Part-278

  “Hey, Mom!” he called out, plopping down at the table.

  “Hi, honey! How was your day?” his mother, Mrs. Khan, asked, serving him a generous portion.

  “Not bad, Mom. I just wao let you know that I’ll be participating iional Judo petition tomorrow. It’s something I’ve been w towards for a long time, and I’m really excited to see how I do. I’ve been training hard, and I’m fident in my abilities, but I know that anything happen in a petition. I’m just hoping to do my best and make you proud. It’s a big deal for me, and I’m really looking forward to it.” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

  At his words, his mother’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of crossing her face. She knew how much this petitio to James. She had seen him train tirelessly, day after day, pushing himself to his limits. She roud of his dedication and hard work, but she couldn't help but worry about his well-being. She khat petitions could be stressful and physically demanding, and she didn't want him to get hurt or overexert himself. She wanted him to enjoy the experiend have fun, but she also wanted him to prioritize his health and safety. So, she spoke to him with a mixture of pride and , reminding him to take care of himself and not to put too much pressure on himself to win. She wanted him to know that she loved and supported him no matter what the oute of the petition. “Just be careful, okay? Remember to take care of yourself. You don’t have to win every match.”

  James smiled reassuringly. “I know, Mom. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  From across the table, Lily chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And if you lose, I’ll be the oo beat you up!” she said, her voice dripping with mock menace.

  James ughed, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Yeah, right! You’d be the oing smacked down!” he replied, grinning.

  Lily preteo be offended, puffing out her chest. “Is that a challenge? I’m not afraid to take you on, you know!”

  James chuckled. “I doubt that. You’re probably more afraid of your own shadow.”

  Lily rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I’m a champion in Kick boxing and teacher too, remember?”

  “Yeah, but that was when you were fifteen and even if you are teacher doesn't mean you are strohan me,” James teased.

  Lily pouted. “Okay, maybe I’m not that good anymore, but I could still take you down.”

  James raised an eyebrow. “Is that a challenge?”

  Lily nodded, her face flushed with determination. “Yeah, it is. If you lose at the petition, you have to fight me.”

  James grinned. “Deal.”

  Lily smiled back; her eyes filled with excitement. She khat James was just teasing, but she was still looking forward to the challenge. She had always been petitive, and she loved a good sparring match.