The Chinese, while formidable opponents, could not be locals. The Tibetans loathed the Chinese Army.As the sun dipped below the mountain, they rounde... the shoulder of the canyon exit. There was no sign yet of the patrol. Trisong immediately led them up a steep slope, following a faint trail into the thick forest. With an hour or so of light left they headed deep into the forest, climbing rapidly away from the main trail. After about 45 minutes, they stopped in a small clearing and. As I walked, I considered my options. I decided to proceed cautiously. I did not want to do anything I could not undo. I had to have a purpose, a goal for myself. I couldn't wallow in self-pity.When I got back home, Becky was doing her usual Saturday cleaning thing. I went to home depot and picked up the lumber I needed to repair the bedroom door. I spent the rest of the morning repairing it. Becky wasn't speaking with me and I preferred it that way.That afternoon I went to a local gym and. This will be aroundnine chapters, sort of themed, and serialized. Enjoy.Part 1 - Assume StanceChapter 1 - Body Guarded"Hey Chris, how ya doin'?" asks Avery the guy who manages the fitnessplace and gym where I teach some classes on self-defense and martialarts as I come in to work out. He's about 5'11" mid-thirties, marriedwith a kid.It's a cool day, but sunny, actually nice for November in southernCalifornia, so I'm in a decent mood, "Not bad, getting' by, todayanyway, you doin' ok?" I stop. "Okay, you got a point. I guess the sissy walks," Marcus said to Thomas,then he looked at me and said, "Just stay out of my way, fag."With his threat made, Marcus walked off, leaving me looking up at Thomas."Need help getting up, kid?" he said to me gently.I took his hand - much larger than mine, and got back to my feet."Thanks," I said."No worries. You're ... Jay, aren't you? Jay Carter? I saw you in lastyear's musical." You did? I didn't exactly have a leading role, or anything." Yeah, but.