In the dojo, Sensei Johnny's commanding presence filled the room.

“Speak up, lip. Or is your tongue messed up too?" he demanded.

Eli's hand instinctively went to his cleft lip, a gesture of deep-seated shame.

“Doctor said it could be in the spectrum," Eli muttered quietly.

Johnny's response was swift and unsympathetic, "I don't know what that is, but get off of it, pronto."