Mary: "Whatever. Anyway, you do have elbows."
Emily: "Yes… that would be why my arms bend."
Mary: "Macaroni has elbows. So maybe you're right, you do have noodle arms."
Emily: "Wet noodles."
Mary: "Macaroni is still sturdy when wet."

Emily: "Yes but-"
Mary: "Emily? Shut up. You'll do fine."

Mary and Emily made their way to the back of the room where there were hooks for their coats and cubbyholes for their shoes. There were several other people already on the large mat in the center of the room, and Emily was happy to see that at least three of them looked about as anxious as she did.

Mary: "Wow, when they say 'beginning' Karate, they really mean it, huh?"

Emily smiled and followed Mary to the mat, taking the space beside her. The front door opened, a bell tinkling against the force of it, and another man entered. He looked strangely familiar. Emily gave Mary a nudge.

Emily: "Hey - do we know him?"

Mary looked up, the sense of familiarity hitting her too before actual recognition.

Mary: "Dr. Sutherland! I didn't know you were interested in martial arts."
Dr. Sutherland: "Neither did I, but here I am!"
Mary: "I never expected to see you again."
Dr. Sutherland: "Oh."

There was an awkward pause, broken by the karate teacher walking to the front of the class.

Mr. Hinsu: "Welcome to Adult Beginning Karate. This class meets twice per week for four months. My name is Joe Hinsu, and- yes?"

Mary had raised her hand, causing Emily no end of embarrassment.

Mary: "Do we call you Sensei?"
Mr. Hinsu: "Yes, you may refer to me as Sensei if you wish. I also answer to Mr. Hinsu or Joe. I run a fairly casual class here, although there are some rules you must obey."

Mr. Hinsu: "Rule number one is that there are no shoes on the mat. Number two, no jewelry may be worn during practice. Three, fingernails and toenails must be trimmed to a reasonable length."

Mr. Hinsu: "These are all for your own safety. I would also appreciate it if you refrain from talking during class. Feel free to ask questions if you have them, but please raise your hand first. I would also ask that if you are late to class for any reason, you do not enter the mat until I give you permission. For beginning karate classes, a uniform is not necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for working out in. Any questions so far?"

Mr. Hinsu: "Good. I would now like to go around the room and have everyone introduce yourselves. Please tell us your name and a little bit about why you're taking this class. Let's start with you."

Mary: "My name is Mary, and I'm here because of all the damn vampires."

Mary smiled angelically and was met with silence. Emily elbowed her in the side.

Mary: "What?"

Mr. Hinsu: "Moving right along…"
Emily: "I'm Emily. I'm here because she made me."

Emily jerked her head sideways to acknowledge Mary. Mr. Hinsu was starting to look worried.

Mr. Hinsu: "And you?"
Dr. Sutherland: "Anthony. I'm here because of her too."

Mary shot Dr. Sutherland a look.

Dr. Sutherland: "Kidding, obviously. I'm here because I want to learn something new and physically challenging, much like the stationary bike is not."