Kat stepped out of the Cobra Kai dojo, her mind still reeling from the encounter with Hawk. She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Johnny's number, her fingers trembling slightly as she waited for him to pick up.
"Sensei," she said when he answered. "We need to talk. Kreese has become more bold with his teachings."
Johnny's voice sounded concerned on the other end of the line. "What happened, Kat? Is everyone okay?"
Kat took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "Kreese... he killed a mouse after our practice today. He fed it to a python. A few kids disagreed with him and left the dojo."
Johnny let out a heavy sigh. "Damn it, that sounds like that old fuck," he muttered. "He's always been twisted. I'm sorry you had to witness that."
Kat nodded, even though Johnny couldn't see her. "I'm more worried about what will happen next. Anyway, did you guys find Robby?"
Johnny's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Yeah, I have news about Robby. We located him, and he's currently awaiting trial in juvie."
Kat's heart sank at the mention of juvie. She frowned, her concern for him evident in her voice. "Which juvie is he in? I want to visit him."
Johnny hesitated for a moment before responding. "It's the All-Valley Juvenile Detention Facility," he replied. "Daniel and the cops got him there against his will. He hates us all right now, but I've been trying to find a way to help him."
Kat's frown deepened. "I knew it was inevitable, but I didn't think it would happen so soon," she admitted, her voice filled with sadness. "I'll go see him. Thanks."
They bid each other goodbye over the phone, and Kat quickly got into her car. Before she drove away, she glanced back at the dojo, her eyes meeting Hawk's intense glare through the windows. She sighed before focusing her attention on the road ahead.
As she arrived at the All Valley Juvenile Detention Facility, Kat parked her car and made her way to the entrance. A heavyset man in a police uniform greeted her at the front desk, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Can I help you, miss?" the man asked gruffly.
Kat cleared her throat, a nervousness creeping into her voice. "I'm here to visit Robby Keene," she replied, her tone steady despite her racing heart at the thought of seeing him behind bars.
The man rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. He muttered under his breath, "Figures."
Confused, Kat leaned in closer. "Sorry, what did you say?"
The man sighed, clearly annoyed. "Nothing," he muttered. He handed her a stack of forms. "Just fill out these forms real quick, and I'll let Mr. Keene know he has a visitor."
Kat hurriedly took the paperwork, her hands trembling slightly. She found a nearby chair and quickly filled out the necessary information before handing the forms back to the man.
He took the paperwork from her, barely acknowledging her presence. "Alright, follow me," he said curtly.
Kat followed the man through a series of corridors, her footsteps echoing in the sterile environment. She could feel the eyes of the young inmates upon her as a few stuck their heads out of the railing of their cells and blew kisses in her direction. Ignoring their advances, Kat kept her head held high, and looked ahead.
Finally, they reached a separate room, filled with tables and occupied by various visitors sitting with the juveniles. The officer gestured for Kat to take a seat, informing her that it would be a minute before Robby arrived.
Kat nodded silently, her eyes fixed on the door. Moments later, it swung open, revealing Robby. His face remained stoic, devoid of the usual smile that would light up his features upon seeing Kat. He took a seat across from her at the table, his gaze empty—almost void of emotion.
"I'm glad to see you," Robby said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.
Kat offered him a small smile. "I was worried about you," she replied honestly. "The good news is that Miguel woke up from his coma. Your charges won't be manslaughter, so, that's great."
Robby nodded with a glimmer of relief shining in his eyes. "Yeah, I heard about it from Mr. LaRusso," he said. "I guess it's a small relief amidst all of this."
Kat sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I'm sure you're pissed at Daniel and Johnny for making you come here and serve time," she said, her voice soft. "I would be too. But, Robby, it's better than the alternative."
Robby's expression twisted in a bitter grimace as he replied sarcastically, "Oh, yeah? And what's the alternative? Life in prison?"
Kat's gaze softened, her voice gentle. "The alternative is being tried as an adult, facing much harsher consequences," she explained. "Or spending years in here without any hope for a better future. They're getting you a good lawyer, Robby. With any luck, you might only be here for a few months at the most."
Robby let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, I guess," he muttered, his frustration evident. "My roommates suck, you know? They keep talking about how they heard about the fight and how I messed up with both 'hot white girls.'" He scrunched his face in annoyance.
Kat pursed her lips, her brow furrowing in concern. "I assume the second 'hot white girl' is Sam," she said, swallowing her pride.
Robby nodded, his gaze dropping to the table. "Yeah, it's Sam," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kat reached across the table and gently placed her hand on top of his, offering him comfort. "Robby, I'm here for you," she said sincerely. "Things will figure themselves out. I've learned that long ago."
Robby looked up at her, his eyes softened. "Thank you, Kat," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."
Kat leaned forward with a gentle smile. "Robby, you know, you've always made me feel better. You helped me through my panic attacks and my darkest moments. I'm here for you now."
A flicker of relief crossed Robby's face as he met Kat's gaze. "It means a lot to have you here. I shouldn't ask, but... how are things between you and Hawk?"
Kat let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping. "Hawk... he's become someone I don't recognize anymore. He's ruthless and accusing. It's not the same person I once loved."
Robby winced, sensing the pain in Kat's words. He couldn't help but ask, "Did you love Hawk? I mean, was it just a teenage fling or something more?"
Kat shrugged, her expression troubled. "I don't really know what love is, so I can't say for sure. But I did care about him."
Robby's voice softened. "And did he love you back?"
"Sometimes," Kat replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "But I haven't felt that kind of strong love since my brother, Darrell. Maybe Miguel, too, because he reminded me of my brother."
Robby furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "I didn't know you had a brother."
Kat nodded, her voice hoarse. "Yeah, I had a brother a long time ago. I don't like to talk about it much, but he was killed in a drive-by shooting. He died in my arms."
Robby's gaze drifted to the table as he reached out, placing his hand gently on hers. "I'm so sorry, Kat. I can't imagine what you've been through."
Kat managed a small, bittersweet smile. "Nobody's sorrier than I am. But if there's one thing I've learned from that tragedy, it's that memory can be a punishment. I buried those memories deep within me so they wouldn't hurt anymore."
Robby's voice was gentle as he spoke. "But this memory, Kat, it's too fresh to bury. It's still haunting me."
A flicker of recognition flashed across Kat's eyes, and she nodded slowly. "I understand, Robby. I'm haunted by things I try to forget too. Sometimes, it's not the memories of those who are gone that haunt us, but the ones who are still alive, walking memories."
Sighing, Robby looked up from the table and back at Kat. "So, what should I do, then?"
Kat exhales deeply. "I recommend waiting. Give the lawyers time to figure out how to get you out of here. Above all, lay low. Don't draw attention to yourself."