Chapter 3: Fries and Forgiveness

Sunlight was dazzling, the spring breeze gentle. Derek Carson and I stood in front of a small diner. The parking lot was cracked asphalt, and a couple of old pickups sat sunbathing out front. A couple of crows argued in a nearby oak tree.

"…You want me to chop down this door?" Derek Carson frowned.

"Of course not! Why so violent? If you chop down the door, how will they do business?" I threw him a look like, c’mon, I’m not a maniac.

"Then why bring me to a diner?"

"What’s a diner for?"

"Eating."

"Exactly. So let’s eat first." I slung my arm around Derek Carson’s shoulders and led him inside. He stiffened, not used to the casual touch, but I kept going.

Only a young girl was working, running back and forth, serving and cooking at the same time. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, apron dusted with flour.

"The fries here are amazing."

I ordered a plate of fries, and as soon as it arrived, I dug in. Steam curled up, smelling like salt and the Fourth of July—greasy, perfect, and hot enough to burn your tongue.

"Don’t just sit there, you eat too."

Derek Carson looked at me, hesitated, then picked up his fork and took a bite. For a moment, he looked less like a killer and more like any other hungry customer.

Soon, more customers came in, and the place was packed. The girl was overwhelmed, sweat pouring down her face. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand and kept moving, never complaining.

Chewing fries, I asked, "What do you think swords are for?"

"Killing," Derek Carson answered without hesitation.

I shook my head. "Your sword is too full of violence. You should try letting it hold something else."

"The purpose of martial arts isn’t killing, it’s saving." I picked up more fries. "Try using your sword to save people, not hurt them."

"…Save people?" Derek Carson’s fork paused in mid-air.

"Yes." I smiled. "To learn my sword move, there are two steps. The first is to abstain from killing."

"Abstain from killing… How?" He frowned, thinking hard.

"It’s easy. Use your sword to help her." I pointed at the busy girl.

Derek Carson frowned even more. "How do I help with a sword?"

"Use your sword to peel potatoes for her."

I pointed at the plate.

"…"