He roars in surprise as his center of gravity shifts. He flips over me, a surprised grunt escaping his lips, and suddenly, I am on top, his own arm now caught in a tight reverse armbar. The cage lights reflect in his wide eyes as he looks up at me. My smile is purely devious. I hear him tap, sharp and quick, against the mat.
"I told you to go easy on me," I say, breathless but victorious, as I release the hold. He just shakes his head, a mixture of annoyance and respect on his face. He knows he was just outsmarted. I can't help but grin.
I snatch a towel from the ring post, wiping the sweat from my eyes, and catch my father watching me from the edge of the mat.
"What?" I ask, my breathing still ragged.
"Nothing," he says, his eyes soft. "I'm just a proud dad."
"You are being sentimental again," I tease, though the warmth in his gaze is hard to resist.
"I can't help it," he replies with a shrug.
