She comes back once but doesn't speak, and I leave, dissatisfied, frustrated and wishing I knew how to fix a situation I can't control. I'll keep my word about asking her. I hope, sometime soon, I discover the real issue - and it's not my leg.

My mood remains dampened for the rest of the day. The old me would tell her how I feel, but I'm not that person anymore. If anything, I think it might make things worse between us when she's already struggling.

I put on a friendly face for my school visit. The kids do cheer me up. Today is a class full of seven year olds. Their genuine fascination with my leg soothes the side of me that can't let go of the idea Claudia might be disgusted by it the way Brianna is.

Right at four, I drop by the diner and pick up Todd, who is waiting with all kinds of jitters for his first night of martial arts. He's clutching his iPhone in one hand and shrugs off his backpack as he climbs into the truck.

"You don't want to say hi to Claudia?" he asks.

"Don't want to be late the first night," I reply.

He appears apprehensive. "Is it a big class? I've never done karate before."

"Nah. Small class. I'll pair up with you the first half a dozen times to teach you the basics."

"Wow." He's looking at me like I'm a rock star.

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I laugh, always amused by the unabashed way kids and teens react to me. The community center isn't far, but it's snowy and cold out. I pull into the parking lot.

"Yesterday was pretty awesome," he adds. "Is there … can we come over again?"

I hesitate. There's no way I'd dime out his sister, but I'm not certain what to tell him, either. "We'll have to see," I manage finally. "It's ultimately up to your sister."

"Oh." He seems to know what that means. "Maybe I can convince her."

Smiling, I climb out of the truck and lead him into the center. He's gripping his backpack hard, and his eyes dart around to the blue mats lining the gym on the opposite side of the entrance. There are three students and an instructor in their uniforms already. Todd doesn't look certain, but I motion him forward.

"It took two weeks for her to agree. Don't back out now," I remind him with a laugh.

Determination crosses his features, and he draws abreast of me.

An hour later, we wrap up. Todd is a natural with great coordination. Teaching him the basics is easy so far, and his intensity is either a sign of eagerness or another flag that he's learning for a reason other than a hobby. He's sweaty and cheerful by the time he pulls on his jacket.




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