ㅤㅤㅤ❝ IT IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION. ❞ Kumiko knows he wants to do right by all of those involved, if that is at all possible. Trying to be the peace in the middle of a storm on both sides is a hard position to be in. But someone has to. That's why they are here, why the dojo exists in the first place. To be a place of peace for those who need it most. ❝ Yes, but look at Sam and Tory now. They have both changed through it all. Grown. And they had to work that out on their own. ❞ His cup of tea filled, she slides it closer to him before turning to pour her own cup. ❝ You will just have to trust her, Daniel. Trust in what you've taught her. This is something she has to figure out for herself, not an answer you can give her. ❞ She takes a sip. Kumiko can remember before she left Okinawa to be with Daniel, how she struggled with something similar with Chozen. He had threatened her life, terrorized her and Daniel, and yet, he was a hurt boy inside, acting out of anger that turned into shame when all was said and done. Over time, she was able to let it go, and he even became her best friend. But forgiving him in the first place was her own choice. It had to be. ❝ These girls are trapped in a vicious cycle. You can give them the keys to get out, but they are the ones who have to make the choice for themselves to open the door and escape. ❞