His steps slowed as he reached the top, his calves heavy, his muscles sore from training and lifting. He thought about how the high ceiling of the basement meant that there were more steps to climb. It wasn’t easy finding a house with a high-ceilinged basement, but they had done it twice now, once on each coast. It made for some inventive conversations with realtors. Of course, a deep basement wasn’t the only important criteria; there were also privacy concerns. Sensei had handled the realtors, but Shaun had listened attentively. There was purpose in everything Sensei did and said. Nothing lazy, no words wasted. Even what seemed like idle chit-chat served a purpose. So Shaun Bell had learned the art of negotiation just as he had learned the art of tea and the art of harmonizing body, mind, and blade. In all of these, the kihon, the fundamentals, were the same: composure, intent, gauging proximity, and acting mindfully. But lately, hesitation had crept into his heart like a black-clad intruder.
