The sand is hot under my heels. Cassie pads back and forth with her bucket, trying to keep water in the moat even though it keeps soaking in. I didn’t bring the self-help (who are they kidding?) books to the beach. Instead, I read about some guys stranded in a rowboat off an Arctic island in winter—cannibalism suspected—and keep an eye on Cassie as she splashes in the waves. Once she’s dried off, we have lunch at McDonald’s. Cow meat.

5.2 [kihon, kata, kumite]

I DON’T want to go to Docker Lonergan’s dojo. But if I don’t, he’s just as likely to truck me there on garbage day; the way he looks at you brings persistent to mind.

Lonergan’s Karate, All Levels is next to the pet store, with a plain glass door and the kind of windows you can’t see through. Cassie, of course, wants to go to the pet store and/or back to the beach. I push on the glass door.

A buzzer goes off as we step inside a small office. Docker walks in. He’s wearing thick white pajamas with wide legs and long sleeves, a ratty black belt knotted around his waist. Bare feet. He looks bigger than usual.

“Hey, Brick,” he says. He’s noticed me staring at his outfit. Plucking at his sleeve, he adds, “It’s called a gi,” and leads us inside.

The dojo—the word comes easier now I’m here—is basically a gym with a hardwood floor and mirrors along two sides. At the front hang five long white banners with wiggly black characters on them. A black-and-white photo of a stern old Japanese guy keeps them company. No other equipment.

Before I step onto the hardwood, Docker says, “Bare feet only, Brick. Cassie, same goes for you.”

While I’m taking off my sneakers, he bows to the old guy. Then he says, “Cassie, come see the toys. You’ll like them.”

She stays put. She’s in shy mode.

I’ve already realized Docker’s face doesn’t show what’s going on behind it. But when he reaches down and takes her by the hand, he looks like he’s having a tooth drilled minus anesthetic.

Then he’s back to impassive. He says, “There’s a play store with little boxes and cans of food, and a cash register with plastic money.”

Her face lights up and she trots alongside him like the angel she isn’t. The play store is in a small room off the dojo.

I leave my dark glasses tucked in my socks. From a distance, my mirrored face looks like a drunk went berserk with a makeup kit. My bare soles feel cold on the polished floor.