He waited until the others left to ask. "Sensei?"

"What is it, Mr. Lawrence?" asked Sensei Kreese, putting the tombstones away.

Johnny clenched his fists. "Sensei, it's my stepdad. He was yelling again last night." Sensei Kreese turned around and looked at him. "It's not me. It's my mom. He made her cry. I just feel like I should do something."

"She was probably upset by how it would affect you," said Sensei Kreese, crossing his arms. "Show her it doesn't get to you. Set the example. Be the man your mother needs you to be."

Johnny nodded. "Yes, Sensei."