There’s no way this works, Taylor thinks to himself, promptly ignoring the warning before going on to try a few of the breathing exercises. He sat on the ground, crossed his legs, and moved his arms and hands in the way it was depicted in the book. He controlled his breathing and began to match the rhythm of his hands when he heard glass shattering outside of his room. Taylor stops for a moment before ignoring it and continuing, assuming it was an accident.

When I breathe, what am I taking in? When my arms move, what are they reaching for? Taylor thinks to himself as he practices the movements described in the book.

Taylor tries to quiet his mind and listen for his intentions, but he didn’t notice anything. According to the book, this either means my mind is clouded or is focused on a matter that is not relevant to the moment, Taylor thinks, wondering what it could be before it dawns on him. My mind is preoccupied with Sylvie. I can hear it. Somehow the wheels are turning, trying to figure out how to connect with her, Taylor thinks, surprised that there was stuff going on in his mind that he wasn’t aware of.

As Taylor continues to breathe, he feels a wisp of something get caught in his breath. The wisp went into his body and gathered in an area near his stomach.

Huh? Taylor thinks, opening his eyes in surprise. Was that chi? He asks himself.

“Taylor, get out here. I know you’re awake,” A voice calls out from outside of the room.

Taylor groans. “Yes mom,” he calls back before standing up and walking out of the room.

…

…

“So what do you have to say for yourself?” Taylor’s mom asks from across the table.

“Mom, I’m sorry. It was my birthday and I got carried away,” Taylor says with his head looking to the table.

“That’s no excuse! What did we talk about earlier? You’re a man now Taylor. You can’t go around doing whatever you want and expect that there will be no consequences. You’re grounded for a week. And when you’re dad comes back, expect that he’ll be putting you to work.” Taylor’s mom says in a huff. “Go back to your room, and take your dinner with you,” she says with a wave.

“Yes, mom,” Taylor responds.

…

…

Since Taylor was grounded for the week, he spent the moments he was free on practicing cultivation breathing exercises and gathering chi. When his dad came back, he helped out with some chores. Cleaning the windows, polishing the wood floor, vacuuming the carpets, mowing the lawn, chopping wood for some reason, and cleaning out the garage. Taylor complained every step of the way, but with his father’s stern stare, he continued to work.

During the week he was able to mold a small amount of chi in his body, and Taylor figured that it worked as an extra source of energy for his body. His body was stronger, able to move faster, and with more precision. It was also useful for clearing his thoughts. After molding the chi, Taylor felt that he could more clearly hear the hidden intentions in his movements. How this was helpful, Taylor didn’t know.

Also, throughout the week, Taylor has not been able to gather the courage to call Sylvie. He wanted to call her immediately, but if he was going to be grounded for the week, he wouldn’t be able to see her anyway. What could he do? Is it even legal to ground an 18-year-old? Taylor asks himself bitterly.

But after the week had ended, Taylor finally decided to call her– but then decided he should text her. He didn’t want to look needy and it would give him a moment to gather his thoughts before replying.

Hey, it’s Taylor, can we talk?

Taylor waited for 5 minutes before a response came back.

I have nothing to say to you, pervert.

Taylor felt a tinge of pain before forcing himself to continue.

Let me take you out to dinner. The other night was a mistake, it shouldn’t have happened like that. Give me a chance to make it up to you.

Taylor waited another 25 minutes before a response.

Tomorrow night at 7:30. If you’re late, there’s no need to bother.

After that she sent her address. A feeling of victory overcame Taylor and he turned around a few times in his bed with excitement before responding.

I’ll be there, Taylor responds, unable to control his excitement.