you again. Screw you, Hawk."

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed away, her heart heavy with a mix of anger and sorrow. Hawk called after her, but she didn't stop. She wouldn't look back.

ASH SPEAKS!

my heart hurts💔💔 i miss them

we're getting closer to season 3!! i have a plan for s3 where daniel and marisol combine dojos together

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