Grey stands there on the mat in front of me.
Up close, I'm reminded all over again that she is stronger and quicker than an older version of me would have allowed myself to recognise.
There is nothing uncertain in how she stands as she looks up at someone far bigger than her. No exaggerated squaring of her shoulders to make herself seem larger. She knows exactly what her body can do, and she knows she is capable.
And she has clearly spent years making it do more.
For once, I am not watching her through irritation, and I am not waiting for her to overreach. I am not looking for the flaw that proves she should not be standing at the front of the room. I am not measuring her against her rank, or against my pride, or against the version of her I made easier to resent.
I am just watching,
