Aiko awoke early the next morning to see the sun crest over the east river and warm her frigid face. She had gotten the first good night’s sleep since her parents died. Waking in her uncle’s home in the dojo had made her happy. Something she hadn’t been for the first time in months. No creeping around, no Auntie Paige, no Harold. Just a normal day with her family.

After school I’m going to train and give uncle the challenge of his life. Soon I will master everything he can teach.

“How are you, child?” her uncle asked.

She turned to see her uncle in a suit. Try as she might, Aiko couldn’t remember if she had ever seen him dressed up.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Uncle, I was hoping we could train a little before school.”

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible this morning. Child protective services have asked me to meet at their offices at eight this morning. I just have enough time to get you some breakfast and take you to school.

“Didn’t your car crash in front of Paige’s house, I mean?”

Her uncle gave her a sorrowful look. “That car was one of my joys in life and I’m sorry to see it go. But you’re infinitely more important than all the cars in the world. Now, please get ready for school.”

“But—”

“That’s enough, young lady. I’ll prepare breakfast as you get dressed. Then we can discuss the importance of the day.”

Aiko gave her uncle a bow, then put on her school uniform that she despised. But she told herself that she was with family now and everything would work out. If she’d known what the next 24 hours would bring, she wouldn’t have left the dojo.