Oof!”
The Judo Kid
For the fifth time, Fizza’s dad threw her over his back and onto the grass.
“Ow! I wasn’t ready, Dad!” she screamed.
“That’s no excuse, Fizza! You have to always be ready!” replied her father. “You might be a girl – but it doesn’t stop you from being as brave as a man.”
Fizza picked herself up from the ground and faced her judo teacher. Imran McIntyre was half-Scottish, half-Pakistani, and one hundred percent crazy. They had been practicing judo for over an hour in the late afternoon sunshine and she was getting really tired now. However, she still managed to take her dad by surprise. Although she was feeling weak, she suddenly ran at him and threw him to the ground.
“Fizza! Leave your poor father alone!” called her mother from the house. “Anyway, it’s time for tea.”
“Thanks, Rubel! You saved me from the crazy judo kid!” said Imran.
He got up and took Fizza’s hand and, laughing together, they went into the house.
It was Thursday, so Fizza knew what her mom had made for tea. Every week it was the same, because it was her dad’s favorite meal.
“Oh no, I hate fish curry!” thought Fizza as she sat down at the table.
The fish curry was always so hot it set her mouth on fire – and she hated fish. However, to keep her mom and dad happy, she ate her food without complaining.
5
© Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.or