Nuestra Canción | Nick Leister

Chapter 4

The day dragged on slowly, but I couldn't stop thinking about my upcoming karate class. It was the only thing I had left that felt familiar — something I knew I was good at. Karate wasn't just about self-defense or fitness for me; it was control. Every punch, every kick, every stance — it was calculated, precise. When my anxiety spiraled, karate was the thing that grounded me.

I arrived at the dojo ten minutes early, my nerves buzzing beneath my skin. The place was bigger than my old dojo back home — sleek wooden floors, mirrors covering the walls, and punching bags lined up in neat rows. The students were a mix of beginners and more experienced fighters, but everyone looked serious and focused.

I found a spot at the back to start stretching when a voice broke through the hum of conversation.

"First day?"

I turned to see a girl about my age smiling down at me. She had long, chestnut-brown hair tied into a ponytail and bright green eyes that practically glowed. She was already in her gi, the brown belt tied neatly around her waist.

"Yeah," I said. "I just moved here."

"Figured," she said with a grin. "I know everyone here, and I would've remembered you."

Her energy was warm and contagious — exactly what I needed to calm my nerves.

"I'm Lilian," she said, offering her hand.

"Mary," I replied, shaking it.

"Nice. Stick with me, and you'll be fine," she said confidently. "Our instructor's intense, but once you get used to her, she's awesome."

Class started, and Lilian wasn't kidding — the instructor was intense. She had us drilling combinations over and over again until my muscles ached and sweat dripped down my back. But I kept up, throwing sharp punches and pivoting smoothly. Every strike felt like releasing pressure from a valve. I felt lighter, calmer — like I could finally breathe again.

After class, Lilian caught up with me as I grabbed my bag.

"You're good," she said, grinning. "Like, really good. I thought you were gonna pass out halfway through, but you kept going."

"Thanks," I said, smiling despite the soreness in my arms.

"You know," she added, "my friends and I are going out tonight — this party downtown. You should come."

I hesitated. The idea of a party — loud music, drunk strangers, crowded spaces — instantly set my anxiety on edge. The dojo was one thing; I could focus there. But a party? That felt unpredictable, chaotic — everything I tried to avoid.

"I don't know..." I started.

"Oh, come on," Lilian said. "You'll have fun. It's chill — just dancing, some drinks, no pressure. Plus, you seem like you could use a break."

She wasn't wrong. The past few weeks had been exhausting — moving, meeting Nick, feeling like my life was flipped upside down. Maybe I did need a night to unwind.

"Okay," I said before I could overthink it. "I'll come."

"Awesome!" Lilian's face lit up. "I'll pick you up at ten. Don't bail on me."

"I won't," I promised, even though part of me was already wondering if I'd regret saying yes.

As I walked home, my mind kept racing. Would I be able to handle the crowd? The noise? What if I panicked and had to leave?

But then I remembered how good I felt during karate class — how calm I was when I had something to focus on. Maybe I could do this. Maybe tonight was exactly what I needed to feel normal again.

I can handle this, I told myself.

At least, I hoped I could.