Even through the mat, the floor hurt. Her ankles hurt. Her muscles ached. Hot tears sprang behind her eyes. Rei sat up, her face growing hotter as the tears prickled. She rubbed her arm across her eyes, trying to ease the stinging with counter-pressure and clearing out the ones that had escaped.
“You right kiddo?” Zara’s playful tone floated over from somewhere near the doorway. Rei sniffed again and looked up.